“Does his agitation continue?”
“I do not think that will change. Mr. Browning is not well suited to being helpless.”
Mrs. Collins folded the cloth and replaced it in the basket. “And you, Mr. Darcy? Are you visiting or passing through town?”
“I plan to remain in Meryton until Elizabeth is free to return to London. I assume there will be a room at the inn.”
Mrs. Collins turned a shocked gaze on him, and he realized he should not have used Elizabeth’s Christian name before their engagement was announced. “I see,” she said dubiously.
“Miss Bennet has just done me the great honour of agreeing to be my wife.”
Her look of surprise was replaced with one of utter astonishment. “She has? You are? Oh, Lizzy, I am so happy for you!” She embraced her friend, baby and all, and did not have enough words to describe her pleasure. “In that case, if you will give me the baby, I will take over here.”
“You need not do that,” Elizabeth said.
“A girl becomes engaged to be married only once. Now you go off with Mr. Darcy and enjoy yourself for a bit, away from invalids and babies.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I know there is no arguing with you when you have that look in your eye, so if it is agreeable to Mr. Darcy, I will accept your offer.”
Darcy bowed. “It is very agreeable. I thank you, Mrs. Collins.” The idea of being alone with Elizabeth was beyond agreeable. He silently blessed Mrs. Collins.
While Elizabeth ran inside to fetch her bonnet and gloves, Mrs. Collins turned to Darcy and spoke confidingly. “I hope you will marry soon. It would be a pity if your wedding were delayed because of mourning for Mr. Browning. He may not be long for this world.”
Darcy nodded slowly at the sensible advice. “Time is of the essence, then.”
“Exactly.”
“Your point is well taken. I am in your debt, Mrs. Collins.”
“If you take Lizzy away from here and treat her as well as she deserves, I will be the debtor.”
The infant began to fuss. Mrs. Collins hurried off with him, leaving Darcy to consider how fortunate Elizabeth was in her friends.
Chapter 16
A woman’s loud voice echoed in from the entrance hall. “Why, thank you, Simms, and a very good evening to you as well. Now, where are they?”
Georgiana sagged with relief as her Aunt Augusta strode into the parlour. Georgiana had never been so glad to see anyone in her life. She had not expected rescue, since it was long after the hour when anyone might be expected to call, but Aunt Augusta had always been eccentric at best. She offered up her cheek for her aunt’s brisk kiss and was about to offer her a seat, but Aunt Augusta had already taken one.
The older woman stripped off her gloves, tossed them on a side table, and turned to Lord Derby. “And Joseph, it is a pleasure, as always, to see you again. Now, what is this I hear about you browbeating my niece?”
Georgiana’s mouth dropped. How had Aunt Augusta known what was going on? Or was she simply guessing it from the look on their faces? She would not put it past her aunt to read minds.
“This is no business of yours, Augusta,” the earl snapped. “I am waiting for Darcy.”
“Poor boy,” Aunt Augusta said. “And you know how much I adore making your business my own. Now, Georgiana, what is your uncle fussing about this time?”
Georgiana glanced over at her uncle, who looked ready to explode. Would it be worse to answer the question or not to?
Aunt Augusta shook her head in disgust. “How many times must I tell you not to let men intimidate you? Speak up, girl!”
It was easy for her aunt to say. She did not have to worry about what Lord Derby would do to her. She cared nothing for fashion, reputation, or connections, which was a good thing, as she had little of any of them left after her first legendary run-in with Lord Derby years before Georgiana had been born. “He is concerned about my brother’s engagement,” she offered weakly.
The earl slapped his hand on the table. “There is no engagement! Sheer nonsense. I will not let that boy be trapped by a country nobody.”
“Oh, this is about Miss Bennet!” Aunt Augusta could not have sounded more delighted. “Splendid girl, that one. Clever, lovely, and strong minded enough to keep that stubborn boy in check. What more could you want?”
