by Wells, Linda
Adams told them everything that he knew, and Darcy tried hard to sort through it all as his head pounded harder than before. Elizabeth rested in his arms and saw Millie standing by the bed. “Please bring us Rosalie.”
“Madam, you are too weak!”
“Bring us our daughter, clearly she needs her parents.” She looked up to Darcy and he nodded, seeing her would force him to calm. Rosalie was carried in and the moment she was in Elizabeth’s lap, she relaxed and began rooting for her breast.
Darcy willed himself to concentrate on his family, and watched Elizabeth fumble with her nightgown. He laid his hand over hers. “Dearest, are you sure? I can feel your exhaustion.”
“It …it will comfort all of us, I think. Just for a little while. If you help me, I think that I can manage. Please help me.” She met his eye and he saw her need to do this reflected in them, and he nodded.
“Just for a little while.” He whispered.
Darcy helped to open her gown and Adams, blushing, hurried from the room while Millie positioned the baby at her breast. Darcy wrapped Elizabeth in his arms and supported Rosalie. Millie made sure that all was well, and slipped back out of the room to leave the family in peace. When she returned a quarter hour later, she found all three in the same position, and all three were asleep. Taking the baby from her mother, she carefully handed her over to the nursery maid, covered her mistress, and with Adams helping, eased the sleeping couple down into the bed. They tucked the blankets around them then stopped to watch as Darcy turned to spoon his body to Elizabeth, his hand protectively around her waist.
“I think they will be fine alone.” She whispered. “They are both so tired.”
“As long as she does not turn onto her shoulder.”
“How many times have we found them asleep?” Millie sighed as she looked at them. “They won’t be moving.”
He nodded at the young girl. “I was scared to death today.”
“So was I.” She startled when she felt Adams take her hand and squeeze.
“You did very well.” He smiled.
“Oh.”
“Go to sleep in your bed, I will watch over them.” He watched Darcy’s head settle into a position on Elizabeth’s pillow he had observed countless times over the past year. “I pray that all will be well.”
“I WILL BE RIGHT BACK.” Fitzwilliam murmured to Evangeline.
“They are fine, you need to sleep.” She took his hand when he sat up and he shook his head. “Someone would call us if we were needed.”
“No dear, Darcy is my brother. I just need to see him.” He stood and pulled on his robe. “I just need to know.”
“Then I will check on Elizabeth.” She sat up and he stopped her.
“I know how very tired you are, dear. Sleep, she may need you in the morning.”
“Richard, you are not the sole obstinate one in this marriage.” Evangeline stood and found her robe. “She is my sister, and it is morning.”
“Barely.” Fitzwilliam smiled and held his hand out for her. “You would have made a fine soldier.”
They walked down the hallway together. “Marrying one is enough for me.”
They came upon a sleeping footman and Fitzwilliam was of half a mind to wake him, but thought better of it. Darcy’s staff had fought valiantly for their master that day. Opening the door to the master’s chambers, they were surprised to see the empty bed. Adams appeared from the dressing room. “Colonel, may I do anything for you?”
“Yes, explain my cousin’s disappearance!” He demanded.
“This way, sir.” He led the way to the mistress’s chambers and stood away from the doorway. Fitzwilliam and Evangeline looked in to see the Darcys entwined and asleep. Adams spoke. “He woke and went looking for her a few hours ago.”
“How is he?” Fitzwilliam asked in amazement.
“I believe that he was in terrible pain, but it was nothing to his fear for his wife; or his anger over the incident.”
“He remembered?” Fitzwilliam said with no little surprise, then stared at Elizabeth. “And Mrs. Darcy?”
“Determined to care for him and the child.”
Evangeline smiled and looked up to her husband. “I think that they will be well.”
“It is too early, dear. I did not become desperately ill until I was on the ship.” Fitzwilliam looked at the bandages on Elizabeth’s arm and shoulder. “I pray that she does not face what I nearly did.”
“Losing a limb?”
