by Jayne Bamber
“I do not know exactly,” Elizabeth said, chewing her lip. “I met Mr. Smythe, who I thought was very agreeable, and today he made some confusing insinuations about William.”
“Are they acquainted?”
“No, not at all. They have a mutual acquaintance, one that has given Mr. Smythe some insight, apparently, into William’s behavior when he was a young man.”
“I cannot think it right of him to say such things about William, to ingratiate himself with you by disparaging a family member.”
“His assertions made me uncomfortable. To own the truth, it made me wish to sever the acquaintance entirely, though he is so handsome. When I think about it… he said nothing of William that I had not once thought myself, and yet I realized that I have no wish to hold a grudge any longer against him. I have come to think better of him, to esteem him….”
“Do not use that insipid word again,” Charlotte cried. “You love him.”
“What if I do? Whatever will our family say? He ought to have been my brother, but I do not feel he ever could be, not when I feel as I do about him.”
“Then say so, Lizzy! Never in your life have you been so hesitant to make your sentiments known on any subject, and it ought to be the occasion on which you are the most vocal. Get rid of this rotten Mr. Smythe, and do not let go of William.”
Elizabeth laughed in spite of herself. “I wonder if you are secretly a romantic.”
“If I was, I should never admit it. At my age, prudence may prove to be the order of the day. If I grow any more desperate, I may take a crack at your Cousin Collins!”
“He should be so lucky,” Elizabeth giggled.
Charlotte grinned, her posture relaxing from their moment of tension before, and then she grew serious once more. “Truly, Lizzy, you need not fret over it. Talk to William. You have only run away from him, and it shall solve nothing. Have we not all resolved to rise above the mistakes of our past?”
Elizabeth sighed. “I hardly know what to say, but I shall think on it, I promise I shall.”
***
Henry Fitzwilliam slowly shut the window pane, flinching against the breeze; it was worth the chill, after what he had just overheard. He picked up the almanac off of his desk and leafed through it for a moment, and then smiled to himself as he came out of his study.
The walk to Darcy House was a brisk one, and had Richard not accompanied him, the earl’s confident self-satisfaction would have carried him thither all the same. Richard went directly to see Jane, having something very particular to ask her; the earl was shown into his sister’s private parlor, where she was seated by the fire.
“Henry, it is good to see you. Have you come to look in on Mamma?”
“I have come for a number of reasons, though Richard had one in particular.”
Anne’s eyes lit with joy. “Truly?”
“He is with Jane now.”
“Oh, my dear girl – I know she shall be so happy, at last.”
“Perhaps while Richard is making his declaration, I might have a word with you. Do you mind if I shut the door?”
“I suspected you would ask,” Anne replied. “I take it you have spoken with Edward?”
“Yes, he called a few days ago, and I have been mulling the matter over in my mind. I have gained some new insight, as it were, just this afternoon, and I believe I have a plan.”
Anne frowned skeptically at him, then looked away. “A plan? Can you tell me, Brother, what is it you hope to accomplish?”
Henry hesitated, noticing his sister wringing her hands and staring down at the rug. “Surely you would not wish them separated?”
“I hardly know. I have always considered Elizabeth to be William’s sister, but it appears I am outnumbered in that opinion.”
“My dear sister,” Henry said, taking a seat beside her. “I understand your feelings, though they are born out of sentiment, rather than being rooted in reality, I fear. I have had it from Elizabeth’s own lips that she does not think of William as a brother – that she never has, and never could. She is fond of him, yes, in a different way.”
Anne gasped. “She told you this?”
“Not exactly, but I heard her say as much to Charlotte. Thank Heaven the two of them are thick as thieves!”
“Oh, but why can she not be open with us?”
