by Massey, Beth
Her uncle reacted to her words with vehemence. “Elizabeth you did nothing wrong.”
His forcefulness was unexpected but appreciated. She moved her gaze to her uncle and matched his vehemence. Lizzy practically spat out her words. “Oh yes Uncle, I did. Papa asked me not to be silly, and I acted in a most nonsensical manner. I was flattered by the attention I was receiving from such prestigious persons—my pride knew no bounds. But you are correct on one matter, I am not guilty of impropriety. Mrs Darcy delivered me to her cousin like a lamb to the slaughter.”
Elizabeth paused for effect. “Lord Wolfbridge should not be given access to this child. One thing I forgot to tell you yesterday was that he wanted me because I look like a little girl.” When she saw her uncle’s eyes match hers in anger, she exhaled and silently prayed her words were working.
Mrs Gardiner shuddered at her statement. Lizzie softened and gave her aunt a sad smile. “Even at fifteen, I know that is wrong. I did not understand his teasing me about whether Papa often had to punish me for being naughty. In my need to be liked by such an important man, I was wooed into believing his attention meant I was special—even if he asked odd questions. Though I must live with the shame of that foolishness, I will never forgive or forget his depravity.” Lizzy could not contain a brittle burst of laughter. “Despite the unchristian nature of such sentiment, I would kill him if I thought I could escape the gallows.”
Elizabeth quickly bowed her head. Her uncle was certain if he could see her face, it would be streaked with tears. His wife was now openly crying, and he could feel his own emotions threatening to overwhelm him. She was right—Lord Wolfbridge was depraved. He had taken a beautiful, lively, young girl, and tried to destroy her spirit all in the interest of enjoying some dissolute sport. What kind of cruel monster was he? The next moment, Lizzy lifted her head, and he was startled to see determination rather than tears. Though it was not what he expected, Mr Gardiner was pleased to see her look of resolve. She would never be the same joyful being from before; but the look in her eyes was not of one broken in defeat.
Elizabeth continued, “I am aware my own happiness has been significantly curtailed, but this child must be given a chance. My hope is that there is a place I may go for my confinement and hide my disgrace… even from my parents. Please Uncle Edward, Aunt Margaret, help me with a solution that would protect the good name of our family while not banishing me forever from the comfort of my loving home.”
Mrs Gardiner shot a furtive glance at her husband before she started speaking. “Elizabeth, your uncle and I have also given considerable thought to your dilemma. In the beginning, we both felt the most prudent thing to do was to aid your father in persuading Lord Wolfbridge to marry you. However, your point about concern for this child is valid.” She gave her niece’s hand a squeeze before she continued. “Besides, we both concluded he would most likely refuse, and the attempt to make him do the honourable thing would risk your circumstances becoming known to society. If that happened, his family would weather the storm of scandal and disapproval, but ours would probably not. Those from the highest circles are always forgiven their indiscretions… particularly if the compromised is of lower status. And most importantly, the burden of blame always falls to the woman… and in your case, a mere child of a woman.”
Mr Gardiner was still smarting with Elizabeth’s revelations and he scowled as he spoke, “I had an acquaintance, Mr Thatcher, make some inquiries. I wanted to determine whether Lord Wolfbridge had mentioned compromising a young woman to anyone. He did talk about the incident at White’s, but did not mention your name. None of the staff at Darcy House has been heard gossiping about his being alone with you. If your father and I confront him to make him wed you, we definitely run the risk of your violation becoming public.”
Elizabeth sighed, and her shoulders slumped. Her plan was not going exactly as she hoped. Her uncle was still debating the merits of a marriage to the Viscount with himself. In desperation she spoke to Mr Gardiner. “Uncle, I beg you not to tell my father of my silliness and humiliation. Being married to Lord Wolfbridge would force me into…” her voice was choked with stifled sobs. “I would not be able to bear having him touch me. If he ever did, I would…” Leaving her morbid thought dangling, she whispered, “There must be some other course of action.”
