Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love

by Brenda Webb

  “And what does your brother think of men having mistresses once they are married?”

  “I have never heard him say specifically, but I once overheard him talking to a close friend, and he was unhappy that a ‘woman of the street’ had done something or other. I could not make out exactly what had happened, but it appeared that he was not happy that she had approached him. So, I concluded that Brother did not approve of them. And I think I would know if he had one.”

  “Well, I would never approve of my husband having a mistress,” Elizabeth declared, though it was not John Wilkens face that appeared in her mind.

  “Father’s unavailability was especially hurtful to John, I believe—being the heir. One would think a man would have things to teach his son, his successor, rather than spend all his time with such a woman.” She sighed. “And then all of a sudden, Father took ill and came home to die. He was bedridden for only a short time before he passed on, and John had to step in and handle his business affairs and all the responsibility that that entailed. Unfortunately, being thrown into the role of Master of Gatesbridge without adequate preparation caused him to become even more serious. That is why I have prayed that a lively, kind-hearted woman would come into his life—and mine. One who could influence him and soften his character.”

  Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, but decided she must speak. “Why is he even interested in me? I am certainly not of your level of society.”

  “Do not say that! You are a gentleman’s daughter, Elizabeth. And while you may not have our wealth or connections, you certainly conduct yourself as any gentlewoman would.”

  “But your brother’s every glance seems to be one of disdain.”

  “You do not know him as I do! He is certainly intrigued by you, but he is not disdainful, I assure you.”

  “And I have to add that I firmly believe that no woman can change a man who is not willing to change. Only a man truly in love would try to improve in order to please a woman.”

  “My brother is capable of such devotion, I assure you.” She looked sincere though her words fell flat. Seeing that Elizabeth was not going to say anything more, Alfreda stood and smoothed her skirts self-consciously. “Why do we not forget about John for the night and have a cup of tea while we play cards?”

  Studying the look on Alfreda Wilkens face, Elizabeth was sure that she was not being completely honest regarding her brother’s character, but when all was said and done, she had no way of knowing what she might be hiding. Thus, she stood and followed her to the small card table set up in the adjoining room. As they took their places, a maid brought in a tray with tea and cakes without being beckoned, and they began their game of cards.

  ~~~*~~~

  Night had fallen, and having tired of Piquet and another card game, she and Elizabeth had changed into their nightclothes to be more comfortable. Alfreda searched the bag she had brought into the room for the novel they were to read. Suddenly, both hands framed her face as she addressed Elizabeth, “I forgot!”

  “Forgot?”

  “I hid the novel when brother came home from his club unexpectedly. I was showing it to Aunt Penelope in the library when I heard his voice, I slipped it in between two books on a shelf. I know exactly where it is.”

  Quickly she began to don her robe. “Stay right here and I shall slip downstairs and retrieve the book!”

  Elizabeth went with her to the door. “What if your brother sees you and questions why you are in the halls at this late hour? He may discover the book.”

  “John left after dinner to go to his club. I do not expect him to return until after midnight. He never does.”

  With that said, Alfreda slipped into the almost pitch-black hall. As the door did not latch properly, Elizabeth went to close it, but stopped at the sound of voices. She stepped back to blow out the candles on a nearby table, then peered through the opening. Barely able to make them out, she could see Alfreda, several doors down, speaking with a man. A footman? No! She would recognise John Wilkens’ voice anywhere!

  It seemed from the tone of their voices that their conversation had escalated to arguing, though she could not make out what was being said. She grew alarmed and her chest tightened. Were they arguing about her? Deciding to take action, Elizabeth slipped into the dark hallway unobserved and slowly inched in the opposite direction, back towards the room that she had been assigned. Holding her breath lest they notice her, she managed to find the door knob and breathed a sigh of relief to find it still unlocked. Slipping inside, she turned the key, locking herself within.

  Her heart beat frantically, and she let go of the breath she had been holding as she turned and slumped back against the door. She was not aware of how long she stood that way, but eventually she heard footsteps just outside, followed by soft knocking at her door. At Alfreda’s voice, she opened it just enough to see that it was indeed her and that she held a candle. Elizabeth did not see her brother, but she had the feeling he might be listening. “Elizabeth? I was frantic when I could not find you. I thought you were going to wait in my bedroom until I returned so that we might share the book.”

  “I… I am sorry. You had not been gone long, when I almost fell asleep in my chair. I decided it more prudent just to go to bed.”

  “Would you not reconsider and come to my room?”

  “I would rather not. I hope you do not mind, but I truly need to sleep.”

  Alfreda was silent for a long time, and though she smiled when she finally spoke, it was not heartfelt. “I understand. I shall see you in the morning.”

  Elizabeth closed the door and locked it again. She hated to disappoint her friend, but there was something about the way that John Wilkens looked at her during dinner that made her uncomfortable. Sighing, she checked the lock once again then fumbled her way to the bed. After she had crawled under the covers, it was not long until she was unaware of anything as she drifted off to dream of a man with dark curly hair and light blue eyes.

