by Wells, Linda
“Darcy, I hardly expected such a thing, the man was there to greet the son of George Darcy, not to meet a man of my origins.” Bingley laughed. “That was extraordinary.” He smiled at Jane. “What say you, Miss Bennet?”
“I am glad that we were not introduced.” She met Elizabeth’s gaze. “Does this happen often?”
“Meeting a Duke?” She laughed and relaxed, which relieved her husband. “We met one last year, did we not?”
“We did, but he was just a little Duke.” Darcy smiled to see her eyes roll. “We may meet royalty at some point.”
“Wonderful.” She shook her head. “Do you have any other surprises?”
“I suspect that you will be the one with surprises in the morning.” Nodding to the crowd, he squeezed her hand. “The invitations and calls will be greater than I expected before.”
“I thought that we were just slipping into town to retrieve our sisters?”
“I did not plan this, love.”
“I did not, either.” Elizabeth sighed. “I could politely decline.”
“You could.”
“But I should not?”
“It is your decision.”
“Some direction would be nice.”
“You know my opinion.”
“I do, but that does not answer the question of what we should do.”
“I would say that the acknowledgement of the Duke is far more memorable and important than appearing at a ball or dance.” His eyes twinkled.
“Ah, so in one moment, we are relieved of social obligation?”
“I would say so. But I will not suspend your pleasure.”
“No, but you would make your displeasure clear.” Elizabeth’s eyes danced and as the lights dimmed they leaned towards each other and kissed. “We will continue as planned?”
“Whatever you wish, Elizabeth, I am your pawn.”
“Pawns can be just as powerful as a queen.” She felt his lips caress her ear. “Although I rather think of you as king.” His lips moved to her throat. “Will.”
“We will continue this later, love.” He whispered, and raised her hand to his mouth. “My queen.”
Bingley smiled to himself and looked over to Jane. He could barely make out her expression. “Quite a fascinating world the Darcys inhabit.”
“It certainly is.” Jane whispered.
Chapter 15
“Now then Georgiana, we have to talk.” Elizabeth said seriously. She sat down in the rocking chair and with a practiced hand, released the button at her shoulder and dropped the front of her gown to begin nursing Rosalie. “Sit down.”Georgiana watched in fascination as the baby hummed and drank. “Does that hurt?”
“No.” Elizabeth looked down and stroked Rosalie’s cheek. “But it is not something to be discussed outside of this house.” She met her eyes and raised her brows. “It is our choice to care for our children this way, but it is not smiled upon by many in our society, particularly the older generation.”
“Yes, Aunt Helen has spoken to me about it.”
“What else has she told you about children?” Elizabeth asked quietly. “Has she told you how they are formed?”
“No.” She whispered. “But I heard tales at school. Girls talked about all sorts of things there. It was embarrassing, but difficult to ignore. Mary was good at getting them to leave her alone, but I am afraid that I … I was curious.”
“Mary knows full well what happens because I told her.” Elizabeth said steadily. “She is older than you and I wanted her to be aware of the facts. What have you heard?”
“Nothing.” She stared at her hands then looked up to see her sister’s unrelenting stare; it was unnervingly similar to her brother’s and she felt compelled to answer. “I … I saw a copy of Aristotle’s Compleat Masterpiece.”
“Your brother has a copy.”
“Oh.”
“Do you have any questions?”
She focussed on Rosalie. “I do not have the …desire for the embrace, I think. It sounds terrible.”
Elizabeth studied her for a few moments. “I want you to know that it is not terrible, and it is one of the greatest expressions of love for a married couple, particularly when the couple cares for each other, however, you do know that the desired result from the embrace between a husband and wife is to form a child?” Georgiana nodded. “Do you know that to smile and flirt with a man is to encourage him to desire you for such an embrace?”
“Is that when his yard becomes swollen?” She twisted her hands, and Elizabeth thought quickly.
