by Wells, Linda
She caressed over the bulge in her gown. “It seems to have grown in the past week.”
“I noticed that as well, once the quickening was felt, my waist began to expand at a greater rate.” Alicia touched her rounded belly. “March seems a lifetime away.” She looked up to Elizabeth who nodded and then left the room. “Did I say something wrong?” Alicia asked Lady Matlock and Jane.
“No dear, she is simply missing Darcy.” She smiled and looked back at her work. “She is so young. Sometimes I forget that.”
When Elizabeth did not return, Jane stood to look out of the window. “She is walking.”
“Alone?”
Smiling, Jane resumed her seat and picked up her sewing. “Elizabeth has been walking alone since she was eight, and there is certainly nothing to fear here, is there? I imagine that she knows these paths very well by now, and she certainly will not take any risks.”
Lady Matlock studied Jane as she steadily plied her needle through the fabric. “What are your plans?”
“Mine?” She looked up with surprise. “I do not know. I will return to Longbourn, I suppose. I would like to be here for Lizzy when the baby comes, but I know that the Gardiners expect me to come to them for the Season. I have come to the realization that my future is my own. I know that I am welcome at Pemberley for my lifetime, if I choose. I know that the survival of my family does not rest on my shoulders by whatever marriage I might make. I was such a fool for being jealous of Lizzy’s love for Mr. Darcy. I should have rejoiced in the freedom it gave me.”
“I am very happy to hear you say that. I suppose that you are aware of the pain your behaviour brought upon your sister?”
Jane stopped her work. “I am. I was blind to so many things, and we are only now beginning to talk again as we once did. I know that Mr. Darcy regards me with caution and is not comfortable with me. I know.” She sighed and clasped her hands. “And I know that it is not fair for him to have the sole burden of caring for me, let alone my family should Papa die. I must marry so that my family can contribute someday. But … I can marry with my heart now, I think.”
Alicia looked at Lady Matlock then to Jane. “I did not marry with my heart, Miss Bennet. And I know that Lady Helen did not either. We were both comfortable with our chosen husbands and I can honestly say that I do love him with all my heart today. I do not know about the Earl, but my husband, being thirty when we wed, was quite set in his ways, and it took him time to adjust to his new role. It was painful at times, but I would say that we have at last arrived at a happy marriage.”
“As happy as my sister’s?” Jane smiled and cocked her head.
“Nobody can live up to that example.” Alicia laughed. “But what I am saying is that you do not necessarily have to fall head over heels in love to find an acceptable mate. He just might grow on you.”
Nodding, Jane stood to look back out at the retreating form of her sister. “Mr. Darcy’s passion for Lizzy is overwhelming. Her feelings for him are beyond my understanding, as is my confusion over how they came to be together at all. I … I do not know that I would care to be caught up in such a marriage. I suppose that was one reason why I did not feel entirely uncomfortable with Mr. Harwick’s proposal of courtship. I want to care for my husband and love my children, but somehow I do not see myself sitting with a locket containing his hair in my grasp or …”
“Slipping into his study to sit in his chair?” Alicia smiled and Jane turned back to her. “Every one of us is different Jane, if what makes your sister happy is not yours, that does not make it incorrect.”
Lady Matlock listened and made a decision. “Miss Bennet, I have observed you for some time, and I think that it is going to be my undertaking this Season to introduce you to society. Your sister has obviously taken you under her wing to teach you household duties, as Mrs. Reynolds has clearly taught her. I have no fear of her doing very well when she returns to London after the child is born, however that may not be this year. We will not waste this time for you simply because you are not located at Darcy House.”
“Lady Matlock, you are very kind, but I cannot impose myself …”
“Nonsense! Alicia requires nothing from me, and neither does Audrey. I know already that Georgiana will be returning to her brother until the next school term begins. They will function as a family and will take her to venues suitable for a girl of her age. I do not envision them exploring the parties and balls unless they are with close friends. That leaves you, Miss Bennet, without a proper chaperone for much of the Season.”