Mrs Gardiner knew they had frightened her with talk of marriage. She must pull her niece out of this despair. She smiled consolingly and said, “Elizabeth, your uncle and I also discussed a plan to raise the baby as our own. You, Susan and I will go to Derbyshire to my family. My Cousin Jamie is a physician and his housekeeper is a midwife. They can deliver the baby. He and my Aunt Wilder have a small and loyal staff with no near neighbours. They are very adept at keeping secrets. My father, aunt and cousin will all be very sympathetic to your plight.” She laughed nervously and added, “… particularly when they learn the circumstances of your violation.”
Mrs Gardiner’s demeanour became more serious as she continued. “The plan we discussed is that before we leave, we will disclose to family, staff and friends that I am with child, and that you are needed to help me through what is proving to be a difficult confinement. Once I am in Derbyshire, we will communicate that my cousin thinks it unwise for me to travel, and you and I must remain in Derbyshire until I give birth. Your uncle and I thoroughly discussed the dangers of others learning of your predicament. Though it pains us to hide the situation from your parents, we agree with you that it is safer to withhold the truth from them.”
Animation and determination returned to Lizzy’s countenance. “Oh Aunt, Uncle, you are truly wonderful to protect me. Your plan is perfect and so very generous.” Elizabeth again patted her stomach, and her uncle noticed a flicker of light had returned to her eyes as she spoke. “With remarkable parents as you, this baby will thrive.”
Elizabeth hugged her aunt and hesitated only a few seconds before she embraced her uncle. She took her uncle’s hands and chose the moment to make an appeal she had been considering. “I do have one other request… it is actually more of a need I am unable to shake. It is dangerous and would mean revealing to others I am with child.” She saw Mr Gardiner stiffen at her words. “Uncle, hear me out before you disapprove. Lord Wolfbridge and Mrs Darcy should be made to feel some anguish for what they have done to me. My desire to seek justice is not the prudent course; but, alas, my heart demands vengeance. If you would allow me to confront those despicable people, I could force them to pay for my silence—enough to help provide the baby with an education if it is a boy or a small dowry if it is a girl. I also wish to gain enough that you could invest some so Mama will be provided for when Papa dies.” She ignored the shocked look on her aunt and uncle’s faces and continued as though her request was entirely reasonable. “Do you believe it would be too much to ask for three thousand pounds each from Lord Wolfbridge and the Darcys?”
Mr Gardiner put his arm around his niece. “Lizzy, it is not worth the risk of your violation being exposed. My business is thriving. Your aunt and I can afford to raise this child, and I am prepared to help my sister when the time comes.”
“Uncle, you have always been kind and generous. Your way is to always look forward and plan for any eventuality… unlike my father. I love Papa, and I am glad he has taught me so many things, but I hope to emulate you as I grow to adulthood—protective, loving, devoted to my family. I promise my abominable pride, which got us into this dilemma, is now under good regulation. From this day forward, I will be proud of what I accomplish, and not who I know. Let me do this one thing for my babe and my Mama. If I am successful, I know you could make the six thousand pounds grow.”
After days of listening to numerous variations of her argument, the Gardiners conceded to Elizabeth’s wish. Mr and Mrs Gardiner even began to share her need for revenge. It seemed a more useful emotion than wallowing in the guilt they had felt as they had first evaluated the incident.
Her aunt could not shake her own feelings of re
sponsibility for the tragedy. Her remorse often became anger as she remembered the particular facts of the entrapment. She too had been flattered by Mrs Darcy’s interest, and it was she who made the decision to allow a fifteen-year-old child under her care to go alone to Darcy House. Her example had encouraged Lizzy to be deceived by persons placed so high in society.
Mr Gardiner remembered his older sister caring for him as a young boy. As the oldest, she had taken very seriously her responsibilities toward her younger siblings. She never let his hand go and had even carried him when necessary. Their mother had told her to keep her baby brother from harm’s way, and she had carried out her mission as vigilantly as she currently attempted to marry off her daughters. He had failed Fanny as well as his niece. The possible advantages to his business from the connections had taken precedence over his duty to protect his sister’s child from a predator. The notion that those with titles and inherited wealth must be honourable frequently caused him to laugh at his opportunistic denial. The papers were filled with their outrageous scandals. Poor Lizzy chastised herself for her pride, but he was a man of the world who had acted like a naive schoolboy. The couple even began recalling numerous warning signs they should have heeded as they remembered their dealings with the perpetrators of this crime against their beloved Elizabeth.
