Memory: Volume 2, Trials to Bear, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Memory: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice)

by Wells, Linda

  “Do you bear any animosity towards my family, Mrs. Younge?” Darcy stared at her and she flinched. “As you said about Wickham, your answer is a matter of survival.”

  “I have been nothing but friendly and kind to Miss Darcy and Miss Bennet, sir. I do not wish to jeopardize my livelihood.” She drew herself up. “I hope that you believe me.”

  “I hope that you believe me that I will not tolerate anything less.” He delivered his words slowly and she shrank under his gaze. “Do we understand each other, Mrs. Younge?”

  “We do, sir.” She whispered, then glancing at the headmistress she stood. “I have students waiting for me.”

  When she escaped the room Darcy turned to Mrs. Banks. “I trust you to enforce this with her? My sister Miss Mary has reported to us that Mrs. Younge was unusually friendly. My wife and I thought that this was simply a young girl unused to such kindness from an adult, however now that I know Mrs. Younge’s connection to Mr. Wickham, I am suspicious of everything. I will hold you responsible should Mrs. Younge attempt to hurt my sisters in any way. I would like to see them now, please.”

  “Of course sir, of course.” Mrs. Banks was gone again and Darcy eyed Fitzwilliam.

  “What do you think?”

  “I think that this woman knows on which side her bread is buttered and will not jeopardize her situation. Especially with Wickham convicted. He is of no use to her now. However, the girls should be warned. I do not trust her, but I do not see that we have enough to demand that she be dismissed.”

  “Should we remove them from here?” Darcy murmured. “They both have been doing so well, and are comfortable.”

  “I believe that Mrs. Banks will put the fear of God into Mrs. Younge. She might look like an easy woman, but she is fighting for the survival of her livelihood as well. A bad report from you would be sent through society in a heartbeat and this school would be closed. You have power, Cousin, and you are subtly exercising it, Mrs. Banks feels it radiating from you.” Fitzwilliam cocked his head and saw Darcy’s mouth set in a tight line.

  “Well then … I will speak to both girls, but particularly to Mary.” Darcy lifted his chin and twisted his neck, then his fingers found their way into his waistcoat pocket. Drawing out the little box he opened it, gazed at Elizabeth’s ebony tress for a moment then closing it, returned the treasure to its place.

  “Better?”

  “Not until I am home.” He said softly. “Where is your token?”

  Fitzwilliam smiled and reached into his coat pocket to remove a handkerchief and opened it to show off the curl of hair Evangeline had given him. “You will have to direct me to your jeweller.” The door burst open and Georgiana appeared, beaming, with a far more sedate Mary in her wake.

  “Brother!” She cried and flew into his arms. “Oh I could not believe it when Mrs. Banks said you had come! I miss you so much! Is Elizabeth here? May we go home? I have so much to tell you!” She gave him no opportunity to answer when she turned to her cousin. “Richard!” She hugged him and kissed his cheek while he laughed. “You look different!”

  “Is that good?” He grinned. “I say, schooling agrees with you, my dear. What do you say to several extra years of it Darcy?”

  “An excellent idea.” He laughed when Georgiana protested and turned to Mary. “How are you, Sister?”

  “Oh, I am well, sir.” Mary smiled. “It is very good to see you.

  “Mary, you may call me Fitzwilliam, or Brother, but please not sir.”

  “Yes, sir.” She blushed and he gave her hand a squeeze. “Brother.”

  “Elizabeth sends her love to you both, as does Jane.” He noticed the disappointment right away. “I am sorry that they did not come, we had some business to attend and we had guests at home. Elizabeth had to stay behind.”

  “Is Mr. Bingley still at Pemberley?” Georgiana asked shyly.

  Darcy’s brow creased and Fitzwilliam’s lips pursed. “Yes he is, dear. Along with the Matlocks.”

  “Oh.”

  Fitzwilliam snorted then pinched his nose and looked away before he started to laugh. Darcy shot a look at him then turned back to Georgiana. “We were hoping to share dinner with you tonight before I return to Pemberley. Richard will remain in town; he awaits his love’s arrival.”

