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

by Wells, Linda

  “As you just confirmed, two men must die before that happens, and you may very well leave this earth before them.” De Bourgh glared then noticed Lydia, who was giggling and disturbingly, sending inviting looks directly at him. He shook his head and looked back at Collins. “So who is this fortunate woman?”

  “Mrs. Bennet has graciously suggested her eldest unmarried girl. I intend to stay near her as much as possible today. She has recently reached seventeen years; you will agree that is quite the acceptable age for marriage!” He started when he heard de Bourgh’s hiss.

  “Miss Mary Bennet?”

  Collins nodded and spoke cautiously. “She has not the beauty of her sisters, she is not as …robust, however, she seems to have the proper demeanour that makes her an ideal helpmate as a vicar’s wife and will provide the perfect example of deference that her husband would require. I took the opportunity to observe her at my cousin, Mrs. Lucas’ wedding. She is shy, which is a lovely testament to her delicacy, and I know that she will serve me well, and with her mother’s sanction, I cannot help but see her by my side very soon. Certainly her father would agree.” Misreading the man’s blank face for approval, he continued on with his quest. “However, we return to my concern, I would require a better position and abode before taking her. Will you consider my offer to accept the living at Hunsford when you give your brother his own estate? After all, we are family.”

  “FAMILY?” De Bourgh’s hands twitched. “By what convoluted formula do you arrive at that?”

  Collins’ attention was distracted by the sound of Mrs. Bennet calling out excitedly. He bobbed. “Ah, my cousin arrives. I must approach Mrs. Bennet so that she may arrange the proper introduction to my future wife.”

  “Collins!” The vicar called, and the small man immediately changed directions.

  Lucas leaned in. “If you follow through and take him off to Kent, I would be greatly appreciative. I have no desire to have him as neighbour, let alone brother.”

  “Well that display certainly explains the opinions of my parishioners and their relief at my appointment. What a fool he is!” Michael de Bourgh said in amazement as he joined the conversation. “Of course if you wish to split Rosings, I will not turn down the offer.” He chuckled and then looked at his brother whose anger was displayed in his bared teeth and focussed gaze. “Peter?”

  “Wife?” De Bourgh finally spoke. “He insults her! Miss Mary will do far better than the likes of him, of that you may be sure. He is fortunate I do not carry my sword any longer or he would feel the flat of the blade across his back!” De Bourgh’s eyes bore into the retreating figure of the scurrying man. Breathing heavily, he regained control of himself, and looked up when he heard an increase in the volume of conversation around the front of the house. The Darcys had arrived, “What took them so long? It is only a mile from the church!” He watched the family greetings and nodded to Darcy when he looked up and smiled, but his eyes fixed on Mary. He had gazed at her as much as he dared during the service, but the family had quickly disappeared afterwards and he only hoped they would come to the breakfast. “She has changed.”

  Michael looked at her and laughed at his brother. “She is different. Perhaps she is a slowly blooming rose.”

  “I saw her come to life at Pemberley.” Lucas felt Jane come to stand by his side. “Do you not agree, my dear? Mary changed there?”

  “Yes, she did. She embraced everything that she was given. She chose not to be intimidated by the greatness of the estate.” Jane looked down as Lucas entwined his fingers with hers. “She is changing inside and out.”

  “She is already lovely.” De Bourgh murmured.

  “And you are lost.” Nudging him, Michael managed to draw his attention. “Well?”

  “She is far too young.”

  “Our sisters married at seventeen and eighteen.”

  “They were far too young, and you know it.” He smiled at Mary’s blushes. “And I am so old.”

  “Yes, I hear your bones creaking now. There is a chill in the air; shall I find you a comforter?” Michael laughed. “You are only ten years older.”

  “Eleven.” He sighed. “She deserves better. She deserves a chance to see what Darcy’s name can give her.”

  “Peter, I realize that you are still adjusting to living on land, but someday the truth will dawn on you that you are master of a great estate, and the de Bourgh name is hardly one to be avoided. You have as much or more to offer her as any man.” He gave him a shove. “Go.”