“Yes.” He whispered. “If it was not for Brandon …”
“Then she will be well.” Evangeline said positively. “Come, back to bed.” Taking his hand she led him from the room.
“SHOT?” MARY GASPED.
“Please keep your voice down, we are not telling Georgiana.” Lady Matlock said angrily.
“Why not? Her brother was just as severely injured!”
“She is a child.” Lord Matlock said steadily.
“And how exactly do you intend to keep it from her? I will not lie to her.” Mary turned and started to leave the room.
“Where are you going?” Lady Matlock demanded.
“I am going to my sister!” Mary said determinedly.
“We will visit in a few hours; you will remain here with Georgiana.”
“Lady Matlock, where you can order my sister Georgiana about, you have no such control over me. I will go to Lizzy!”
“And how do you propose that you get there?” Lord Matlock asked.
“I am used to walking into Meryton, sir. It is a mile each way. I do believe that I can survive a trek of half that distance to Darcy House.”
“You will do no such thing.” Lady Matlock stood. “If you insist, you may join us. We have had no word of any urgent need to be there at the crack of dawn.”
Mary was trying her best to stand up for herself in front of the formidable couple, and balling her hands into fists, drew on her last reserves, and thought of Elizabeth. What would she do? “Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam are my family. They have offered me a home for the rest of my days. They have opened their hearts to me without condition. They love me. I will go to them.” She spun around and walked straight into Peter de Bourgh’s chest. “oh!” She cried and looked up to him as tears began to pour from her eyes. She kept her back to the Matlocks and bowed her head. De Bourgh took her hand and squeezed it, then looked up to the Lord and Lady.
“I will take her over. My carriage is just outside.” He looked down at her and smiled. “Go and get your bonnet and I will meet you at the door.” She nodded and left without a word or a backward glance, and he entered the room. “You cannot keep a loyal woman like that from her family. You should know that.”
“I only wished to spare her. It was horrific there yesterday.” Lady Matlock sighed and sank back down. “How did you get the news?”
“I do not know what the news is. I ran into Lord Moreland last night and he asked if there was any word on Darcy. I decided to see you before going there.”
“Well.” Lord Matlock told him the tale. De Bourgh’s jaw set and he stood upon the story’s end. “Richard is there with Evangeline, and he would have told us if anything happened in the night. We will be over after we speak to Georgiana, and I am waiting for news on Wickham.”
“Tell her the truth.” De Bourgh said seriously. “Do not pretend that all is roses; do not delude her that this is not serious. The girl has lost her parents already, and she will be frightened for her brother, but if he is not gone now, he will likely survive. I know men who have died from a blow on the head. It would have been clear by now that he would die.” He stepped to the doorway. “Bring her along.”
Walking to the foyer he found Mary staring out at his carriage. He offered his arm and led her up and onboard. Giving the orders to the coachman, he took his seat opposite and watched her staring at her hands. “How did that feel?”
“Pardon me?” She whispered.
“To stand up for yourself?” He asked with a smile. “I im
agine it was a rare event?”
“I … I only wish to see my sister. She would … walk across broken glass to get to me.”
“I am sure that she would, as would Darcy.” She nodded to her hands and then bursting into tears, found de Bourgh by her side with his arm around her. He offered her his handkerchief and said softly, “Cry now, but you must be strong for them when you arrive.” Mary nodded and sniffed, and did not draw away. When they arrived, he gave her arm a squeeze and stepped down from the coach. “Wipe your eyes, Miss Mary.”
“Yes, sir.” She wiped and drew a deep breath, then took his hand to step down. “Thank you.”
“It is no trouble to help a true lady.” He smiled and again offering his arm, led her into the house. They were directed to the dining room where Fitzwilliam sat with Evangeline.
“Well, this is unexpected.” Fitzwilliam shook his hand and bowed to Mary. The men’s eyes met and de Bourgh smiled at his cousin’s raised brow. “Mother and Father?”
“Will be along, with Miss Darcy.”
“How are they?” Mary asked Evangeline urgently.
“They are sleeping.” She smiled and took her hand. “They are improved.”
