An Inconvenient Courtship (Regency Romance)

by Dana R. Lynn

  Georgiana raised tearful eyes to her brother. “Yes, brother. We have to protect Miss Elizabeth’s family.”

  Elizabeth noted the return to a more formal address. Her heart ached as she realized the shy girl expected whatever tale they would tell would result in rejection. Moving over, Elizabeth patted the settee beside her. Georgiana hesitated. Darcy gently pushed her towards the seat. Sighing, she sat, shoulders slumped. Immediately, Elizabeth placed an arm about her.

  Darcy took a deep breath. “Mr. Wickham was the son of my father’s late steward. We grew up together, and he was spoiled and pampered by my own excellent father. My father did promise him a living when he died, that of the clergyman on our manor. He did not know of Wickham’s wild ways or his vast gambling debts. When my father died five years ago, Wickham came and demanded his due. Instead of the living, he decided he wished to pursue the law. He accepted financial reimbursement, and the payment of his debts, in lieu of the living. He even signed an agreement stating he was declining the living. Three years later, when the living became vacant, he appeared again, demanding I give it to him. I had already filled the vacancy, and you know a living once given, cannot be taken away. He departed, and we knew nothing of him until six months ago.” Here he paused. Georgiana covered her face with her hands, her shame wrapped around her like a cloak. His voice broke only once as Darcy described how Wickham had convinced fifteen year-old Georgiana to run off and elope with him.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam stood and paced the room in agitation. Darcy sat back in his chair, closing his eyes, his expression full of self-reproach. “I was fortunate to discover them before he succeeded in his efforts. Wickham is a gambler, and had left debts all over London. I believe he wanted her dowry to pay his creditors. An older woman would have been wiser. He also wanted to revenge himself upon me.”

  Filled with compassion, Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Georgiana.

  “Georgiana,” she felt the girl shudder as she whispered her name. “Georgie, please look at me.” When Georgiana complied, Elizabeth tenderly wiped her tears. “Dear, you were fifteen. And with a chaperone who betrayed you and your brother. You never intended to go astray, did you?”

  “N-no,” Georgiana sobbed. “It all seemed so romantic, and I thought that he and my brother were friends. It wasn’t until my brother showed up that I understood how horribly I had failed him. I’m so sorry Fitzwilliam.”

  “You were not to blame, dear one.” He whispered to her bent head.

  “That animal!” Fitzwilliam growled. “If I ever catch up with him…”

  Mr. Bennet cleared his emotion-filled throat. “Miss Darcy, I am sure you are not the first innocent he has led astray. But thanks to you, I can warn my family and the good people hereabouts. Maybe you will be the last.” He shuddered as a thought occurred to him. “From what I have heard, this man preys upon young girls. At fifteen, Lydia would have been an easy mark for him. I don’t even want to think how easily he could have tempted Lydia to run away with him. She would be silly enough to believe he wants to marry her. I think we all know, though, that she does not have a substantial dowry to lure him into marriage. No, my dear, you might just have saved my daughter from a horrible fate, and for that, I do thank you.”

  Mr. Darcy stood up, resolute. “Mr. Bennet, Fitzwilliam. I would appreciate it if you gentlemen would accompany me into town. It is time to undo any damage done by the wretch.”

  “I want to stop by his regiment,” Fitzwilliam added grimly. “I think a word to his commanding officer about his habits would be in order.”

  “Ten minutes, gentlemen?” They agreed to meet at the stables.

  Mr. Bennet turned to his daughter. “Lizzy, my dear, if the doctor agrees, I think we need to return home.” Seeing her face fall, he bent and kissed the top of her head. “Not to worry, my dear. Your friends here will always be welcome. I think we will not endure many hours before Mr. Darcy and Bingley find their way to Longbourn.”

  “You can count on that, sir,” Darcy affirmed. “I have a feeling Dr. Taylor may come with us. And not to check on Miss Elizabeth, either.”

  Mr. Bennet chuckled at the other man’s wit. “Do you not plan to return to London in the next day, Colonel?”