“You made a study of this book, Georgiana.” She watched her sister’s face redden. “Very well, yes that is when his yard becomes swollen. It is not acceptable for you to flirt openly with a man to encourage this disposition. You are only fourteen, and you must not engage in such behaviour until you are married.”
“You kissed Fitzwilliam; I remember seeing him holding you in his study.”
“A kiss is not procreation.” Elizabeth said sharply. “And we were engaged. Your behaviour with Mr. Bingley was not appropriate.”
“What behaviour?” Her head came up and she encountered her sister’s gaze. “Oh.”
“Oh, indeed. Your aunt would have dragged you from the room and sent you to the nursery. I chose to give you the benefit of the doubt and assumed that you were simply teasing a man who you like very much but look at as a brother. Am I correct or do you have a crush on him?”
“I … I have always liked him.” Her eyes expressed a world of torment. “Am I not to like him?”
“Yes, but he is a grown man, not a boy. And he cares for you as a brother. That is all. It is fine to smile and tease, but I believe that you knew full well that you were crossing a line when you behaved so impertinently towards him. Would you ever act that way with Fitzwilliam?”
“Oh no!” She gasped.
“Why?”
“Because … because … well you speak to him that way!”
“I do, because I am his wife.” She said steadily. “And any feelings of ardour that are inspired may be freely expressed to me. You are still a girl, who does not know what she is doing. Do not behave that way before Mr. Bingley or any other man again before you are at least out and preferably courting. It is too easy to fall under a man’s spell, one who only seems kind, one who will not stop, one who may leave you with a baby in your arms.” Both of them looked at Rosalie. “It is not a fate that you want outside of marriage, and will bring great shame upon our family.”
“I … I was just … having some fun.”
“I know.” Elizabeth smiled. “And you still could have done so, and teased him. Think of every man as your brother, and then you will know how to behave, until you are much older. Agreed?”
“Yes, Elizabeth.” She watched as Rosalie let go and she was lifted to Elizabeth’s shoulder. “I thought it would be easier living with you.”
She laughed and fixed her gown. “Oh, I think that you will find that it is. We just want to be sure of your happiness. You are not a little girl anymore, but you are not quite a woman. It is a difficult time.”
“Does Mr. Bingley love Jane?” Georgiana asked her shoes. “He seems reluctant.”
“How do you feel about his attentions to her?” Elizabeth rubbed Rosalie’s back. “Are you jealous?”
“No …maybe a little. Mad perhaps.” She saw Elizabeth’s brow lift and then spoke angrily. “He is a wonderful man, why does she not see that?”
“I cannot answer that. Only they will.” Studying her sister, she asked, “Why are you upset with Jane?”
“I do not believe that she is encouraging him. I know that Aunt Helen has been working with her. Why does she not see how kind he is?”
“I think that she does, Georgiana.”
“Then why does she not tell him?”
“What makes you think that she has not?”
“They are not engaged.” Georgiana looked back to her hands. “She must not tell him enough.”
Eliz
abeth thought over her statement. “Are you judging Jane based on the relationship you see between me and your brother? I do not think that you have seen them together enough to form any such opinions. And most important, you cannot expect every couple to be the same as we are, not everyone is as open as we are. You are spoiled perhaps by watching us. Certainly the example of Audrey and Alicia’s marriages should tell you that. You also have to keep in mind that a proper woman does not throw herself at a gentleman she likes. I certainly never did such a thing with your brother, and if you would ever to do that with a man you liked, you might appeal to his baser instincts, but you will not impress him as a woman he would want to be his wife. A gentleman does not wish to marry a wanton woman.”
“So a girl must wait for the man to tell her he likes her. She might wait forever if she gives him no sign of her affection.”
“Unfortunately that is true, but a girl can encourage a man without doing anything more than smile.” Elizabeth laughed. “It depends on the man. When his eyes light up, you will know what makes him feel pleased.”
“Oh.”
“But you are too young to be concerned about these things. Do you understand that? When you are out, then we will delve into this more. Until then, leave Jane and Mr. Bingley to find their own way.”