  “His love?” Georgiana spun to face him. “You have a love?”

  “I do.” He smiled. “I do my dear, I am to be married. Mrs. Carter has accepted me.”

  “OH!” She hugged him again. “When?”

  “In February, dear. At Mr. Harwick’s estate.”

  “Mr. Harwick?” Mary looked to Darcy, “The man who left Jane?”

  “Yes, he is to marry Mr. Stewart’s sister, and Richard will marry Mr. Harwick’s sister.”

  “Oh what a tangled web.”2 She whispered and saw Darcy’s smile. “Sir?”

  “Brother. I see that you are expanding your reading beyond sermons.” He nodded with approval. “I am very happy to know that, especially something so recent, although no lies were involved with this.”

  “No, the only lie would have been if Jane and Mr. Harwick married.” She said thoughtfully. Darcy and Fitzwilliam exchanged glances and nodded.

  “May we go home for the night, Fitzwilliam? I would love to take a long bath at home!” Georgiana pled.

  Darcy laughed and Richard joined in. “Of course dear, go and pack up whatever you need and you may come to the house for the evening. You will have me all to yourself. Will that make you happy?”

  Georgiana stopped at the door and looked back at him and tilted her head. “No, you look lost without Elizabeth standing beside you. But we will make do, Brother.” The girls left and Darcy turned to face Fitzwilliam.

  “She is an excellent observer, is she not?” Fitzwilliam smiled. “I like how she is developing.”

  “I do as well.” Darcy smiled and looked down at the ring on his finger. “I do as well.”

  24 NOVEMBER 1809

  It is odd sitting here in my study in Darcy House once again. I am alone and yet I am not. If I were to suspend reality, I could well imagine that this was eight months ago and the sound of Georgiana playing and Richard’s voice would be all I could ever expect to hear in this vast home, but my mind plays with me. Through the tinkling of the keys I can imagine my Elizabeth’s laughter as she prods me with her foot, determined to force me up from my chair and off to join the others. She is not here and yet she is. I hear you love, I do. I will stop hiding and join the family soon.

  I have read my allotted letter for today. Adams keeps them safely hidden; else I would be tempted to rip them all open at once to read her words of love and suggestions of passion and play. My valet has become quite adept at hiding my wife’s treasures from me.

  Tomorrow I begin the long journey home alone. It is a wonder but I have never done that before. Of course I will not really be alone as Adams will ride with me. I am half-tempted to steal Georgiana from school. She begged me after dinner to take her home to Elizabeth. It tore at me, it did, and if I had not managed a private conversation with Mary earlier, I may have been swayed to believe how desperately Georgiana hates her days at school, but clearly Mary is not one to be fooled. She describes my sister as shy and reserved, but when with a few of the girls, she lights up, just as she did when she hugged me in Mrs. Bank’s office. It is Mary’s opinion that my sister is benefitting from the experience. We will see how things stand at the end of the spring term, and then I will consider sending her for a second year or perhaps finding her a companion and hiring masters for her. She wants so much to be with Elizabeth, their constant correspondence has given her a cherished sister even though they are separated by so many miles. I know how good it would be for them to be together, but I also must not neglect this opportunity for her education that Elizabeth and I value so highly. In truth, Georgiana’s place is in London, making friends, taking advantage of the educational opportunities, and growing as a proper young woman should. It is what Father expected for her.
/>   Mary expresses a hope that she might come to Pemberley and confided that Elizabeth was her favourite sister and she misses her deeply. Such opposites they are but Mary seemed to consider herself and Elizabeth equals in that household, both seeking attention by improving their minds and skills, but my wife being a truly outgoing woman succeeded where Mary, more naturally inclined for introspection remains, she feels, an outcast. She asked if I would mind if she never married and came to live with us. Of course I reassured her. She is young and insecure; I look at her and realize, she is older than Elizabeth’s age when I first spied my love. I never would have mistaken Mary for a woman. No she is still a girl.

  Darcy looked up when Foster knocked. “Sir, a courier has just arrived and asks to see you personally. He is from Rosings.”