Mr Thatcher made additional discreet inquiries to find out useful information about both the Darcys and Lord Wolfbridge. Finally, Mr Gardiner felt they were prepared and sent a note to Darcy House requesting a meeting with Mr and Mrs Darcy and Lord Wolfbridge. He thought about using his solicitor to make the request, but Lizzy felt strongly that no lawyers be involved to ensure secrecy. Within two days, Mr Darcy agreed to the meeting for the following Tuesday.
As with the fateful day of her humiliation, Elizabeth dressed carefully for her trip to Darcy House. Then she had been a youthful harbinger of spring filled with joyful expectations for a day spent in her new friend’s beautiful solarium. This morning she chose to wear the fashionable new gown her uncle had encouraged her to have made; she suspected in hopes of raising her spirits. It was made from such unique material that she had decided to forgo all but the barest ornamentation. Her mother would not have approved, but Elizabeth had felt it wrong to gild the lily and detract from the novel beauty of the cloth. She also felt the absence of fol-de-rols promoted a more sedate image that was in keeping with her mission.
Elizabeth smiled at the mirror. The reflection that returned her greeting was a young woman in a beautiful dress of glistening verdant silk. Turning from side to side to admire her new frock, she observed how the movement made the colour and design of the fabric appear as water cascading to the tops of her slippers. Her attention was next drawn to the bodice of the gown, and Lizzy noticed how the dressmaker had draped it in such a way to modestly accent her newly acquired bosom. Suddenly she wrinkled her nose in remembered disgust and wondered whether that feature might bring a twinge of disappointment to Lord Wolfbridge. Returning to more pleasant thoughts, she marvelled again at how very unique the material was, and if her circumstances had been different, she would have revelled to return from London wearing something so novel and elegant. The silk appeared to have a wavy weave, but her uncle told her it was actually a ribbing and rolling process that created the rippling pattern. Mr Gardiner had come across the fabric—clandestinely imported from France and called moiré—at one of his friend’s warehouses and brought bolts home in rose and green.
Elizabeth had chosen the green because it matched the colour of her eyes and enhanced, rather than competed, with the flaming highlights of her hair. Molly had helped her put up her unruly curls in a more mature style. The only adornment she wore was her amber cross. As she gave herself a final inspection in the glass, she noted a bold determined expression betrayed by eyes filled with an underlying sorrow. In a few months, she had seen her childhood swept away as circumstances forced her transformation into the audacious young woman reflected before her. Today she would make a plea in hopes she could even the score with these dishonourable people and perhaps in the doing gain some peace of mind.
Once settled in the carriage, Elizabeth said, “Uncle, please stop fretting about allowing me to conduct the negotiations. It is true, Mr Darcy and Lord Wolfbridge will think it inappropriate for me to speak; but I am hoping the element of surprise will work to our advantage. Mrs Darcy is the most vulnerable, and I want to utilize the guilt feelings I suspect she may feel. Her act was thoughtless, and I am certain she fears the whole truth being learned by her husband. I do not know why, but I believe he is the most honourable of the trio. Mrs Darcy’s apprehension of losing her husband’s good opinion should make her particularly susceptible to my appeal.”
Elizabeth could not stifle a girlish giggle as she thought about the time she had spent before the mirror rehearsing her lines. “As you know, I have gone over my approach numerous times, and with the intelligence Mr Thatcher provided about Lord Wolfbridge, I should be able to carry off this negotiation.”
“Lizzy, I have complete confidence in you.” He chuckled with her before he continued. “I, more than any other, know you are persuasive. You won over your aunt and me to the position of keeping your father in the dark about what has happened. If he ever found out what I have hidden from him, I doubt he would ever forgive me. It is probably not prudent to allow you to do this, but I share your need for vindication. Wresting reparations from Lord Wolfbridge and Mrs Darcy is definitely preferable to fighting a duel. But for my own peace of mind, one last time, tell me what is most important.”