  ~~~*~~~

  The Dining Room

  The Next Morning

  Joining the household the next morning to break her fast was very awkward for Elizabeth. She could not lift her eyes without meeting those of Lord Wilkens, who sat directly across from her, his mien was completely devoid of any expression. Shifting her gaze to Alfreda who sat next to him was no improvement. Whenever their eyes met, Alfreda would lower hers and surreptitiously glance at her brother as though seeking his approval.

  After short but polite greetings, neither of the three made an effort to converse, which mattered little, as their hostess carried on enough conversation for the entire table. Elizabeth noted that Lord Holmes continued to eat silently, watching his wife with a besotted expression on his face.

  It seemed to Elizabeth that Lady Holmes appeared most satisfied and winked conspiratorially at her whenever she looked in her direction. She attributed that to the fact that her hostess and her Aunt Gardiner thought they had achieved a triumph in introducing her to Lord Wilkens.

  Does she actually think I would favour the idea of marrying THAT man?

  Her thoughts were interrupted by that very lady. “Miss Elizabeth, are you having an enjoyable time with Alfreda? She was so excited about having you as her guest.”

  “I...I am enjoying myself immensely,” Elizabeth lied. In truth, while she might have enjoyed staying with Alfreda, she had been on guard since she stepped inside the house. Her eyes darted to the man who inspired her suspicions. She noted that he was now sporting a frown.

  Timidly Alfreda spoke. “After we are finished, I thought you and I might go to my sitting room and visit. We did not have sufficient time last night due to your fatigue. So I thought…”

  Her voice trailed off and her smile faded as her brother shifted in his chair. Seeing her hesitation Elizabeth declared, “I would love to. I am sorry that we did not get to finish our talk last night.”