“Fever?” De Bourgh asked Fitzwilliam.
“Not yet.” He sighed and sank into his chair. “I pray it will not come.”
“Yes.” Watching the women leave the room, he folded his arms and studied Fitzwilliam. “You and I know too much, do we not?”
“Far too much.” He smiled ruefully. “I have managed to bury most of the memories, but …”
“Yes, I well remember the screams of the men as we brought them back from Spain.” De Bourgh rubbed his hand over his face.
“Perhaps you captained my ship of death.”
“I may have.” The men’s eyes met and they fell silent, lost in their thoughts.
Evangeline put her arm around Mary and paused before she opened the door. “What have you been taught about married couples and their sleeping arrangements?”
“Oh …” She blushed. “That they always sleep separately.”
Nodding her head, she said softly. “Your brother and sister do not follow that practice. Do not be shocked.” She quietly opened the door to reveal Darcy still firmly wrapped around Elizabeth. Mary gasped, and blushed deeply. Evangeline quickly pulled her from the room. “There, they are well. Now when they wake, we will return.” She nodded and taking Mary’s hand, led her back down the stairs.
“That did not take long.” Fitzwilliam said and pulled out a chair for his wife.
De Bourgh settled Mary and studying her, fixed her a cup of tea. “Sugar?”
“Oh … yes.” She startled as the cup was placed before her. The cream was set by her side, as well as a plate of buns. She looked up to see his smile.
“My sisters like sweets when they are unhappy.”
She smiled a little and nodded. “Then we have something in common.”
Taking his seat again, he raised his brows to Evangeline. “News?”
“Sleeping.”
“Excellent.” He drew a deep breath and blew it out. “Wickham is where?”
“Newgate, I imagine.” Fitzwilliam mused. “Father was going to see what he could learn. That is why he was not rushing to come over here; he is awaiting word from his men.” He glanced at Mary who blushed and picked at her bun. “You stood up to Mother, I understand.”
“I am so embarrassed.” Mary whispered.
“No, no. She will fume, but she will like you better for it.” He assured her. “I cannot tell you how many times Elizabeth has done it to her, and Mother likes her enormously.” Fitzwilliam smiled and glanced at his wife.
“What are you thinking?”
“I think that your mother likes anyone who fights for family.”
“I think, my dear, that you are correct.” He reached out and took her hand, and they remained that way for quite some time.
ELIZABETH AWOKE and felt intense burning pain in her arm, and the heavy reassuring warmth of her husband’s embrace. With the laudanum worn off, she was fully aware for the first time since the attack. She turned her head a little and saw his bearded face resting on her pillow, and his blue eyes watching her. “Good morning.” He said hoarsely.
“Good morning.” She whispered. “We have not moved in some time.”
“Are you sore?”
“That is a silly question. Should I ask it of you?”
“Well my mind was addled.” He smiled a little and winced. “It still is.”
“So my fearsome husband’s legendary mind is suspect?”
“Love, my mind is not prepared for witty banter.” He sighed and snuggled against her. “How do you feel?”
“Weak.” She admitted.
“Hungry?” He whispered. “I am starving.”
“Me, too.” Elizabeth glanced at the bell pull.
Darcy watched her gaze and chuckled. “It is too far away.”
“I suppose that we can just wait for someone to visit and have mercy on us.”
“So far we have had Richard, Eva, and Mary, along with a constant parade of servants.”
“How do you know?”
“My mind is addled, not my ears.” He whispered and she laughed softly. “Ahhhhhhhhh, that is the balm to my soul, the sweet laughter of my love.”
“Do you know what would comfort me?”
“Tell me, dearest.”
“Going home to Pemberley.” She felt his lips on her ear. “Please?”
“As soon as we are able, love. I will drive the coach myself.”
Chapter 19
“Mr. Bennet, I beg you, do not do this!” Mrs. Bennet fretted and waved her handkerchief.He continued on with his steady writing, then sanding the ink, sealed the envelope and pulled the bell to summon Hill. “Yes sir?”