  To the amazement of all, the soldier colored. “Uh, no. I actually have interests here I would like to see to first.” At Darcy’s blank look, he blew out a loud sigh. “I asked Mr. Bingley if he would be all right if I called on Miss Bingley.”

  “You? And Miss Bingley?” Darcy looked poleaxed. So did the others in the room. Colonel Fitzwilliam, though, was known to be highly secretive where his personal life was concerned.

  “Yes,” Fitzwilliam glared at his cousin, daring him to laugh. “I think we would do well together. She’s attractive. I like her sharp wit, and it would be a good match for both of us.”

  And, Elizabeth thought, the match would be good for Miss Bingley. She remembered how the other woman had tried to lure Mr. Darcy into marriage based solely on his position in society. It was highly unlikely she would refuse the son of an earl. A second son. One who had to marry for money in order to live well, true, but his position in society as a peer was solid.

  “I hope your suit prospers, Colonel,” Elizabeth said, then she aimed a grin at her own suitor. “If she decides to accept you, then I need not worry that she will want to mend any more of Mr. Darcy’s pens.”

  Darcy laughed ruefully, remembering Miss Bingley’s habit of fawning over him as he wrote letters.

  “We can only hope.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  The gentlemen from Netherfield and Mr. Bennet began their mission by visiting the various shops in Meryton. Mr. Darcy was initially greeted by the other customers with a distinct chill. They accused him with their eyes, although none were brave enough to give the cut direct to such a man, but it was clear that the idea crossed some of their minds. Mr. Wickham had presented his story of his mistreatment at the hands of Mr. Darcy very well. The townsfolk were convinced the master of Pemberly was an ogre with a handsome face. Conviction, however, dwindled as the Meryton natives watched him interact with Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bennet. Their expressions became confused. He further bemused them by being unfailingly polite and courteous to all he met. Then Mr. Bennet confounded them all by asking, “Have you been introduced to Mr. Darcy? He is courting my dear Lizzy.”

  All who knew the Bennets knew that Elizabeth was the apple of her father’s eye. But had not this wealthy man insulted the same lady he had entered into a courtship with? And was not there some speculation the poor girl would be married off to Mr. Collins, that ridiculously pompous cousin? While he was an undesirable suitor, a marriage with Mr. Collins would have saved the family home. Yet here was her father, proclaiming he had consented to her being courted by this formerly disliked man.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam talked with the shopkeepers, confirming Mr. Darcy’s suspicions that George Wickham had left sizeable debts in a number of shops. To a man, the shopkeepers were outraged when they learned George Wickham, who at first had appeared an honest sort, had no means to pay for these debts. They were therefore grateful when Mr. Darcy discharged those debts. They were more grateful when he and the colonel warned that Wickham was not to be trusted with any of their daughters or female servants. Unfortunately, the warning came too late for some, but for most, they were assured they had prevented heartaches.

  Fanny Bennet’s sister, Mrs. Phillips, happened to be in one of the shops while this was going on. Eyes wide with relish, she rushed from the shop in her haste to be the first to tell the tales of Wickham’s profligate behavior and how Mr. Darcy and the dashing Colonel Fitzwilliam had saved the ladies of the town from certain ruin. Her brother-in-law smothered a grin as he witnessed her flight.

  “Gentlemen,” he murmured, indicating with a nod of his head the fleeing woman. “Behold, I believe our work has been made easier. Next to my wife, there is no bigger gossip than her sister. Indeed, I would go so far as to say withi
n an hour you gentlemen will be heralded as Meryton’s protectors.”

  The colonel snorted while Darcy merely shook his head. Gossip. It seemed people did not care who they hurt or helped as long as there was a juicy tale to tell.

  “I would like to visit the officers,” Fitzwilliam declared. “I think a conversation with the commanding officer would be just the ticket to rid these fine people of Wickham’s foul presence.”

  They made their way to where Colonel Foster was lodged, ignoring the crowd that stared after them. Mr. Bennet’s familiar figure was dwarfed as he walked between the imposing figures of Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. More than one young girl sighed as the handsome cousins left.