  At that moment, John Wilkens stood and announced that he had a meeting to attend. He bid everyone a goo
d day and exited the room. The atmosphere lightened immediately, and for the first time that morning, Alfreda’s smile was genuine.

  ~~~*~~~

  Chapter 12

  London

  Darcy House

  Before the ball

  Richard could not have been more pleased. Not only had William agreed to attend the ball, but he was wearing the newest addition to his wardrobe—a cream-coloured waistcoat with intricate, multi-coloured embroidery. It was something he had suggested his cousin purchase when he had accompanied him to John Weston’s 6 on Bond Street. William was well-known among the ton for his tendency to wear clothes that he thought would garner him little attention, though it never worked. The truth be known, he would never be overlooked no matter his attire. However, Richard was determined that tonight he impress a certain miss. Attired in the waistcoat, elegantly cut dark-blue coat and matching breeches, William cut a fine figure indeed! Not that Fitzwilliam Darcy needed such enhancements to attract women, but Richard was well aware which woman his cousin would accidently encounter at the ball.

  “Come along, Cousin!” Richard prodded. “I do not want to be late again!”

  Standing uncomfortably motionless whilst his valet, Martin, finished tying his cravat, William sighed audibly. Finally after the servant had inserted a diamond stickpin into the finished masterpiece, slipped George Darcy’s watch in the pocket of his master’s waistcoat and handed him his signet ring, William lost his patience.

  “I told you that I do not wish to accompany you tonight or any night, Richard! Why do you not go without me?”

  “Because, my reluctant cousin, you need to be resurrected into society, if only for Georgiana’s sake. She is fourteen and will be old enough for her presentation before you turn around!”

  William scowled. “DO NOT remind me! It is bad enough as it is. I find myself staring down men wherever we go—even in the park when we are out for our afternoon walks. She may have the body of a woman, but she is still only a girl! Can they not wait until she is ready—say perhaps when she is one and twenty?”

  “One and twenty? Do not be absurd! Georgiana will debut at eighteen like all fashionable ladies, according to Mother, and you know how adamant Mother can be when it comes to the dictates of society.”

  William’s celebrated stubbornness emerged. “Your mother is not my sister’s guardian. I am! And she will not be out in society until I say she is out! Besides, Aunt Audrey agrees with me that Georgiana should not be pressed and should wait until she feels comfortable with the idea.”

  Richard chuckled. “Then my cousin will never come out! She is comfortable only when she is at Pemberley amongst woods and glens.”

  William threw his cousin an evil look before turning on his heel and exiting the room. Richard hastily followed, having to step lively to catch up to him before they began descending the grand staircase. In the foyer below, Audrey Ashcroft glanced up to see her favourite nephews and an expression of motherly affection swept over her face. Each man went directly to her, placed a kiss on her cheek and then stepped back for the inspection they knew to expect.

  Their aunt glanced from one to the other, clearly delighted. “Oh my! The ladies will be deliriously happy that you both decided to attend the ball. And I do not believe I have ever seen either of you look more handsome!”

  “You say that each time we are dressed like peacocks,” Richard teased as William tried to keep a straight face.

  “It is true! Would that I improved as much from one soirée to the next!”

  Everyone chuckled as she stepped to Richard first. Running her hands reverently over the medals on his regimentals, she brushed a phantom piece of lint from his red coat before straightening a perfect collar and staring into his face for a long moment.

  “Richard, you are the most handsome man in uniform that I have ever seen. It is a wonder your superior officers do not order you never to appear at any soirée they are attending, so as not to outshine them!”

  Richard kept a straight face, while William’s shoulders shook with the effort to contain his amusement. “You are too kind, Aunt Audrey.”

  “Nonsense! I am just being honest!” She patted his cheek lovingly then moved to stand in front of William.

  “I must tell you, Fitzwilliam, that you look so much better than when Georgiana and I returned to London. Thank you for rising to the occasion and taking stock of yourself.” She glanced at Richard. “I know that your cousin had much to do with your improvement.” Richard silently acknowledged her statement with a slight nod. “And I imagine, with the addition of this lovely waistcoat, he has exerted an influence over your wardrobe. For far too long you have favoured black and white, and it makes you appear too sombre. You are a very handsome young man! You should dress like one!”

  “I shall keep that in mind, Aunt.”

  William’s eyes cut to Richard, who was now waging his own struggle not to laugh aloud, as his aunt ran her fingertips over the gaily coloured threads in the waistcoat and reached up to push a stray curl from his forehead. Then, just as she had with Richard, Lady Ashcroft patted William’s cheek lovingly.

  “Your mother would have been so proud of you. I know that I am.”

  Tears formed involuntarily in William’s eyes, and fearing she was about to cry as well, Lady Ashcroft hugged him and then turned back to hug Richard. “I am prodigiously proud of you both!”

  Just at that moment there was a loud knock at the door, and a footman opened it to reveal Lord Landingham. Looking every inch a member of the landed gentry, he strolled in without waiting while Mr. Barnes rushed to assist him.

  “Never mind, Barnes, there is no need to surrender my coat or hat!” Landingham declared. “This beautiful young lady and I shall be leaving straightaway!” Lady Ashcroft blushed in spite of herself, while her nephews exchanged knowing glances.

  “Oh, Marshall, how you do flatter!”

  The Earl of Westcott paused to admire the woman he had come to love since she had become Georgiana’s companion. She was still as slim as a young girl, her hair and complexion equally as youthful, but her vivaciousness was easily her best asset. She literally breathed life into a room, and since she had come into his life, he had learned to smile again. No—he had learned to live again. And tonight she simply took his breath away!

  Spectacularly arrayed in a silver-coloured satin creation that was trimmed along the bodice and elbow-length sleeves with delicate lace and seed pearls in the same shade, her dark hair was held atop her head by matching silver combs. In addition, she wore a three-strand, diamond and silver necklace with matching earrings. He was thinking that she could easily be mistaken for a royal princess, when he realised that everyone was waiting for him to speak.

  “Lady Ashcroft, I do believe I have never seen you look lovelier!”

  When everyone chuckled, he looked surprised. Audrey took it upon herself to explain. “Richard just mentioned that I always say the same thing—that he and Fitzwilliam look more handsome than when last I had seen them! He teased that I was insincere.”

  “And now I am seen as disingenuous? Well, I can assure you, madam, that while I think your nephews presentable, you are most definitely more beautiful each time we meet!”

  “Very well said, sir! You should be a diplomat,” William declared, turning to take his hat from Mr. Barnes who held both his and Richard’s. “Now, I fear we should all be on our way or Richard will have a paroxysm!”

  Richard retorted, “Then do not blame our late arrival on me. It is you who scheme to arrive in time to miss the receiving line. That relieves you of having to smile at our hosts and anyone else who might be in the row.”

  By then Richard and William were leading the way down the front steps, still jesting playfully.

  “I do no such thing Richard! It is you...”

  Lord Landingham and Audrey had stopped on the portico, and he glanced down at the lady standing by his side to find her smiling affectionately at the quarrelling men she consider
ed her sons. Leaning close to her ear he whispered, “I am quite fond of those two.”

  Her eyes sparkled as she considered him. “I am as well, sir! I am as well.”

  He held out his arm and she placed a delicate, gloved hand upon it, and they followed the cousins to the street below, where Richard and William entered the Darcy carriage still engaged in debate.

  As Darcy’s carriage pulled away, the earl’s carriage took its place, and a footman opened the door for Lady Ashcroft. Swiftly, Landingham handed her inside and followed, barely getting situated in the seat before the conveyance rocked as it moved forward—the driver intent on making short work of the trip around the park to the other side of Mayfair.