“My Aunt Gardiner …”
“Is a wonderful woman and one I am proud to call a friend, however she and her husband cannot provide entré into the higher levels.”
“Perhaps I am not meant for them.” Jane said softly.
“Perhaps you should stop denying that you are attracted to Mr. Bingley.” Lady Matlock said directly and Jane looked up to see her piercing eyes boring into her. “He looks at you as well, Miss Bennet. Now, are you going to let him slip away? He is interested, but not focussed; there remains work to be done if you are to secure him.”
“Secure him, I … I like him, but, what can I do? I have nothing to offer him, my dowry, my education …”
“I will give you the education. You are giving him a wife who is a gentlewoman. He is a gentle soul, and I notice he is easily captivated by a pretty face. I have noticed though that he shines in your sister’s company. Why is that?”
Jane sighed. “I do not know. I do not have her wit.”
“Perhaps not, but it is not wit that draws a man like Mr. Bingley. He is attracted to her because she is honest and open as he is. She does not hide her emotions, and she is not afraid to engage in conversation. Mr. Bingley appreciates being heard, that talent is in short supply amongst the ladies of his circles who are more concerned with the match than the marriage. I have heard that his parents did little other than push him to become a gentleman and to reject his roots. A man like that craves attention. Both of you have an excellent example before you of marriage. If you are already attracted to each other, why not spend this time cementing the attachment? Surely you can be an attentive and interested partner.”
“You mean that I should pursue him?” Jane said with her eyes growing wide and looked to see Alicia laughing and nodding her head. “But … how?”
“Leave that to me.” Lady Matlock nodded. “We know he will not marry this coming year. We have time.”
ELIZABETH WALKED STEADILY along the damp path into the trees and finally up into the special glade where she and Darcy often escaped to find time alone. She saw that the gifts he had planted were safe. The rose bush had given up its blooms months ago, but the leaves, yellow and green, remained. Tucked safely amongst the thorny branches was the true treasure, Elizabeth’s tree. Darcy chose an Elm for her, one that had begun, he said, all on its own. No gardener started it in a nursery or babied it along. That was why he felt the tree was hers. He thought they were the same.
Darcy was so proud of his gift and spoke of how they would spend their lives loving each other under the shade of this tree. Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth touched the bare branches and wiped her eyes, then moved back out to the path, and eventually into a meadow. She stood looking at the long grass, now fallen with the weight of rain on its blades and was just going to turn and begin the long walk home when she heard galloping hooves, a man’s voice, and then saw a horse leap over a hedge with no rider on its back. “Oh no!”
She ran as fast as she could to the spot where the horse landed. “Hello?” She cried, trying to see through the greenery. “Is anyone there?” The horse came up and nudged her. “Richard.” She sighed and looked at the saddle. “Who was riding you?” She took the bridle in her hand and held on to the animal. There was no stile or nearby break in the solid mass, and it was a long walk to get around to the other side. Eyeing the horse and hearing nothing else she bit her lip and led him to a fallen log. “Stay still, Richard.” She ordered, and with some diffic
ulty, managed to hoist herself onto the tall animal. Sitting like a man, she grimaced when she imagined Darcy’s wide eyes to see her on horseback and alone. “Forgive me, Fitzwilliam.” Her feet were hopelessly short for the stirrups, but she was afraid to get down and readjust them in case she could not remount. Instead she nudged him and they walked to the hedge. “Are you well?” She called.
“ohhhh.”
“Mr Bingley?”
Silence. She nudged the horse again and they made the long slow walk around the hedge and then back up the opposite side, and approached the bundle of blue sprawled on the ground. “Mr. Bingley!”
Elizabeth eased herself down, and tied the horse to a branch, then rushed to Bingley’s side. “Mr. Bingley? Are you in pain? Are you awake? Please, say something!” Elizabeth knelt and touched his face, then lifting his head rested it on her knees. “Mr. Bingley? Charles?”
“ohhhh.” He moaned. “I hurt everywhere.”
“Does anything seem broken?”