“Yes, Elizabeth.”
They sat quietly and listened to Rosalie talk, then Elizabeth pulled the bell for the nursemaid to return. “Now, what shall we do? It is just the two of us for a few weeks, and Fitzwilliam has business to attend this afternoon. I am all yours.” She smiled to see Georgiana returning to herself.
“May we … may we go to the pastry shop and get some ice cream?”
Elizabeth laughed. “Absolutely! And we must be sure to tell your brother so he will be jealous!”
DARCY WAVED AWAY the servant bearing the snuff box and instead accepted the proffered glass of brandy. Taking a sip he nodded to some passing acquaintances and smiled at Bingley. “Nothing changes, does it?”
“What do you mean?”
“Same faces, same vices, all is the same.” He sighed. “I missed nothing in the past months.”
“Except for the camaraderie perhaps? Or even just the opportunity to exercise with men? How is your fencing?”
“Quite adequate.” Darcy laughed to see Bingley’s eyes roll. “You do not believe me? Care to take me on?”
“No, no. I will be happy to watch, though. I suppose you found someone to practice with at Pemberley?”
“Of course! Elizabeth … “
“Good Lord!”
“Bingley.” Darcy glared. “I was going to say, Elizabeth mentioned to our new pastor that I had no worthy opponents and he admitted that he became quite accomplished with the art in seminary.” He shrugged and grinned. “So naturally I had to try him out. Mr. Evans is as he said, a talented man.”
“Too talented?” Bingley asked then chuckled to see Darcy’s eyes twinkle. “I see. Well, this man owes his livelihood to you, perhaps it is gratitude?”
“I hope not.” Darcy shook his head. “I was glad to give it to him. He is the nephew of our former pastor. When the living came open recently, Mr. Repair was eager to recommend him. I am pleased with the choice.”
“The variety of duties you face overwhelm me.” Bingley sighed. “I have missed your company these past months.” He smiled when Darcy nodded and looked away. “We will have to get you to London more often! Our evening at the theatre was extraordinary.” He laughed to see Darcy’s grimace.
“It was a pleasure to enjoy the evening with you and Jane, however, a short stay is quite adequate. With the knocker going up tomorrow, Elizabeth will be inundated with visitors.” He paused to smile softly to himself, then noticing Bingley’s curious look, he cleared his throat. “Then she will have calls to make and we are to socialize a bit. Speaking of which …”
“Yes.” Bingley’s smile fell away. “You said that Mrs. Darcy was unhappy when she read my letter, and it was clear in her greeting to me the other night. If I had known she would I … well I would not have mentioned my activity. I felt lower than a snail crawling across the ground to feel her remonstration.”
Darcy studied him silently for a few moments, then setting down his glass clasped his hands together. “You know the story of my cousins.”
“Layton and Singleton? Yes.” Bingley looked down. “I am not married.”
“I am not speaking of betraying your wife; I am speaking of exposure to disease. I do not want to see the day when your face is destroyed from inhaling mercury fumes, or you begin to drool black phlegm from the treatments for the French Disease. It is avoidable.”
“You spent your time in the brothels before marriage.” Bingley said defensively.
“Not really, not much. I was exceptionally uncomfortable. How do you enter a room and … well, perform with a woman to whom you have no affection let alone connection? No. My experience was limited to a few times at school and on my tour. I am too self-conscious for more. I suppose if I were to be a bachelor all my life I might have contracted with an exclusive courtesan, but honestly, I may have just as easily remained celibate. The momentary release was not worth the risk or embarrassment.” Darcy watched Bingley thinking. “When I married, I was glad that I had enough knowledge to not be inept, but not so much as to be weary.” He laughed at Bingley’s creased brow. “Discovery was and continues to be mutual.”
“Oh.”
“And … I felt Elizabeth’s hurt when I told her of my past.”
“Why would you tell her?”
