by APRIL FLOYD
Mr. Harley entered the breakfast room and Elizabeth stood. “I have much to think on before I reply to Miss Darcy.”
Chapter 11
Elizabeth’s old routine returned once she was home and Mr. Harley provided as good a service as any Nanny. She quite thought he was even better though she did not say as much to the man. Elizabeth did not think he might like to be known as Nanny.
When summer came at last, a familiar visitor appeared in Meryton. Elizabeth had agreed to walk to town with her sisters as they always had, though there was little in their small hamlet that captured Kitty or Lydia’s eye now that they had shopped in Mayfair.
Major Wickham came upon the sisters as they approached their Aunt Philips’s home. Elizabeth was caught by surprise and attempted to hide her dismay. She had not thought to see him again until returning to London.
He made a grand bow and her sisters clustered around him. Elizabeth had to admit there was a distinct lack of young gentlemen in Hertfordshire since their return.
There was not a one of their former beaux that still held any appeal and only a handful of redcoats had remained behind as the regiment decamped to the south for the summer.
Major Wickham spoke with her sisters but his eyes were ever on Elizabeth. He seemed to want her on his arm. That shall never be, she thought.
Since Charles had told her of the trouble between Mr. Darcy and Major Wickham, and verified Mr. Darcy’s account of the matter, Elizabeth had become quite bothered with her dismissal of Mr. Darcy’s concerns.
She had written to Miss Darcy and hinted at the whereabouts and doings of her brother without outright asking after him.
The letters she had received over the weeks relayed every detail of each ball and how in love Miss Darcy was with her viscount Elizabeth had met at both the Matlock Ball and the one she held at Fitzwilliam House. She hoped to become better acquainted with the young man in the future.
Her sisters had left Major Wickham on their walk back to Longbourn and he offered his arm to Elizabeth. She moved away and picked a wildflower from along the road to keep her hands busy.
Major Wickham dropped his arm and moved closer to her. “It was a terribly long spring without you in London, Elizabeth. I wish I might have come earlier, but I have leave to stay in Meryton for a time. I hope to see your son again, and your parents.”
Elizabeth gave him a tight smile and demurred about her plans. “I do not know whether I might stay for the entire summer as the Matlocks have written to express how dearly they miss Richard.”
“Would you return to Town on their whim? That does not seem like the Miss Elizabeth Bennet I once knew. Perhaps they might come to Hertfordshire instead?”
The major thought himself clever but Elizabeth thought him presumptuous. He had no place in her life to suggest a thing about her life or her relationships. Her nerves prickled as he prattled on and on thinking he was quite charming.
By the time they arrived at Longbourn, her nerves fairly jangled with irritation. She wished to return to Netherfield but would not risk him walking with her all the way there.
“Perhaps we may see you again soon, Major,” she said as she pushed open the front door of her childhood home. Lydia took the man by the arm and led him inside past Elizabeth.
“Oh la, Lizzy, he must come in and sit with us for tea. Mother would be so upset to know he had come and we did not invite him in.”
Elizabeth watched them nearly drag the man into the parlor before making good on her escape. She stepped outside quickly and closed the door behind her. Crossing the lane in front of Netherfield, she hurried up a small hill and down into the fields that separated Longbourn from Netherfield.
Her mother would fuss at her later for her lack of social graces, but Elizabeth did not care. She was in no mood to entertain the likes of Major Wickham. She thought she might do well to warn her father of the man’s true nature before too long.
At Matlock House in London, Lady Matlock sat with her nephew in the salon. “I believe we might impose upon Mr. and Mrs. Bingley. He was friends with Richard for some time and we are his nephew’s grandparents. There is a family connection there.”
Mr. Darcy regretted mentioning his plans to visit Hertfordshire. It had not been so that his aunt and uncle might join him and make Elizabeth’s escape to the country miserable instead of pleasant.
“They will return to London soon, Aunt Margaret, and I thought you might prefer your estate in the north of Derbyshire for the summer.”