  Although he did not sigh, Colonel Foster was duly impressed by the tall men who stood before him. His pleasant smile turned to a frown, and then to an outright scowl as he listened to reports of the doings of one of his soldiers. He was in a precarious position. While he supported his men and treated them as family, he was an intelligent man who understood that his regiment depended upon the goodwill of the civilians. That one of his soldiers was abusing that goodwill sparked anger in his stomach.

  “Bring Wickham to me at once,” he ordered a passing soldier. The young man gulped, saluted, and ran to do as he was bid. Only to return with the news that Wickham was gone.

  “Gone!” Foster thundered. “Where did he go?”

  “I don’t know. He was muttering to himself as he left. Something about going to fetch his bride from under the nose of her brother.”

  Darcy paled. Colonel Fitzwilliam’s eyes grew cold and dangerous.

  The men grabbed their horses, and raced through the town towards Netherfield.

  ****

  Elizabeth and Georgiana strolled arm and arm through the gardens, talking in low voices.

  “Oh, Elizabeth, I do wish you could stay longer,” Georgiana confided. “I have so longed to have a friend such as you to confide in. It seems unbearable that you must now leave me here with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.”

  “Hush, Georgie. Miss Bingley is trying. Besides, if she really does marry your cousin, she will be family.”

  “You are correct. I know,” Georgiana sighed.

  Elizabeth grinned at her impishly. “A cousin, though, is better than a sister, I think.”

  The friends giggled. The unexpected sound of someone pounding down the garden path towards them caused them to turn. They gasped. An unkempt soldier with wild eyes appeared before them, blocking their way. Elizabeth glanced at her friend and saw her terrified face. Her heart thudded. Wickham. Who else could it be? Her hand snaked out and grabbed Georgiana. With the strength of one who exercised daily, she thrust the taller girl behind her back, protecting her.

  Wickham sneered.

  “Well, well, well. I came for Georgiana, but I find I quite like the sight of the woman right in front of me. You must be the lady Darcy is courting.” He laughed outright at the fiery glare she threw at him. “I might just steal you instead. I imagine that would be the best revenge I could have.”

  Shuddering in revulsion, Elizabeth backed up, forcing Georgiana to move back with her. In her mind, a prayer was repeating over and over. “Lord, save us. Lord, save us.”

  George Wickham cackled, advancing with each move away they made. His longer legs closed the distance rapidly. He reached out to grab Elizabeth’s arm. A shout caused him to swing around in alarm, the blood draining from his arrogant face.

  Fitzwilliam Darcy threw himself from his horse. Wickham now found himself the prey as Darcy moved in on him, every ounce the master of Pemberly. The fierce scowl on his face said he would protect those he loved with his life, and woe to any who tried to harm them. A second horse galloped into view. Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived, closely followed by Mr. Bennet.

  Like the coward he was, Wickham yelped and dashed away. He did not get far before he was apprehended by the colonel, who held him fast with a steely grip.

  It was probably fortunate for George Wickham that Colonel Foster had sent two officers after the Netherfield party. They arrived and took him off Colonel Fitzwilliam’s hands.

  “Don’t worry, sir,” one said to Mr. Darcy, his face impassive. “Wickham will face his peers in court. He will not get away with his crimes.”

  Yowling that he was innocent, Wickham was led away.

  Elizabeth turned and saw Darcy approaching, concern etched on his dear face. Suddenly, the whole situation became too much. She flung her arms around him and burst into tears. He hugged her close, holding out his other arm to the sobbing Georgiana. Mr. Bennet turned his back, allowing the man the privacy to comfort the women he loved.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Rain pounded against the roof, sliding like tears down the side of the house. Elizabeth listened to the dismal sound of the downpour and knew herself to be restless. Last night she had experienced difficulty sleeping. She would close her eyes only to see Wickham, his face distorted in a hideous leer. She had left the bed she shared with Jane, unwilling to disturb her sister. Jane had been very upset when Elizabeth had related the incident to her. Elizabeth did not wish to worry her further. Still, she had not felt equal to facing the chaos of her family this morning and had sent a note requesting her breakfast be brought up to her room.