“I do not believe so.” He sighed, then opening his eyes; he tried to focus on Elizabeth staring down at him. “An angel. I always thought that you were an angel.”
“You think every woman is an angel.” She laughed with relief, and he smiled at her as his vision gradually cleared. “Now tell me what hurts.”
Bingley continued smiling and said nothing for a while as he slowly came around. “I am afraid that is impossible to tell you.”
“Why?”
“Because you are a lady.” He touched the hand that was holding his cheek. “And I am aspiring to be a gentleman.”
“May I assume that you will not be comfortable in your seat for some time, sir?” Her eyes danced and he groaned. “I see.”
“You would.” Bingley sighed and closed his eyes. “Well if someone had to find me this way, I prefer that it be you.”
“What happened?”
“The horse leapt but I … I am not good at this at all.” He glanced over at Richard. “How did you two arrive here?”
“I mounted and we rode over.” Elizabeth blushed when his eyes widened.
“Ohhhhh, Darcy will NOT be pleased with you.”
“Please do not tell him!”
Bingley started to shake his head, then rubbed his temple with a groan. “I am going to hold this secret and use it to my advantage.”
“You are no gentleman.” Elizabeth admonished. “Can you sit up?”
“This is a bit wrong, is it not? I am sorry.” Elizabeth put her hands under his shoulders to push and very slowly he moved to a sitting position. “Oh that hurts.” Bingley’s eyes closed and he held his face in his hands. “Why did I have to fall off of a horse to speak to you privately?”
“Have you wished to?” She brushed off the grass that clung to his coat. “You can speak to me anytime, you know.”
“No, I cannot Mrs. Darcy.” He sighed then looked up to see her concern. “Now, while I still can, please tell me, were you awake in the library after the ball?”
“I was and not. Did I miss anything?”
“Did you hear me?” He searched her face and saw her head shake. “I asked everyone’s opinion about Miss Bennet, and if I should … tell me what to do. Does she have feelings for me?”
“She likes you, and she feels comfortable with you.” Elizabeth bit her lip and looked into his wide green eyes.
“Is it my imagination that she looks at me?”
Elizabeth laughed. “You have a wonderful imagination Mr. Bingley; however I do believe that it is not deceiving you with this question.” His eyes lit and she laughed again. “You are only one and twenty, why are you in such a hurry to marry?”
“That is the pot calling the kettle black, Mrs. Darcy. Are you but moments over the age of eighteen?” He smiled down to his boots. “Very well, your husband, your cousins, your friends have all told me the same. Do not marry just because everyone else seems to be settling down.”
“And I have told the same to my sister. What is wrong, Mr. Bingley? Are you lonely?” She smiled softly when he looked up to her. “Are you not anticipating the next Season without Fitzwilliam as your anchor?”
“You really got to the crux of the matter. You are definitely not meant for me.”
“My husband will be delighted to hear that.” Bingley blushed and she laughed. “Come on sir, let us try and get you on your feet.” She stood and held out her hands. “Come now.”
“I cannot allow a woman in your condition to lift me. Your husband would kill me, if he does not call me out for this entire conversation to begin with.” They heard the sound of horses approaching and looked to see Lord Matlock and Layton approaching. “Bloody hell.” He muttered then saw Elizabeth’s raised brow. “I am sorry!” She shook her head and he struggled up to his feet.
The men arrived and took in the scene. “What happened?” Lord Matlock noted Bingley’s muddy coat and breeches, and then saw Elizabeth’s dress was muddy as well. “Bingley?”
“My horse leapt but I did not.” He looked to Elizabeth. “And I was rescued by the fair Mrs. Darcy.”
She laughed and brushed the grass from her gown. “Hardly. I am certain you would have managed on your own. Now gentlemen, I will continue my walk.”
“No, no, you are a muddy mess.” Lord Matlock leapt down. “Here, let me give you a ride back to the house.”
Elizabeth smiled and shook her head. “No thank you. I was having a lovely talk with my husband when Mr. Bingley’s cry drew me away. I would like to continue it on my own.” Turning she walked off, leaving the three alone.