“Do not fret, Sister. We all had our secrets from Mamma, did we not? And we had not nearly so much strife in the family.” He shook his head and scowled. “Elizabeth ought never have come to London to live with Edward. He loves her, but he has failed her for years, and I have been trying, through some scheme or other, to get her out of his house – she ought to marry, as I have been saying all along, but when I put Richard forward, nobody would hear of it! We all want what is best for her, and we had better come to some agreement on the matter, and soon.”
“I wish you would not say such things about Edward. There is no reason to push her to marry, when I am sure Lizzy is content with him.”
“Edward is my friend, but he is an indolent guardian, and it is a miracle Elizabeth has not fallen prey to a fortune hunter already – had we not been in mourning for George, and then Olivia, had she been out more, I shudder to think of what might have happened.”
“Henry!”
“Do you not want grandchildren, Anne?”
“Henry, you are horrible!”
“I am an old man who wants his children and nieces and nephew to find love and happiness – and security! If I have to pair them all up amongst themselves and march them down the aisle, then by God, that is what I shall do!”
Anne sighed. “I could approve of it, if I were to hear it from her, or him – or both, that would be ideal. Oh, why must they be so secretive?”
Henry laughed and made a droll face at her. “Yes, I recall when you met George, the first thing you did was run to Mamma, telling her of your passion for him.”
“That was different.”
“No, it was not. Listen to me, Anne. I cannot speak for William, but I can tell you that Elizabeth is not going to confide in you until she has come to some understanding with William, and she will not accomplish that until she has some opportunity to sort through her feelings and find the courage to speak to him. We may very well be the last to hear of anything, when it comes to matters of the heart.”
“I suppose you are right. Jane was terrified to tell us of her feelings for George Wickham, and yet we were so supportive.”
“Fear is never rational my dear, and neither is Elizabeth just now.”
Anne chewed her lip. “It would not seem strange, Lizzy and William?”
“Seem strange to whom?”
“To all the world, I suppose. They are nearly brother and sister in the eyes of society, I am sure.”
“Hang society!”
“I suppose that is just what Lizzy and William would say, too,” she mused.
“You see? Aha, I see it in your eyes; you know I am right.”
Anne gave him a playful huff. “You are worse than Mamma.”
“Fighting words indeed! Come now, Anne, I would have you say that you support them.”
“If it is what they want, I shall, but it seems to me that if that were so, Lizzy would not have left us.”
“It is precisely why she left you, but that is beside the point. I shall need your cooperation, Sister, for I mean to tell you my plan....”
17
Darcy paced the drawing room of Matlock House, peering out of the window and watching the snowfall grow heavier, waiting for Elizabeth and Sir Edward to arrive. What madness on his uncle’s part, expecting anybody to leave their home on such a night!
He could not repine that Aunt Catherine and her daughter had left Matlock House, unable to resist the temptation of dining with a marquess, despite the family’s celebration. However, the Bingleys had been sensible in declining the invitation, and he could scarcely account for his mother’s uncharacteristic insistence that they attend. Even Mary, who had remain
ed at home with their grandmother, had been adamant that the others attend the earl, who was eager to celebrate Richard and Jane’s betrothal.
Across the room, Richard tore himself away from Jane and the other ladies and approached Darcy. “I believe it is your turn to congratulate me, Cousin.”
Darcy peered out the window, glowering at the snow. “What madness to travel in this weather! I am happy for you, truly Richard, but if any harm befalls Elizabeth, I shall box your father’s ears!”
Richard laughed and clapped Darcy on the shoulder. “They are just coming from across the square. I thought you would be eager to see her.”
“Not if it puts her at risk. I have done my week of waiting, as you said, and I cannot help but feel a sense of foreboding, as if the rug is about to be pulled from under my feet.”
“Look, there is Sir Edward’s carriage now. She is safe and sound, and in very fine looks!”
“She is freezing – see how she runs for the house!”
“You ought to go and warm her.”
Darcy scowled. “Do not be vulgar, Richard – and do not think to take any liberties with Jane, either. She is still my sister!”