“I tell her everything.” He asked quietly, “Would you feel comfortable telling Jane everything of yourself?”
Bingley smiled. “Ah, you are not staying out of it.”
“You are avoiding the question.” Darcy said pointedly.
“I feel that she does as well.” Bingley shrugged. “Something is happening with her, it is so hard to read her. She is friendly and smiles, but … Maybe it is just my inexperience showing again. I cannot quite put my finger on it. I wonder sometimes if she is feeling pressured by others to want me?”
Darcy smiled, knowing that was indeed the case. “Are you feeling pressured to want her?”
“I really have no business doing so; after all, I am the one that created the situation by asking about her. I do not know, Darcy. I am just trying to live up to my father’s dreams; that is all. He envisioned his son the gentleman going to all of the places that were denied to him, taking advantage of society, and living in a home that he did not live to purchase himself. Maybe that is the problem, maybe I need to determine what my dreams are and live them instead.”
“Damn Bingley, you are impressing me today!” Darcy laughed and Bingley beamed. “Well said!”
“Well where is a pen? Let me write down this wisdom before I forget!”
“You will never be able to read it.”
“So your sister tells me.” Bingley chuckled and saw Darcy’s brow crease. “Forgive me for responding to her as I did. I did not mean to imply …”
“No, no, your behaviour was that of a charmed friend. Elizabeth is speaking to her today of hers, which is part of the reason why I am out of the house.” He sighed and shook his head. “I do not like her growing up.”
“She will be a delight when she does, I am sure. I quite look at her as the sister I wish I had.” The men laughed in shared understanding, then looked up when they heard a familiar voice.
“Darcy!” Stewart grinned and hurried over to their chairs. Darcy and Bingley stood and they clasped hands all around. “I heard you were back! How is your wife? And daughter? My God man, you are a father!”
Darcy chuckled and they all sat together. “Indeed, I am. My ladies are both lovely and well. How is Mrs. Harwick?”
“Oh, quite well, she and Harwick recently arrived to enjoy a month of the Season. She has transformed the man, why I would say that he resembles your happy mien.” Darcy smiled with the compliment. “I imagine he would not mind a
visit from you.”
“I will be glad to come by. I am sure that Elizabeth would love to visit your sister. I will send a note over when I get home.” He lifted his chin. “And how is Miss Henley?”
“You mean my betrothed?” He puffed his chest and grinned as both men laughed. “Thank you. I can hardly believe that Julia has agreed to be mine. I am overjoyed.” Shaking his head he looked at his boots then met Darcy’s eye. “I was such a fool over Mrs. Darcy.”
“No, I think that many men envisioned a future with her.” He smiled at Bingley who caught Stewart’s eye.
“Well I have found the woman I adore.” Stewart turned to Bingley. “And you? I have seen you with Miss Bennet. Is that your future?”
“I … Nothing is decided.” Bingley said uncomfortably.
“Oh. Well. I hear that Netherfield was leased. I ran into George Shaw, the judge from King’s Bench who handled Wickham? He decided he would like a little hunting this year and did not want the travel to Scotland. He knows the owner, did him a good turn once. So I suppose you will have to look elsewhere for your leasing possibilities, for the next quarter at least. Bad luck, that was so convenient to Longbourn. But I am sure it will be available again in the spring.”
Bingley stared at him in surprise then turned to Darcy. “What … Now what?”
“I do not know.” Darcy looked to Stewart. “Are you certain of this?”
“Oh yes, I was interrogated about the sport. Of course he will only be there until the Michaelmas session begins in November, but he does not mind, and maybe he will get in some fox hunting during the winter.”
“I am not sure how I feel about this.” Bingley said slowly.
“What do you mean?” Darcy watched him. “You are delayed until spring at the most; you can spend the winter at Pemberley and then take the lease on the first quarter day. It is not so long.”
“Oh, I say Bingley; do not let this put you off of Miss Bennet!” Stewart looked between the two worriedly. “This is simply a business transaction of a very short duration.”