  Before de Bourgh could respond, their mother swooped over and whispered, “Good heavens Peter, if you do not wipe that silly besotted look off of your face, Darcy will die trying to contain his laughter and that poor child you have fixed upon will die of embarrassment!”

  “What?” De Bourgh jumped and Michael laughed.

  “Now, take me over there and introduce me to her.”

  “Mother … I …” He spluttered.

  “Oh very well, go greet her on your own, but I will be waiting.” She raised her brows. “I want to meet Mrs. Darcy, as well.” She turned around to Michael. “Where is your wife?”

  He started. “She is …” He glanced around to see Charlotte hugging Elizabeth and relaxed. “Come Mother, I will introduce you to Mrs. Darcy.”

  Mrs. de Bourgh looked at her eldest son. “Peter!”

  He startled again and straightening his coat, he walked through the crowd to find Darcy watching his progress. De Bourgh’s focus fell on Mary. He drew in a deep breath and smiled at her, and delighted in the instant and becoming blush spreading over her cheeks. His smile grew, and he called out to his cousin.

  “Darcy!”

  “I was wondering when you would encourage your feet to move.” The men clasped hands and clapped backs. “Are you well? You look as if you have just gone ten rounds with Tom Cribb!”

  “I hope not, then I would be on the losing end of things.” He smiled. “What took you so long? The church is not in London.” Examining Darcy’s contracted pupils, he nodded. “I take it that preventative measures were necessary?”

  Darcy’s smile reduced and he murmured, “It seems that crowded circumstances are to be challenging for me.” He sighed and shrugged. “I just hope to stave off anything debilitating, it is not so bad right now and if we were at home I would not have taken a dose, but my in-laws seem to inspire the worst. I have had a good run of things for a little over a week. However that is not the reason for our delay. We needed to address a problem with my wife’s dress and stopped off at Longbourn.” He laughed at the single man’s confusion and thought of Elizabeth begging him to relieve the pressure in her painful and leaking breasts while Millie hurriedly had a fresh gown pressed, and how he bargained with her to relieve her need if she relieved his.

  “Oh.” De Bourgh studied the warmth that radiated from his expression. “I see. So you are feeling well?”

  “Better.” He corrected and saw that Charlotte had at last relinquished Elizabeth and moved on to greet Mary and Georgiana. Elizabeth came to Darcy’s side and wrapped her hand around his arm.

  De Bourgh smiled to see her assessing her husband, and the expression displaying satisfaction when Darcy’s chuckle rumbled through his chest. “Mrs. Darcy, you look very well indeed, the time at Pemberley seems to have done both you and your husband a great deal of good.”

  Elizabeth laughed when he bowed to kiss her hand. “It was precisely the rest we needed, but we were poorer for not having your company. I do hope that you might choose to visit us there one day?”

  “I will, just as I would enjoy your company at Rosings; however this summer I felt that I should experience my first harvest on the spot, instead of through the post.” He saw Darcy’s approval. “I knew you would appreciate that.”

  Darcy pursed his lips and contained his smile. “And I have no doubt that it was stated purely to test my reaction.”

  De Bourgh chuckled then noticed Collins making his way over to the Bennets. “Darcy, may I have a w
ord in private for a moment?”

  “Certainly, Elizabeth …”

  “I will just go and greet my parents.” Elizabeth smiled.

  “No.” De Bourgh interrupted. They turned to look at him. His face coloured, and leaning to the couple, he whispered. “Collins is planning to approach Mrs. Bennet to ask for an introduction to his future wife, Mary.” He looked at his boots. “I would not wish such a match on any good woman.”

  “I see.” Darcy saw Elizabeth’s wide eyes. “Perhaps you and I should speak to Mr. Bennet?”

  “Darcy, I am not ready to …begin …”

  “Yes, but we must let him know that one day you will be.” Darcy’s gaze met de Bourgh’s. “Correct?”

  “I … I will not push her. She must know that surely there are others who would care.” He looked back to her talking with Charlotte and smiled a little. “She is so young.”

  Darcy sighed. “Do you wish to leave her vulnerable? A daughter married to Collins would guarantee that Bennet blood remains at Longbourn, somewhere in that man there must be some pride for his heritage.” Darcy inwardly groaned at de Bourgh’s reticence. “I will speak to him if you are not prepared.”