  If only Georgiana would come to visit. Elizabeth let out a soft, self-deprecating laugh. She couldn’t even lie to herself. As much as she valued her young friend, it was the girl’s brother who now filled her thoughts. Yesterday, when he had held her in his arms, she felt as though she had come home after a lifetime of traveling. She finally forced herself to acknowledge that which she had skirted around for weeks. Her wounded pride, her obstinate refusal to admit any of his good qualities, even her reluctance to accept the growing admiration in his eyes. It was because the strength of her own feelings overwhelmed her. Now, she admitted she was in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy, and growing more so each day. All she wanted now was to see him. Looking out the window, she sighed. Gentlemen did not often come calling during a downpour. Nor would her mother allow her to go out walking to revive her spirits. Which was why she was now ensconced in the window seat in her room, an unopened book in her lap, staring out at the heavy gray sky.

  A knock sounded on the door. Elizabeth bid the person on the other side to enter. Jane poked her head into the room. Smiling when she spotted her sister, she entered the rest of the way and reclosed the door.

  “Jane, you needn’t knock on the door,” Elizabeth said wryly, rolling her eyes. “This is your room as much as it is mine.”

  “I know, but I did not wish to disturb you if you were resting.” Dear Jane, always so considerate.

  “No, I am not resting. I’m brooding.”

  “I have some news that might cheer you up.”

  “Pray, let me hear it. This weather has put me in an ill humor.”

  “More likely the fact that the weather might keep certain gentlemen from visiting is what has put you in such a foul temper.”

  Pulling a face at her sister’s smirk, Elizabeth found herself struggling to hide a smile. It was no use. Her temperament would not allow her to wallow in self-pity. Indeed, she was forced to laugh at her own behavior.

  “I am sorry, Jane. What is your news?”

  “Hill just brought me a letter from Netherfield.” She laughed as Elizabeth’s expression brightened. “We are to expect guests for dinner this evening.”

  “They invited themselves over for dinner?” Elizabeth was slightly taken aback by such boldness.

  “Silly, no. Of course not. Father invited them yesterday, while we were packing to return home.”

  Her spirits somewhat lifted, Elizabeth set down her book and touched her hands to her hair.

  “I am feeling much better, Jane,” she declared to her laughing sister. “I believe I will come down to breakfast after all.”

  Smiles and giggles greeted the sisters as they entered the dining room. Mrs. Bennet was loudly proclaiming the need to repair t
heir dinner menu since they were having guests. For most guests, she would not bother. It was a widely acknowledged truth that Fanny Bennet set one of the finest tables in the district. A fact she herself was not too shy to repeat. Tonight, however, Mr. Darcy was going to be sitting at her table. A man whose wealth could save her whole family should Mr. Bennet die and that toad, Mr. Collins, evict the widow and remaining daughters. Mrs. Bennet conveniently forgot that she had been counting on that toad marrying her least favorite daughter only two days ago.

  “I wonder if Colonel Fitzwilliam is betrothed?” Mrs. Bennet ignored her husband, who snorted and rolled his eyes. “Kitty, my love, you must make sure to find out.”

  “Mama,” Elizabeth pointed out in a patient voice. “I do believe that he is courting Miss Bingley.”

  “Oh,” her lips turned down. “That unpleasant woman. Oh well. There is still that nice Dr. Taylor.”

  A clatter rent the room. Mary, face bright red as she retrieved the spoon she had dropped, looked at her father. “Is Dr. Taylor joining us, as well, Papa?”

  “Yes, my dear.” Mr. Bennet rubbed his chin as if trying to recall the conversation. Elizabeth caught the twinkle in his eyes, though. He was enjoying himself immensely. “I asked him if he planned on returning to London now Lizzy is healing nicely. He said he was in no hurry. He had a certain interest in remaining in the area. In the very next breath he asked if he might join the party coming to call this evening.”

  Mary clapped her hands over her warm cheeks. Her expression seemed torn between joy and despair. Elizabeth was confused until she caught the distracted glance Mary cast down at her dress. Mary had distinguished herself for so long as the serious Bennet daughter that she owned no dresses that were not somber and plain.

  “Mary, you and I are about the same size. Why don’t you wear one of my gowns tonight? I think my lavender silk will look splendid with your complexion.”