  “Rosings?” Darcy sat up and nodded. A young man appeared and stood with his hat in his hands. “You have come from Rosings?”

  “Yes sir, Captain de Bourgh has a letter for you and Lord Matlock. He said to stop in London and make sure nobody from the family was here before I continued to Derbyshire.” He handed him his letter. “Is Lord Matlock in town, sir?”

  “No, he is at Pemberley.” Darcy looked up. “I will read this and have a letter to include with Lord Matlock’s. Foster, please take him down to the kitchens and find something for him to eat. I will send the letter to you when I am finished.” They departed and Darcy began to read.

  24 November 1809

  Rosings

  Dear Darcy,

  There is no other way to say this but to simply report the news that our cousin Anne lies at death’s door. She was found by Mrs. Jenkinson in the morning, barely clinging to life, her breathing is shallow. It is a blessing that it will come, her delusions are generally managed by the laudanum but her physical strength wanes by the day. Lady Catherine is stoic in her response. I expect that you are at Pemberley, but took the chance that you might be in town with the trial date approaching. There is nothing to be done. I do not request your presence. I am only delivering this news, and will of course inform you when the inevitable occurs.

  Sincerely,

  Captain Peter de Bourgh

  Darcy held the letter in his hand and stared at it for several long minutes, then stood and walked down the hallway to the music room. Georgiana finished her piece and he applauded along with Richard and Mary.

  “Brother, where have you been?” She demanded.

  “Forgive me for stealing away, dear. I will join you again shortly, but I am afraid I must borrow Richard for a moment.” Darcy caught Fitzwilliam’s eye and he saw the serious expression.

  “Well then I should go immediately, so that this bee in your brother’s bonnet can be addressed.” He rose and bowed gallantly to the girls. “Excuse me, ladies.” The two men left and Darcy led him to the study, closing the door. Picking up the letter from his desk, he handed it to Fitzwilliam.

  “So it is nearly over.” He said softly.

  “At last.” Darcy agreed and watched the emotions passing over his face. “Richard …”

  “No, I do not regret my decision not to marry her, Darcy.” He looked up and smiled. “I have my Eva, what is an estate to love?”

  “Well, for you it is nothing.” The men stood silently and stared at the letter. “We should go and pay our respects.”

  “Are you sure, Darcy? I can go alone and represent the family. You are leaving for Pemberley in the morning.”

  “No, I stayed away because I could not trust Anne’s behaviour in my presence, and I feared for Elizabeth. Our cousin cannot harm anyone now. She may very well have died since this was written.”

  “What of Aunt Catherine? Does she want you there?”

  Darcy looked up to his mother’s portrait to see her watching him. “I do this for Anne; her behaviour was encouraged by her mother. If I can ease her passing by fulfilling her vision …”

  “You are a good man, Darcy.” Richard clasped his shoulder.

  “I must write to Elizabeth, she will worry when I do not return as expected. Perhaps you could write a note for your father?”

  ELIZABETH WOKE and automatically her hand reached to her right, feeling the empty mattress by her side. Slowly her hand withdrew and rested over the baby, feeling a little kick, she stroked over him. “Papa will be home soon, sweetheart.” She sighed and sat up. Sleep had been difficult in coming and she only seemed to manage short periods of rest. “I even miss you snoring on my shoulder.” She laughed and rubbed her tired eyes then spoke in an imitation of his deep voice, “No, a Darcy does not snore, a Darcy breathes heavily.”

  Drawing back the bed curtains she stepped out onto the cold floor. Taking a match, she lit the candles by her bed and walked with the candelabra into his dressing room. She hunted around and opening a drawer found a handkerchief, then turned to see the neat line of bottles on a table. Running her fingers over them, she chose her favourite scent and tipped a little cologne onto the fabric. Taking her treasure back to the bed, she tucked the handkerchief into her gown and let his scent surround her. “There you are, Fitzwilliam.”