Georgiana was stunned. How had Aunt Augusta come to be acquainted with Miss Bennet? Her brother had said nothing about any connection between them.
Lord Derby snorted. “If you approve, then I know she is completely unsuitable to be a member of the family.”
“Why, Joseph, I am surprised at you! You did not always feel that way about my judgments.” She shook her head in mock disappointment.
“We all make mistakes,” the earl snarled. “Did you put him up to this? Was it your idea?”
“What, you don’t think the boy has the mettle to get into trouble on his own? How little you know him!” Augusta was clearly having a wonderful time baiting him. Georgiana only hoped it did not come to blows.
He ignored her. “Georgiana, for the last time, where is your brother?” he asked in a threatening voice.
Georgiana raised her shoulders helplessly. “I do not know.”
Simms cleared his throat from the doorway. “Begging your pardon, my lord, I took the liberty of asking the stable boys if they knew where the master was travelling. He apparently said something about going to Brighton to visit a lady.”
“About time!” Lord Derby stamped out of the room, and a moment later the front door slammed.
Augusta laughed heartily. “Brighton, Simms?”
Simms bowed. “The boy might have said Meryton, but my hearing is not what it once was. It sounded like Brighton.”
“I commend your imagination, but never mind that. Georgiana, did he hurt you?”
“No, but he frightened me,” she said in a small voice.
Simms said, “He threatened to beat her if she did not reveal Mr. Darcy’s whereabouts. That was when I sent for you, madam.”
“And quite right you were to do so. Now I need some refreshment. Dealing with Joseph always gives me such an appetite,” she said with satisfaction.
As Simms disappeared, Georgiana said, “I had not realized you knew Miss Bennet.”
“Never heard of her before I saw the announcement in today’s newspaper. That was quite a surprise, I must say.”
“But you said she was clever and strong minded!”
“Yes, well, I know your brother, and he does not care for weak-willed or mercenary women. It was a safe guess. Besides, I knew how much it would annoy Lord Derby. He is quite the opposite, which is why it was so amusing years ago when he decided I would make him a suitable bride. Ha! He thought my father would force me into it, as if he could ever make me do anything I did not want to.” She chuckled. “Now, do you have any idea where this Meryton actually is?”
“It is a small town in Hertfordshire where Miss Bennet is living.”
Augusta tapped her lips thoughtfully. “Well, since it seems I am so fond of Miss Bennet, I believe I should pay her a visit myself, and it would only be natural for you to come with me.”
Georgiana smiled. “Indeed, Aunt Augusta.”
***
Darcy scowled at the paper in front of him. It was nearly a quarter hour since he began the letter to Bingley, and he still had not progressed beyond the salutation. Despite his own happiness over reuniting with Elizabeth, he could not deny that almost everything he had to tell Bingley was likely to upset his friend. He had promised Bingley an honest and thorough account of the situation, though, and he did not intend to provide anything less.
It was bad enough that he was usurping Elizabeth’s place in her former home. Propriety had demanded that Mrs. Collins invite him to stay at Longbourn during his time in Meryton, and that same propriety required him to accept the invitation, even though it meant spending time in the company of the intolerable Mr. Collins. Darcy sighed and stared again at
the blank paper awaiting his pen.
I arrived in Meryton this morning.
Weak. Bingley did not need to be told the obvious.
The situation is much as we anticipated. Mrs. Browning’s health appears good, although she tires easily and requires assistance from her family and friends in managing her household. Mr. Browning is an invalid, though his condition does not appear to be worsening. The Bennet family’s financial reversals continue to create difficulty.
For family reasons, Miss Bennet and I have resolved to marry sooner rather than later. Although I do not plan to announce it publicly until after the fact, our intention is to be united in matrimony in a fortnight.
His hand trembled as he wrote those last words, and joy shot through him at the thought. It could not be too soon for him. The memory of Elizabeth’s sweet body pressed against his was but a taste of the happiness that awaited him. He had no such glad tidings for Bingley, though. With a sigh he dipped the pen into the inkwell and shook off the excess ink from the tip.