“There’s the affable Darcy we all know and love,” Richard guffawed. “You know just how to woo a lady!”
Darcy rolled his eyes at Richard and moved away; Sir Edward and Elizabeth were in the house now, and making their entrance. Lady Anne and Jane were the first to greet them, and Darcy waited patiently from the back of the room as Elizabeth offered Jane her effusive congratulations. He watched her, mesmerized by the way she moved through the room; he silently willed her to look his way.
She glanced around, and finally caught his eye; her cheeks flushed red and she gave him just the trace of a smile with her perfect lips before she looked away. He watched her still, and she gazed back at him again; this time her bright eyes locked on his, beckoning like a siren’s call. At that moment, Darcy knew he was utterly lost.
He went to her, but had scarcely the time to speak before dinner was called. Heartened by the disappointment in her face when they were interrupted, he offered his arm to lead her into the dining room. “We are an intimate family party tonight,” said he. “I hope you would sit with me, Elizabeth. I have missed you.”
She gazed up at him and smiled, blushing once more. “And I you, William.”
***
Elizabeth reminded herself to breathe as William led her into the dining room. He guided her to a chair between himself and Jane, with Uncle Edward on his other side. Charlotte quickly inserted herself between her brothers to take the chair opposite Elizabeth, and Lady Anne was left to sit on the countess’s right-hand side, across from Uncle Edward. Though she was seated farthest from Jane and Elizabeth, their mother warmly regarded them with a wide smile as she took her place.
The Earl was grinning at them too, and patted Jane’s hand as he took his place at the head of the table. “Oh, my dear girls, what a happy day!”
Elizabeth grinned at her uncle – she had never in her life seen him so very giddy, and yet his peculiarly high spirits served to put her own strangely at ease. He signaled the footmen to begin pouring wine, and before their food could make it to the table, Richard had leapt to his feet at his father’s side, holding his glass aloft as he smiled down at Jane.
“You see before you the happiest of men,” Richard declared with a broad smile. “I would have you all know that this morning I officially tendered the resignation of my commission – I am no longer a Colonel, merely Mr. Fitzwilliam, and the most beautiful woman I have ever beheld shall soon become Mrs. Fitzwilliam.”
The earl and countess began to cheer with undignified enthusiasm, and before long the others at the table had joined in. Jane bowed her head to conceal her blushing laughter, and finally Richard, laughing along with them, waved his hand in the air.
“Yes, yes, it is long overdue, but it is done. The Scottish pile shall be sold next week, and then you are all very welcome to join us for some very merry house-hunting.”
“Not in this weather,” Aunt Phyllis harrumphed, giving a fair impression of the absent Lady Eleanor.
Richard shook his head in good humor and sat down, his eyes never leaving Jane. Elizabeth watched her sister meet Richard’s gaze, and break into the most breathtakingly beautiful smile. Elizabeth felt her eyes begin to mist over, and she dabbed them discreetly.
William had been relatively silent until now; he cleared his throat and raised his glass at Richard. “I am delighted for you both,” said he. “Perhaps, by and by, I shall give some little offense to my neighbors, and we may yet have a house become vacant right next door!”
Jane and Richard both gaped at William for a moment before sputtering with laughter. “Invite Aunt Catherine around more often,” John drawled, “I am sure you shall meet with success ere long.”
Beside him, Lady Anne swatted at her nephew. “That is hardly fair – Catherine is not present to defend herself.”
John made a droll face and turned the subject. “Speaking of nefarious schemes, and those who are not present to defend themselves....” He flicked his gaze over to Richard. “Shall I have any success, do you think, in persuading you and the ladies to consider a double wedding?”
“Oh, but I should like nothing better,” Jane exclaimed. “How happy Caroline will be!”
“I hoped you might say that,” John replied. “And if Mary would keep up, Caroline’s brother might wish to join us at the altar as well!” John laughed and looked around, and then seemed to abruptly realize that Mary was not actually present at the table to respond to his teasing. He looked momentarily embarrassed, and the rest of the family chided him with laughter.