“I have not forgotten… even more important than obtaining payment from Lord Wolfbridge and Mrs Darcy, is the necessity to maintain the honour of our family. Uncle Edward, I love my sisters too much to jeopardize their futures. In the past week, you and I have judiciously laid out the necessary steps to ensure secrecy. We will insist all correspondence and settlements go through you. With those measures in place, there will be much less suspicion of what the money is for. I do not want the name Bennet to be used at all in either our consultation or any arrangements we conclude. Both today and in the future, I will only be Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth grinned at her uncle and said with bravado, “Lord Wolfbridge needs Miss Harding’s fifty thousand pounds. He has as much to lose if this affair comes to light, and Mrs Darcy is culpable and in fear of her husband’s disapproval.” Elizabeth jutted out her chin and smiled. “Our case is strong—not to mention righteous.”
10 HER POUND OF FLESH
Mr Gardiner and Elizabeth were shown into Mr Darcy’s study. Lord Wolfbridge and the Darcys were surprised to see Elizabeth. Mrs Darcy appeared worried, Mr Darcy looked confused and Lord Wolfbridge was openly irritated. Anne and the Viscount were sitting in chairs on one side of the fireplace, and Fitzwilliam Darcy was sitting behind his desk. Elizabeth was relieved to see no lawyer present. The fewer people who knew about what had occurred in this house three months ago, the less likelihood her family’s honour would be breached.
“Miss Elizabeth, Mr Gardiner, please have a seat.” Mr Darcy addressed them as they had been announced. He gestured for them to take the two chairs on the other side of the fireplace.
Lizzy and her uncle sat, as the others in the room looked expectantly to Mr Gardiner. Elizabeth waited a few seconds before she began to speak. Mr and Mrs Darcy and Lord Wolfbridge were startled that Elizabeth was to address them.
Lizzy noticed Mr Darcy was looking intently at her. She was unsure at what he was staring. Was it her audacity to be speaking or was it her recently increased bosom that was capturing his attention? It was hard to tell with him, since he seemed to be trying to hide his true intent; but she did notice that he would move his eyes away from her only to have them return a few seconds later, and more often than not they were drawn to her décolletage. Good Lord, having him admire her had not been part of her plan! As she had dressed this morning, her goal had been to appear businesslike. The last thing she needed while she was carry
ing out these negotiations was to be worried about the other cousin getting lascivious thoughts. Still, he did not seem to be giving her the same kind of look as Lord Wolfbridge had on the ides of March. In the end she concluded, Mr Darcy’s dour countenance was mainly finding fault with her boldness.
She had practiced for days… schooling her face to show no inconvenient feelings. She did not want to become emotional and let her words betray the anger she felt. “Lord Wolfbridge, Mr and Mrs Darcy, I am with child. I was violated by the Viscount three months ago in this very house. The baby I am carrying is the result of that encounter. I told no one of what occurred here last March until my aunt and uncle became suspicious of my condition and forced me to reveal what had happened.” She relaxed and quietly took a calming breath. “I very much wanted to keep the incident from any other’s notice. My father had only two expectations of me. He wanted me to guard my chastity and refrain from nonsensical behaviour. I experienced the ultimate humiliation that afternoon; and I failed my father on both counts. Obviously I am no longer chaste.” Elizabeth was afraid her stoic demeanour was about to fail as she said, “Even worse, I was incredibly silly.”
Lizzy concentrated and forced her face to relax into a slight sneer; nothing too impertinent, but something that allowed her audience to know the disregard she felt for their status. “My silliness was exhibited in the pride I felt to be receiving attention from such great persons as you. All three of you come from prestigious and ancient families, and you, Lord Wolfbridge, will one day be a peer. I was flattered you would want to associate with a country lass like me. All I have to recommend me is a father who owns a minor estate and numerous hard-working relatives in trade.”