Lady Matlock looked over her book at Mr. Darcy. “What have we to anticipate there, Darcy? No, we will go where our grandson goes and find whether he is being cared for properly in the little hamlet of Meryton.”
It was exactly as he feared. “You must stop this nonsense over his care. Elizabeth is a fine mother and the servants of Fitzwilliam House and Netherfield Park dote upon the child. Do not become a threat to Elizabeth or you may see less of the boy.”
Lady Matlock bit her tongue. Her husband had said the same but a country chit like Elizabeth Bennet Fitzwilliam could never stand against the power of the Matlocks. Her time to take over would come when young Richard was older or if his mother failed to protect him.
She turned the tables on her nephew. “Let us speak of why you wish to spend the summer there instead of Pemberley. Is it because you are fond of Elizabeth?”
It was entirely because he was fond of Elizabeth. Truly it was more than fondness, but there was no need to share such detail with his aunt. “Georgie wishes to see Elizabeth and Richard. I promised we would go to Hertfordshire last week and so we shall. It is a very lovely place even with the lack of sophisticated society. I will find it refreshing after the ballrooms of London.”
“Then we shall all go together! Write your friend and see if he is amenable to such a party at his country home for a time. We shall leave as soon as we hear from him.”
Lady Matlock stood and closed her book. She quit the salon before Darcy might continue his argument over her summer plans.
Chapter 12
Jane waved the letter at Elizabeth in the parlor and sighed. “It seems the whole of our acquaintances in London wish to come to Hertfordshire for the summer. I would not refuse the Matlocks nor the Darcys since they are your family too.”
Elizabeth took the missive and read it quickly. She ought to have guessed Lady Matlock could not resist making a nuisance of herself. “We could arrange for them to stay at the inn in Meryton but that would not be very charitable, would it?”
Jane laughed. “It would not be charitable, but it may be sensible. I cannot imagine hosting her under my roof after the way she has treated you.”
“She has done some nice things.” Elizabeth offered.
“Such as,” Jane prompted and sat to do her knitting.
“Well, she got our sisters in hand for my ball. For once, it was someone other than Lydia or Kitty causing a scene.” Elizabeth still could hardly believe that truth.
Jane found it hard to believe as well. “I cannot imagine my sisters behaving at a ball. It defies all logic. And yet, if she could agree to such a task, perhaps there is a future where the two of you are no longer at odds.”
Elizabeth had hoped for such a thing but had not gone so far as to believe it might ever happen. “The woman is hot and cold but you never know which you will get when dealing with her. ’Tis maddening Jane! Almost as difficult as dealing with Mother.”
The sisters grew quiet as they each focused on their work. The laughter of their children in the hallway easily distracted them for it was too lovely a day to remain inside knitting.
“Let us take them on a picnic, Jane. Have Cook arrange some simple fare and Mr. Harley will come along. We shall sit beside the pond between Netherfield and Longbourn and let the children put their feet in the water.”
Mr. Harley had entered the parlor and caught Elizabeth’s enthusiasm. “Such a splendid idea, Mrs. Fitzwilliam! The children are eager to explore.”
By the
time the party was assembled, it had grown to include a footman, the Bingley’s nanny, baby Sophia, and the stable boy. Mr. Harley wished to have Richard and Rose take turns on a gentle pony from the stables and Jane wanted the baby along so they might enjoy their picnic for an extra hour or two.
The afternoon was the perfect one for such an adventure; not too hot, nor overcast. The children could hardly be made to sit and eat with the promise of pony rides looming. Elizabeth took them both in hand. “If you do not finish your luncheon, the pony shall remain riderless and content to graze the grass.”
The children would not risk such an outcome and so finished their plates.
Elizabeth and Jane, contented with their spots on the blanket Mr. Harley had spread for them, watched their children led about on the pony for the better part of an hour.
When Major Wickham appeared on horseback, both were startled but Jane stood and went to speak with him. Elizabeth wondered whether he had been to Netherfield or Longbourn. Unable to ignore the man any longer, she stood as Jane led him to their blanket.