Elizabeth had relaxed enough to join in the merriment, and even braved a glance at William. He felt her gaze and looked over, still laughing at John. Waggling his eyebrows at Elizabeth, William cast a mischievous sideward glance at his cousins and screwed up his face, as Elizabeth laughed at him, and smiled in spite of herself, relieved she could feel so at ease with him after their last encounter.
At length, the earl cleared his throat and loudly addressed the entire table. “It occurs to me you were all quite cross with me not so very long ago, yet now we jest about the very outcome I desired in the first place. Well, I have never been one to say I told you so, but now is as good a time as any,” he said with a laugh. “Two sons married, and two nieces as well ere long!”
“Mr. Bingley and Mary are only courting, Brother,” Lady Anne reminded him.
“Well, at least it is something,” the earl said. “Now I can only wonder who should be next. William? Lizzy?”
“Father!” All three of his children regarded him with varying degrees of amusement and chagrin.
“Well,” he huffed. “William has no mind to heed Catherine’s wishes regarding her daughter, so surely he must have some other young lady in mind, now that he is back in London. And Miss Lizzy here has been receiving a gentleman caller, or so I hear.”
Four sets of eyes peered across the table at her, and Elizabeth unconsciously sank down a little in her chair, afraid to look over and meet William’s eye – she stared down at her plate of untouched food, groaning internally. Further down the table, Uncle Edward came to Elizabeth’s defense, to her complete and fervently grateful astonishment. “Lizzy has no designs at all upon that fellow, I am sure – he really had her looking quite cross when last they met, just like every gentleman you have suggested for her, Henry.”
The earl gave an indignant snort, fell silent a moment, and then laughed it off. “You have got me there, old friend,” he said, and took a long drink of wine.
Charlotte inclined her head, attempting to make Elizabeth meet her eye, and slowly she smiled. “What if it is me, Papa?” Charlotte teased. Elizabeth looked over and mouthed a small, silent thank you to her cousin for the deflection, and Charlotte continued. “I may yet set my cap at Mr. Collins, for all I have been hearing of Longbourn lately.”
Uncle Edwar
d laughed. “I do believe he means to quit the place ere long, or so he tells me. He wishes to reside here in London.”
“Most convenient,” Charlotte quipped with a smirk, eliciting more laughter from around the table.
“I only wish you as happy as your brothers, my dear,” the earl said gently. “Set your cap at whoever you like – even William here is fair game!”
Charlotte blanched, and the rest of their party fell silent for a moment; Elizabeth flinched as the air in the room began to feel heavier. Elizabeth’s instincts screamed at her to run away, to simply get up from the table and run as far away from the dining room as she could, and she looked down at her lap in some confusion for a moment, until William very subtly reached over and took her hand in his.
He gave her hand a squeeze and entwined his fingers with hers as he turned to address her uncle. “You say Collins means to quit Longbourn? It would be a most convenient thing, for I understand our mutual friend Bingley wishes to purchase an estate. Perhaps it may all work out to everyone’s satisfaction.”
“As to that, Collins tells me he is urging Mr. Bingley to go up to Hertfordshire with him when the weather clears up, and take a look at a neighboring estate – Netherfield, I believe it is called. It is vacant now, and as I recall, very grand indeed.”
William finally released Elizabeth’s hand as he continued conversing with her uncle, and the rest of the meal passed without any more discussion of marriage, nor any further cause of alarm to Elizabeth, and though she could scarcely touch her food, she took comfort in the wine.
***
As they were a small party, there was no separation of the sexes after supper, and everyone stood to adjourn to the drawing room together. William offered Elizabeth his arm once more, but moved rather slowly, until all the others had gone through before them.
“Are you quite well, Elizabeth?”
“I am, thank you,” she said softly.
“You are not angry with me? All week, I have been rather afraid you were.”