  “Yes.” De Bourgh nodded at last. “That is fine.”

  “And I am sure that Mama will be delighted to witness such a rich gentleman speaking to my sisters, and will shoo away Mr. Collins.” Elizabeth smiled and lifted her brow.

  “Perhaps to one sister more than the other?” De Bourgh laughed and relaxed. “Thank you, I shall take your advice.” He turned around and offered his smile first to Georgiana. “Miss Darcy, your trip was pleasant?”

  “Oh, yes sir. It was.” Georgiana smiled. “I hope that your journey was as well?”

  De Bourgh tilted his head and studied her. “It was; thank you, the roads are very good between here and Rosings.” Catching Georgiana looking to Elizabeth, he noticed her warm smile and nod of approval, then turned at last to Mary. “Miss Bennet.” He bowed low, and gazing into her eyes, took her hand. “May I wish you a very happy belated birthday? I am sorry, but I only just learned of your freedom from childhood.”

  “Oh.” Mary blushed. “Thank you.”

  “I should have known by the beautiful gown you wear, this shade of green is very becoming.” He let go and his smile grew. “How did you know this was my favourite colour?”

  “It was in your journal.” She saw the delight in his eyes and blushed anew. “Lizzy … She thought I could use a new dress for the wedding and I …” Mary halted and cast her eyes down.

  “It is beautiful. And if it was for my benefit, I thank you.” Rewarded by her gaze returning to his, he sighed. “My memory has not done you justice, or is it that you have changed so much since we last met? You also seem to have benefitted by your time at Pemberley. I look forward to hearing all of your adventures.”

  “I hardly had adventures sir, unless you mean the ones that I enjoyed within the abundance of books I had the opportunity to read.” She bit her lip. “It was a wonderful education to learn so many things of the world. I … I decided to … follow your travels.”

  “You did?” He laughed, and without thought slipped her hand onto his arm and looked at her eagerly. “Tell me!”

  “Oh.” Mary blushed and stared at his gloved hand resting over hers, then up to his eyes. She caught Elizabeth watching and nodding encouragingly. “It … it was Lizzy’s idea. She told me that last winter when Fitzwilliam kept her from her walking; she took the journal from his grand tour and followed his progress with an atlas, and read travel books and histories about the places he visited.” She saw de Bourgh smile and nod, and continued. “And when he learned what she was doing, he joined her, and they spent months going through each journal entry, and he would tell her stories of his adventures. They plan to continue this winter.”

  De Bourgh looked up to find Darcy listening. “How long was your trip?”

  “Nine months.” Darcy smiled.

  His brow furrowed. “And …where are you in your storytelling?”

  Elizabeth leaned on Darcy’s shoulder. “I believe that we have just reached the Alps? On your way south.” Darcy nodded and de Bourgh stared.

  “You must be full of adventures or your storytelling defies the paucity of your conversation with anyone other than your fair wife.”

  Darcy smiled and raised Elizabeth’s hand to his lips. “I am easily distracted by a very willing pupil.”

  “Who is eager to be educated.” She laughed.

  De Bourgh cleared his throat and darted a glance at Mary. She was smiling at the couple, but he was unsure if she understood why they were glowing. “I would enjoy hearing your analysis of my travels as a young lad.”

  “I would like to know of your travels in the years since then.” Mary said softly. “You have had such wonderful opportunities.”

  “I have, and seen things I can scarcely describe. I believe it was a far richer education than I might have earned in years of formal schooling.” He paused and looked down at his boots. “Surely you did other things than concentrate on my boyish musings.”

  “She danced.” Georgiana offered and gave Mary a nudge. Darcy and Elizabeth laughed when de Bourgh’s head snapped back up. “She was asked to dance by many young men at the Harvest Home last week. She wore this gown there, as well. Just to try it out.” Georgiana giggled when Mary glared at her and blushed. “Oh, there is Kitty, I think I will go and see her.” She dashed off and Mary looked up to see an unfamiliar look in de Bourgh’s eyes.

  “Did you enjoy your dances?” He said carefully.