“Well?” Lord Matlock said sternly. “Did she answer your questions?”
Bingley stared at him with his mouth agape. “How did you know?”
“Son, you have been dying to talk to her since the ball.”
Layton grinned as Bingley cautiously climbed onto Richard and groaned. “So what is the verdict?”
“I may proceed with caution, but she suspects my true intent. I wonder what it is myself.” Bingley murmured.
“So, what is your plan?” Lord Matlock demanded as he remounted.
“Plan?” Bingley said blankly.
Layton put his hand to his ear. “Father …am I mistaken or did I just hear a puppy yap?”
“No Son, I do believe that you did. Shame, I had hopes …” The two men turned their mounts and began to gallop away.
“Hey!” Bingley cried and kicked Richard forward. With the first bump he groaned but was determined not to let them see him as weak. “Wait for me!”
“SO YOU UNDERSTAND our justifiable concern, Mrs. Banks.” Darcy said to the headmistress as she nodded vigorously. “It would be a poor reflection upon you to employ a woman known for visiting a convicted burglar who preys upon the families of your clientele.”
“Yes indeed sir! I will dismiss her immediately!”
“I believe that such a step would be premature, I would like to interview her, if I may. It is possible that she is merely a pawn of his and nothing more. I would not like to send a woman into poverty without cause.” He fixed his steely eyes upon the woman. “Do you agree?”
“Certainly sir.” She stood and departed the room to search for Mrs. Younge.
“You could have been a mighty King’s Counsel or judge, Darcy.” Richard observed. “I think that you would have enjoyed it.”
“Uncle Roger liked the life, as I recall.” Darcy said softly. “I remember his visits to Pemberley when I was a boy. It was one of the few times I saw Father’s melancholy lift after Mother died. He was just a boy with his brother, no first son, second son animosity.” He looked up to notice Fitzwilliam smiling. “You and Stephen seem to be improving your relations.”
“We are.” He laughed. “I would not mind a good fist fight with him once more.”
“Oh, that would be cruel.” Darcy smiled. “He would rout you.”
“What?”
“He cheats.” Darcy’s brows rose when Fitzwilliam rolled his eyes, then his smooth mask reappear
ed as the door opened and Mrs. Banks entered with Mrs. Younge. When the ladies were seated he began his questions. “What is your relationship to George Wickham? You are known to visit Newgate with gifts of food and funds.”
“We are friends, sir, that is all. I gave him a place to stay when he was down on his luck.” She studied Darcy as she spoke. “He spoke of you often.”
“I have no doubt of that. Did you know of his desire to rob me?”
“No sir, I truly did not. He spoke of being cheated of his inheritance but I always knew that was a load of … it was incorrect. You gave him four thousand, after all.”
“So you knew he was a liar, why did you remain with him? Why did you visit him?”
“He wasn’t bad company, sir. He kept my bed warm, helped with the rent, was good for a laugh. I did not expect more and he didn’t ask for it.” Darcy’s piercing gaze was met straight on. “It was a matter of survival, sir. It is difficult to be a woman alone.”
“He was found guilty and will be transported for fourteen years.” He watched her eyes widen and heard a sharp intake of breath, but could not read her face. “You do not seem surprised?”
“No sir.” She said quickly.
“Are you aware of any threats posed to me or my family by him? Or of any future plans for vengeance?”
“No sir, not one. He did not speak of his plans to me. When I saw him at Newgate, he would not let on his feelings about his situation. We spoke of surviving inside. Besides, I was there for more pressing matters, if you understand my meaning.” Fitzwilliam coughed and her gaze went to him. “He was wary of you.”
“Well that is comforting.” Fitzwilliam smiled. “Why is that?”
“He said Mr. Darcy might be full of words that can damage but you know blood, of course that was before you stuck him.” She looked back to Darcy and openly studied him. “He is very jealous of you, Mr. Darcy. He wanted your life and was unhappy when you interfered with his.” She shrugged. “I suppose that is why he felt that robbing you was the thing to do. I never asked.”