I plan to settle an income on Mrs. Bennet and her unmarried daughters. The papers to lease a small house in the village are already being prepared. It is my intent to speak to Mr. Browning tomorrow about plans for his future care and that of his family. He was quite agitated when I saw him today, and I judged it better to wait until he was calmer. I will inform you of the outcome of those discussions, if they can be called such, when I know more.
He could avoid the worst no longer. He wished there were some way of softening the blow.
I completed the task you set before me at the earliest opportunity this morning. I am instructed to tell you that nothing has changed. No further response appears to be forthcoming.
I plan to return to London following my nuptials and can give you further details at that time, if you wish.
He signed his name with relief and then re-read the entire missive, wondering whether Bingley would still be willing to receive him. He could not blame him if he did not.
Darcy shook his head, not wishing to contemplate it. Perhaps a walk in the fresh air would clear the somber reflections from his mind. He could go to the churchyard and remember every moment he had spent there with Elizabeth. The thought occurred to him that Charlie might still be awake, and he resolved to walk past the Browning residence in hopes of spotting a light. There were still many questions to which he desired answers, and there had been no opportunity to speak to Charlie alone. It would also be an excuse to be near Elizabeth, to be breathing the same air she breathed, even if he could not see her at this hour.
He had no wish to encounter Mr. Collins again that evening, so he found his way out of Longbourn through the dark kitchen, barely illuminated by the glow of banked coal in the hearth. It was double the size of the Brownings’ kitchen. He had never given a thought to kitchens before. He wondered how many people worked in the kitchens at Pemberley. It seemed that there was a great deal of labour involved in making a simple soup, much less the wide range of dishes presented before him each day.
The night was cool and full of the sound of crickets. The crescent moon shed just enough light for him to follow the flagstone path that led to the tree-lined drive. The tension began to leave his shoulders as he passed the small wilderness by the gate. How many times had Elizabeth trodden this ground? It was part of her, and she was part of him.
His thoughts were interrupted by the clattering of hoof beats. A single horseman, with a lantern hanging off his saddle, rounded the corner at a trot. Darcy stepped quickly out of the way, knowing how difficult it was to make out figures in the shadows. Indeed, the rider did not see him until he was upon him, then he reined in and wheeled his horse.
The man said, “Is this Longbourn?”
“Yes, right through there.” Darcy pointed towards the house.
“Is there a Mr. Darcy there? I have an express from London. A boy in Meryton said he was here.”
A cold chill wound around Darcy’s heart and squeezed. What could have gone wrong? “I am Darcy.” He held out his hand.
The rider rummaged in his saddlebag, then pulled out a letter. “Here it is, sir.”
Darcy paid him, asked him to wait, and then hurried back to the house, ignoring the startled cry and protestations of Mr. Collins. He turned up the lamp so he could make out the words of the letter. It was from his Aunt Augusta.
My dear Fitzwilliam,
You have been missing all the excitement. When I went to Darcy House today, I found Lord Derby looking much like Vesuvius about to erupt, badgering your sister in an attempt to force her to tell him your whereabouts. I am proud to say she did not give in. However, I was concerned enough for her safety to take custody of her until such a time as you return, as I think it unlikely your uncle will trouble me at home. He will, no doubt, spread his vitriol about me elsewhere. Such a pity—I doubt I shall be invited to Almack’s this season.
Darcy snorted. His Aunt Augusta would likely prefer an invitation to Newgate Prison to an evening at Almack’s.
Postscript: Lord Derby, who is currently on a wild goose chase to Brighton, dismissed several of your servants and had them thrown from the house. Needless to say, I invited them back and gave each a shilling for their trouble. I daresay they more than earned it.