  ~~~*~~~

  London

  Holmes House

  The Ball

  Lit up more spectacularly than Vauxhall Gardens 7 on fireworks night, the Holmes’ townhouse appeared to be a veritable lighthouse on a hill in the fashionable area of Mayfair. Every window glowed with the light from hundreds of candles in massive chandeliers, and coupled with scores of floor-to-ceiling mirrors circling the ballroom, each reflecting the light, it created a dazzling effect.

  Many residents of London, those not among the elite invited to the soirée, stood outside in the shadows, watching the wealthy arrive in fine carriages drawn by matching pairs of thoroughbreds. Some came hoping to beg or steal, while others wished only to see the finery displayed at such times as this. Slipping as near as they dared without drawing the attention of the footmen and Bow Street Runners hired to keep order and protect the guests, this was most likely as close as they would ever come to a night at the theatre.

  Inside the ballroom, Elizabeth could hardly breathe for taking it all in. She had thought Holmes House beautiful on her first visit, but never had she seen it polished and preened to this extent or filled with scores of people, each more finely dressed than the next. In addition, the house was a veritable garden with so many flowers in every conceivable vessel and location that she could not identify one scent in particular. Apparently Lady Holmes did not ascribe to the theory of using one type of flower to the exclusion of all others, so roses were mixed with dahlias, peonies, tulips, chrysanthemums, orchids and other flowers, some she did not recognise. The combination of colours and scents was exhilarating!