  “I … It was my first opportunity to apply what I had learned at school.”

  “Of course. Schooling for you would be an equal adventure to mine at sea.”

  “I was thinking, de Bourgh, we will be in town for about a fortnight before the girls start school. Perhaps you might join Elizabeth and me in escorting Mary around for a few evenings? Perhaps take in a performance or two?” Darcy felt Elizabeth’s foot step on his boot and resting his hand on the small of her back, he rubbed. “Just to round out the group?”

  De Bourgh turned to Mary and smiled brilliantly. “I would be honoured to partner you, Miss Bennet.”

  Her smile lit up her face. “I … I would … I would like that, sir.”

  Across the room, Lydia watched the couples smiling at each other. “What is Captain de Bourgh doing smiling at Mary?”

  Kitty leaned and looked. “Oh, he is so handsome! I stared at him the whole time he was standing up with his brother. I know that Maria was hoping that he would smile at her during the service, but she was too shy to look up to this face.”

  “He is lovely.” Georgiana sighed. “But he is also sweet on Mary.”

  “What?” Kitty and Lydia turned and stared at her.

  Georgiana smiled. “He is.”

  “What would any handsome man want with her? What a joke!” Lydia declared, then an idea struck her. “He just does not know any better.” Adjusting her skirts she started to move forward. Kitty’s eyes widened and she looked at Georgiana.

  “What are you going to do?” Georgiana asked. “They obviously missed seeing each other. Please leave them alone.”

  “Oh, Mary will have him bored to tears in a minute. I will just rescue him.” Lydia set off before they could stop her.

  “Kitty, I know that she is your sister, but I am so glad that she is not going to school with us.” Georgiana said fervently.

  “Well, soon you will see why I am glad, too.” Kitty watched her sister’s hips start to sway and closed her eyes.

  “Captain de Bourgh!” Lydia arrived and stood directly in front of him. Mary instantly let go of his arm and clasped her hands before her. De Bourgh frowned and turned his gaze to the girl. “Maria Lucas said that you are a sea captain.”

  “I was, yes.”

  “Where is your uniform? I love to see a man in a fine uniform; it makes him so much more handsome.”

  “I am retired.”
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br />   “Oh.” She glanced at Mary, and took his arm. “Will you escort me to the refreshment table?”

  “I was having a conversation with your sister, Miss Lydia. You interrupted us.” He said sternly and removed her hand.

  “What can she have to say that is interesting? All she speaks about is sermons, she goes on and on about such boring subjects, it makes your head spin! I never listen to her! Now, Mama said that you are very rich and have a great house. Is it nearby? You must give a ball! We can go and dance and dance! I would be very happy to dance with you!”

  “Miss Lydia, you are far too young to attend a ball, a lady waits to be asked to dance, and fortunately my home is too far away to chance your arriving unexpectedly.” Seeing her beginning to pout he grew annoyed. “Your sister Mary has undoubtedly learned a great deal and you would do well to listen, she can teach you how to behave like a lady, as she does. And your sisters Elizabeth and Jane can do the same.”

  “All Jane cares about is Mr. Lucas, I see them all over the place, making eyes at each other and kissing. At least they are fun to watch.” Georgiana blushed and looked at her feet as Lydia continued on. “Lizzy is rich, but she never buys me anything.” She glared at her. “And she did not invite me to town when they were there this summer.”

  “Your sister and brother were very ill, Miss Lydia.” De Bourgh said coldly.

  “Oh, I know. Mama went on and on about how we would be thrown in the hedgerows because Lizzy was going to die and Mr. Darcy would not take care of us.” She nodded and Darcy, hearing his name, turned and stared at her. “He is hateful.”

  “Miss Lydia.” De Bourgh’s voice was low. “Curb your voice.”

  “But everything will be fine now that Mary is to marry Mr. Collins.”

  “What?” Mary’s hands flew up to her mouth.

  De Bourgh looked at Mary quickly and turned to her sister. “Miss Lydia, you have no business repeating unfounded gossip.”

  “It is not gossip!” She said stubbornly. “Mama said that he would marry her and save Longbourn. After all it is just Mary …”