  DARCY STARED UP at the canopy, already regretting his decision to go to Rosings and delay his return home for how many days? He had lost sleep over the travel and pending trial, and knew that all would have been so much better if Elizabeth had come with him. “Never again will I leave you behind. You could have dealt with this trip, you are strong. How many women travel to London their last month to give birth, after all?” His hand reached over to touch the cold empty mattress on his left. “I miss you kicking me in the night.” He smiled and rubbed his eyes, and spoke in his imitation of her lilting voice. “I do not!” He chuckled again to imagine the argument that would inevitably ensue and the wonderful resolution it would always bring. With a groan he rolled over and jumped from the bed, lighting a candle and wandering to the mistress’s chambers and into her dressing room. “Surely there is something of her here?” He hunted around; all of her gowns had been packed for Pemberley. Biting his lip he opened drawers and searched then cried with triumph to find a sachet filled with lavender in her dressing table. “There you are my love!” Happily clutching his treasure he returned to the master’s chamber and back into the bed, where he placed the silk sachet under his pillow and let the scent permeate through the feathers and fabric. “Now you are with me.” He sighed and closed his eyes, “Now I may dream of you.”

  FITZWILLIAM GLANCED at Darcy as they neared Hunsford and watched him twist the ring around and around. “You are going to sever your finger if you keep that up.”

  Darcy glanced down and back out of the window. “Serves me right.”

  “What, for visiting Anne or torturing Elizabeth with my parents’ company for a few more days?” He smiled and was rewarded with a glare. “A combination?”

  “I hope that she understands.” He said quietly. “I hope that she does not think that …never mind.”

  “That you harboured some romantic feeling for our cousin? Surely that is unlikely.”

  “No, no, that I feel guilty for not … following …”

  “Duty?” Fitzwilliam suggested. “Well I could be blamed for the same, you know. I could have married her and saved Rosings, but is it not in the hands of the man who should be its heir? Anne was to die, she was not meant to bear children, that was determined years ago. No, this estate has never been meant to go to anyone other than a de Bourgh, so it went from Lewis, to Anne, and now to Peter. It is well.”

  “When did you become so philosophical?” Darcy smiled and relaxed a little. “I thought that you only read novels during your recovery?”

  Fitzwilliam chuckled. “So I did, I had enough histories at Cambridge.”

  “Days long past.” Darcy sighed and smiled. “I cannot say that I remember them fondly.”

  “Why not? Well I suppose that you were not the most jovial student. All those prizes you won …”

  Darcy shrugged. “I am not given to carousing.” The carriage at last turned into
the gate and rolled up to the house. “I never thought I would return here.” A footman opened the door and he climbed down to look up at the windows, then to the door. No black crepe was hung, Anne still lived. The men straightened their coats and walked up to the landing. An unfamiliar butler received them and escorted them to a drawing room that was remarkable in its simple decoration. It seemed that Lady Catherine’s imprint had been erased.

  “Darcy, Colonel, welcome. I hardly expected to see anyone from the family, this is a great surprise!” De Bourgh shook their hands and brought them over to greet an older woman. “Mother, this is Fitzwilliam Darcy and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.”

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, madam.” Darcy bowed. “May I ask how our cousin fares?”

  “The pleasure is mine, sir. Anne is conscious but failing.” She studied the subject of Anne’s delusion carefully. “Her mother is with her.”

  Darcy nodded and glanced at Fitzwilliam. “I would suspect as much. I came … We were not sure what we would find but the note we received indicated that my cousin suffers still with her thoughts of …a union with me. I … I thought that perhaps …my presence might give her comfort. If I would be a distraction or burden then I will naturally not approach her. I leave it to you.”

  “You think well of yourself, coming to offer comfort to the dying girl who you rejected!” An angry voice spoke from behind him. “YOU could have saved her from this fate!”

  Everyone turned to see Lady Catherine entering the room. Darcy maintained an even tone. “Aunt, I did not come to start an argument with you, I came for Anne. Her condition is not her fault.”

  “So you blame me?” Lady Catherine glared. “Is it not enough that I am thrown from my home to accommodate Anne’s delusion? She did not improve when I left and she assumed the title of mistress, you know. Her delusion only grew!” She spun to point at de Bourgh. “This cousin and his family, squatting in her parlour, waiting like spiders on their web for the weak one to die so they could pounce, how dare you bring this upon me!”