“I want this posted immediately.” He handed the letter over and watched as Mrs. Bennet moved to snatch it away. “I would just write another one.” He said frankly. “It is done, Mrs. Bennet. Jane will marry Robert Lucas. That announcement will soon be in the papers. I will speak to our pastor about purchasing the license. I will not have the banns read. I will not risk you standing up and objecting to them. I suggest that you and Lady Lucas find a way to live with this decision.”
“How can you do this?” She cried. “How can you condemn us in this way?”
“Condemn?” He stared at her in disbelief. “How exactly does Jane accepting the fine son of our neighbour condemn us?”
“Robert Lucas will care for his family first, and you know that he has no money! And you know that Mr. Darcy dislikes us.” She said angrily. “I see his disdain, and he only stays as long as necessary to rest his horses. He does not let me speak freely in my own home!” Mrs. Bennet glared at her husband. “You will die and he will do nothing for us. He will sit in his mansion and laugh. We will be tossed out with nowhere to go.”
“How do you form these ridiculous notions? Have you not spent the last year bragging about Mrs. Darcy to the disgust of all in our circle? I thought that you were happy with her triumphant marriage! Lizzy will be sure that you are cared for.”
“Lizzy! Ungrateful girl! I am sure that she is why Jane lost Mr. Bingley! She surely ruined her chances with Mr. Harwick, and I am certain that it was her impertinence that drove Mr. Stewart away.”
“So that is what is behind this? You were pleased with her success as long as you thought it would get Jane the same or better?” Mr. Bennet looked at her with new eyes. “You continue to be wilfully blind to everything that has happened around us, Mrs. Bennet. Stewart rejected our family, not Lizzy. Harwick rejected Jane and our family. Mr. Bingley … From what I understand he determined that he wishes to mature and be a success on his own before marriage. A normal and might I add, an admirable inclination for any young man, would that I had done such a thing! He was kind to let Jane be free to accept Mr. Lucas.”
“She deserves better!”
“She deserves happiness.” He
shook his head. “As for Mr. Darcy, he is kind enough to help with the girls’ schooling and has informed me that he will supplement Jane’s dowry substantially. If he has a difficult time spending time with us, it is not through any fault of his. I appreciate whatever tolerance he does afford.”
“He keeps Lizzy and the baby from us.” She sniffed.
“Well as I recall, you think that she failed her husband with a girl, and when did you ever wish to spend time with her? You just want to show off the baby as some sign of your success. You are angry that the Darcys have never made themselves available to be displayed to the neighbourhood.” Mr. Bennet watched her face redden and looked at her seriously. “It is Elizabeth who will save you, Mrs. Bennet. She is the one who will be sure to provide you with a home when I die. It is she who will convince her husband to set you up somewhere and keep you fed. It may not be at Pemberley, in fact, I sincerely doubt that it will be far from Longbourn, but it will be a home. I suggest that you start grovelling to both of them.” He glanced out of the window when he saw a rider appear and leap from his horse.
“Sir?” Hill appeared with a letter. “This express just arrived. The messenger is waiting for a reply.”
Ripping it open he read the letter through three times and let it drop to the desk. “My Lord.” He whispered.
“What is it, Mr. Bennet?” Mrs. Bennet demanded.
“Our daughter Lizzy was attacked during an attempted kidnapping of our granddaughter. Mr. Darcy fought the man and in the process was thrown to the ground and struck his head. Lizzy was shot.”
“Shot?” She cried. “Is she dead?”
“No … no, Gardiner says that she lost blood and is in great pain, they pray that the surgeon’s skill will prevent any further consequences.” He picked up the letter. “Mr. Darcy suffers from terrible headaches and is disoriented, but the baby is well, thankfully. This occurred three days ago, Gardiner wished to be sure of their road to recovery before alarming us with the news. She suffers with a fever, but it seems to not be worsening. Darcy must be frantic over her.” He closed his eyes and imagined his fearsome son-in-law and how gently he treated his daughter. Mr. Bennet was snapped out of his thoughts with his wife’s voice.