“The major saw us as he rode toward Netherfield, Lizzy. I asked him to join us.”
Jane would be so kind but Elizabeth could not fault her. Though they both knew of the major’s past, Mr. Harley and a footman provided a measure of comfort against any reservations they might hold.
“Major Wickham, so nice to see you again,” Elizabeth said and stood blocking the way to the blanket. She hoped he might leave.
“I am pleased to have met you here for I would have been disappointed to have arrived at Netherfield to find you had gone out.” His smile and the way he moved closer to her irritated Elizabeth.
“It was such a lovely day we decided to bring the children out for a picnic. I’m certain there is something left to eat if you would like to sit with us.” Jane motioned toward their blanket but the major declined.
“I appreciate the offer, Mrs. Bingley, but I wanted to speak with Elizabeth. I have received some news that might change both our futures.”
Elizabeth thought the man exaggerated but she agreed to walk with him and called the footman to join them.
Major Wickham offered his arm but Elizabeth avoided it as she had the day she and her sisters had come upon him in Meryton. She did not notice the irritation in his voice at her rebuff.
“Elizabeth, you seem indifferent now and not very friendly as in the past. Have I offended? I certainly would never want to upset you with my actions.”
He seemed contrite but Elizabeth did not wish to soothe him. “I came to Hertfordshire for peace, Major. I do not wish for courtship or to have my future altered. I have a son to care for and the paternal side of his family would love to have him under their care.”
Major Wickham became excited. “Then you will see why I rushed to your side when I received my news. I am going to resign my commission, Elizabeth. We can be together. I could be a father to your boy. The Matlocks could not take him from you if you marry.”
Elizabeth could not believe her ears. “Why would you resign? And why would you think it would be so easy to offer for me? I asked that we remain friends but you will not respect my wishes. I could never marry a man for convenience and I do not love you.”
Major Wickham appeared shocked by her answer. Instead of begging her, he turned angry and delivered his own shocking statement. “You will regret this day, Elizabeth, very deeply. I could have been a wonderful husband for you.”
He turned and marched back the way they had come. When Jane spoke to him, he ignored her and mounted his horse swiftly. Elizabeth was pleased to see him go but his angry words rang in her ears.
Chapter 13
The Matlocks and Darcys arrived from London the next day an hour before luncheon. Jane had instructed Cook to prepare for their guests an afternoon meal that would be most impressive. Rooms had been made ready and the children were in the nursery to have their own luncheon as the guests arrived.
Elizabeth stood beside Jane and Mr. Bingley as the carriages rolled over the graveled drive to the front door. Several servants had gathered and the footmen of Netherfield were ready to carry the many trunks upstairs.
The idea of seeing Mr. Darcy again caused Elizabeth a bit of nerves. It was her hope that she might speak with him alone whilst he was in Hertfordshire. She wanted to apologize for so many things, chiefly that she had been so resistant to his warnings. After knowing Charles considered the major a rake, and seeing how he wanted to marry her for the Fitzwilliam fortune, Elizabeth could see her pride had been partly to blame. But Mr. Darcy was a bossy sort. She giggled and covered her mouth when Jane elbowed her.
The Matlocks approached and Mr. Bingley welcomed them to Netherfield and introduced his wife. Elizabeth noted that Jane was quite pleasant but her manner was not as welcoming as it would be for guests she wished to entertain.
She had told Elizabeth the day before, as they returned from their picnic, that she would make an effort to be hospitable but she still disliked them for their treatment of her dearest sister.
Elizabeth was pleased when Miss Darcy rushed to her and took both her hands. At least she had not lost her friendship. “Elizabeth, how good it is to see you again. We must sit and talk of all that has happened since you left Town. And I simply must see Richard!”
“Georgie, allow her to breathe for heaven’s sake. I too would love to see him but we have only just arrived.” Lady Matlock said as she smiled at Elizabeth.