Darcy cursed under his breath. He should have foreseen this. He had been too caught up in his concern for Elizabeth to consider the uproar that would follow his announcement. The scene must have been ugly indeed, for Aunt Augusta to step in. His lips tightened. His uncle would be hearing from him later on that score. At least Georgiana would be in safe, if highly eccentric, hands; his father’s sister would not tolerate any nonsense from Lord Derby. The last he had heard, his aunt had threatened to set her hounds on the earl if he ever showed his face at her home. Perhaps he should set a similar rule at Pemberley.
His uncle’s wrath at his engagement was not unexpected, except in its timing. Darcy did not wish to expose Elizabeth to it; although nothing the earl would say could change Darcy’s mind, it was possible that his uncle’s threats might intimidate Elizabeth into refusing him. That idea was not to be tolerated.
“Is all well, Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Collins’s concerned voice penetrated his consciousness.
He re-folded the letter decisively. “Quite well, madam, but I believe a change of arrangements may be necessary. Do you think we could impose upon the parson to perform the wedding sooner than planned?”
Mr. Collins bobbed out of his chair, rubbing his hands. “My dear Mr. Darcy, surely you could not plan to wed without first informing Lady Catherine. Her ladyship, despite her great condescension, might take severe offense to such an action.”
“I will inform my aunt as I see appropriate. Now, Mrs. Collins, what do you think?”
She nodded almost imperceptibly. “I am sure he can be persuaded, sir. Would you like me to see to it?”
“Thank you; that would be most convenient.” Having to bribe the parson was the least of his concerns.
***
The following morning, Darcy presented himself at the Browning residence at the earliest moment that could be considered decent. Even then, he had been waiting impatiently for more than an hour. Word must have spread through the town of his presence, since he was subject to many frank stares of curiosity from the townspeople.
He managed to steal a few moments of blessed privacy with Elizabeth in the hallway before Jane descended the stairs and told him that her husband was ready to receive him. It took an effort of will to tear himself away from Elizabeth’s bright eyes.
Jane ushered him into the sickroom, indicating a chair at Mr. Browning’s bedside. Mr. Browning shifted restlessly, his mouth drooping to one side and a wordless pleading look in his eyes, much like Darcy’s father had appeared in his last days. For a moment Darcy could not speak. He collected himself, thoughts of a future with Elizabeth replacing his recollections.
He cleared his throat. Jane had assured him that her husband had no difficulty understanding what
was said to him, but how could Darcy be certain? “Mr. Browning, I would like to have a word with you, in my role as Miss Bennet’s intended husband, to apprise you of the plans I have made. We intend to marry within the next few days, after which she and I will depart for London and then Derbyshire. I am arranging to let a house here for Mrs. Bennet and will settle a small income on her. Kitty will also live there, and there is room for you and your wife as well, should you so choose.”
Mr. Browning’s hand picked at the bedclothes. He made an obvious effort to lift his head, moving his lips as if he could force words out of them. Darcy wished he could understand the silent effort.
Instead, he continued. “There is another option as well. Miss Bennet, being quite attached to your wife and unhappy to leave her at such a time, joins me in inviting you and your family to live at Pemberley. It would mean leaving your friends in Meryton, but I can promise you pleasant surroundings and the best of care. Your son would be raised alongside my own future children and educated as befits a gentleman.”
Mr. Browning’s good hand stirred, and he raised it a few inches before allowing it to drop once more, but this time Darcy suspected he understood what the man wished to know. “I will make it my business in any case to assure your son’s future, whatever he may choose. He will be my nephew and will have the opportunities congruent with that.”
Mr. Browning searched Darcy’s eyes as if looking for some sort of answer there and then let his head tip to the side. For the first time, the fingers of his good hand stopped their constant dance of motion.
Darcy rose. “I presume you will wish some time to consider your option. I will return tomorrow.” He did not know how they would manage to communicate then, but Jane appeared to have some method of gauging her husband’s mind. He bowed crisply, feeling all the incongruity of such behaviour in a sickroom, and was astonished when Mr. Browning grabbed his wrist, his dry, paper-like skin warm and flaccid.
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