The oddity of the woman’s almost kindly words unsettled Elizabeth. It was not like Lady Matlock to be solicitous of her opinion or favor. Elizabeth returned the smile knowing it would only make the summer easier for Jane if she managed to be cordial to the woman.
“Richard may come down after we have had our luncheon. I expect he is ready for his nap now.”
Miss Darcy moved to embrace Jane and speak with Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth found herself looking into Mr. Darcy’s eyes as he took her hand in greeting.
“I am to blame for the change in my aunt and uncle’s plans, I fear. They heard that Georgie and I were to come to Hertfordshire. Charles is most kind to have them.”
Elizabeth searched his face and smiled shyly. He was as handsome as before. “They are family too, William. Though we may disagree at times, that connection may allow for a ready forgiveness of shortcomings, do you agree?”
Mr. Darcy seemed to consider her words. “It depends entirely upon the family.”
She thought she almost saw a slight smile before he moved on to her sister and brother.
The remainder of the Bennet family had been excluded from the luncheon to allow for peace on the first day of the Matlock’s visit. Mrs. Bennet had not been happy. She accused Jane of preferring the other side of Elizabeth’s snobbish family.
As they all sat to luncheon, the earl and Lady Matlock were seated with Jane and Mr. Bingley while Elizabeth was seated next to Mr. Darcy with his sister across the way.
Miss Darcy spoke throughout the meal of her season and how very difficult it had been for her viscount. “I believe he quite thought I might choose another young man. Can you imagine, Elizabeth?”
“Poor fellow! He ought to worry. Any man should, I think.” Elizabeth laughed as she said it.
Jane agreed. “Mr. Bingley was terrified I might not say yes but I believe that was Mr. Darcy’s doing.”
The gentleman from Derbyshire took responsibility with good humor. “Mrs. Bingley, Charles was completely smitten the night of the Assembly. I could not have dissuaded him though I certainly did try. I wanted to drag him to Town. I have never been so wrong in my life.”
Lady Matlock appeared taken with the conversation. “Darcy, why did you wish to persuade your friend to abandon Mrs. Bingley?” She was a gentlewoman, after all.”
Again, the woman’s agreeable nature surprised Elizabeth.
“I did not believe Mrs. Bingley preferred him. She was so quiet and smiled at everyone. I thought Bingley was mistaken in his understanding of her feelings.”<
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Lady Matlock looked at Elizabeth before addressing her nephew. “Why do you think Richard chose Elizabeth?”
Those gathered at the table grew quiet as one. It seemed all the air in the room had stilled awaiting Mr. Darcy’s answer.
“Richard abhorred a silly woman. He could not have married any of the ladies you chose for him. It was never a matter of defiance for him. He simply wished to marry someone he could respect and who was likeminded. He married for love. I would do the same should I find such a woman as my cousin did.”
Elizabeth bowed her head. Mr. Darcy’s words that day in Hyde Park, held with those he had just spoken, made her know he did care for her in spite of their disagreements.
Lady Matlock harrumphed. “Love! Such a fleeting thing, is it not Reginald?”
The earl placed his fork upon the table and turned to his wife. “Margaret, I find that time is fleeting but love is everlasting. It waxes and wanes as the moon and so one might think it fleeting depending on the season of marriage. I like to think that just as the moon is fixed in the sky, my love for you is constant.”
Miss Darcy fanned herself with one hand and batted her eyes at her uncle. “I had never known you held such romantic notions, Uncle. I do hope my young man is cut from the same cloth.”
Reginald Fitzwilliam laughed at himself but gave advice to his niece. “If, while you are in Hertfordshire, he writes to beg that you return to him soon, you have found a most romantic fellow. Do not answer lightly, my dear. Give him every assurance of your love.”
The entire luncheon, the conversation and Mr.Darcy’s declaration, left Elizabeth astonished. Happiness could be had seated at a table with the Fitzwilliam family.
Certainly she had been left speechless that Lady Matlock had sought to understand her son’s choice of wife. As her guests stood to quit the dining room, she asked a footman to bring young Richard downstairs to the parlor.
