The Goodness of Men

by Anngela Schroeder

  “Then suit yourself. I would enjoy the conversation.” She stopped for a moment and reached down to touch her belly. “This child moves as if she is practicing her steps for the ball tonight.” She winced and clutched at her stomach again.

  “Are you well? Do I need to get Mrs. Reynolds?”

  “No, no,” she said, shaking her head. “This is just my daughter’s way of telling me I have walked too far and she needs to rest.”

  “Your daughter? Do you believe it is a girl?”

  She smiled and took his arm, as he turned to lead her back to the house. “I know she is a girl, sir. She has told me several times in my dreams.”

  “How charming. And has she told you her name?”

  “You think me, silly,” she said, a teasing smile in her voice. “So, no. You must discover it like everyone else when she arrives.”

  “And when will that be, madame?” he asked, his eyes sparkling.

  “She has not given me that information, sir. But when she does, I will be sure to notify you at once.”

  “Aunt Madeline. Do you think this will do?” Elizabeth asked, laying out her ball gowns on the bed in her room as her aunt entered. “There are only four hours until the ball, and I am still undecided: the cream, lavender, or pink?”

  Madeline Gardiner sat in the chair by her niece’s bed and surveyed the dresses before her. “No, no. Those will not due. I would not have you wear any of them.”

  Elizabeth stared at her aunt and said, “But then I must go in my robe, because these are all I have.”

  “But none of these are befitting the future wife of Fitzwilliam Darcy!”

  Elizabeth’s eyes grew large, and she looked around the room making sure the maid was nowhere around. “Mr. Darcy came to speak to me today, in place of your father or your uncle. I assured him that we as his family would give our consent.”

  Elizabeth wondered if her father would and determined to write to him in the morning.

  “However,” Aunt Gardiner continued, “we must make certain you are attentive to your appearance tonight, as I am certain Mr. Darcy will introduce you to many of his closest friends.”

  “But, Aunt. This is all I have.” Elizabeth collapsed on her bed, grateful to be loved by Fitzwilliam Darcy but recognizing the responsibilities she now had to look the part. “I know he loves me for who I am, but I do want to make him proud in front of his neighbors.”

  “As you will, Lizzy, whether you had a new dress or not. I only think a soon-to-be new last name deserves a new dress. Sarah?”

  “Yes, ma’am?” Lizzy’s abigail answered, entering through the servants’ passage carrying her mistress’s dancing slippers.

  “Will you return to my room and bring the light blue silk hanging by the mirror?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Do you have a new dress, Aunt?”

  “No, my dear. You do. I brought it and planned to give it to you as a gift. This seems the perfect time.”

  Chapter 14

  July 20, 1812

  Fitzwilliam Darcy appraised the decorations in the ballroom and nodded with pleasure. The mirrors caught the light of the hundreds of candles, and the flowers and garland draped the walls and pillars leading to the hallways. It is fitting for my dear sister and just as Mama would have wished.

  He heard Georgiana descending the stairs with Colonel Fitzwilliam in the main hallway and hurried to meet her. “How is you can be out in society next year? You are a mere slip of a girl who should still be making mud pies by the pond with Nanny Flora tagging behind so you do not fall in. But my dear, you are a vision of loveliness.”

  “Oh Fitzwilliam, I am not a child anymore.”

  “That is obvious, my Georgie. If only you would stay with me at Pemberley forever.”

  “Fitzwilliam, that would not be acceptable. What would your future bride think? Would she not want to be the sole mistress of the house?” A small smile played at her lips. “Not that there is anyone in line for the position…”

  “My dear,” Darcy interrupted, attempting to be severe, but his look conveying pleasure at her jest. “Are you ready to see the ballroom? Mrs. Reynold’s has outdone herself.”

  Squeals of delight erupted from her as she entered the ballroom. “Oh, Wills. I could never have imagined anything so lovely!” she said, clapping her hands.

  “Not a child, eh?” Richard asked, winking at Darcy.

  She laughed and looked up at her guardians. “I must find Mrs. Reynolds to thank her.”

  “Run on, then,” Darcy said, smiling at her joy.

  “Thank you, Brother. You are truly the best of men!” She gave him a quick hug before kissing Richard on the cheek— “And you too!”—and rushed back up the stairs.

  Both men observed her skip away and shook their heads.

  “I am grateful we were able to give her this,” Richard said, indicating the ballroom. “Many young women who have gone through what she had would not have recovered so well. I owe it to you…”

  “I owe it to Pemberley,” Darcy said, leading Richard towards his study and closing the door behind them as he walked over and poured them both a glass of brandy. “A year ago, Richard. It was merely a year ago, when we sat in this room, and contemplated what we were to do after Ramsgate. God has blessed us that she has recovered and seems to have forgotten Wickham.”

  Richard sat and tapped his glass with his thumbs. “Does Georgiana know the true identity of Mrs. Anderson’s child’s father?”

  “No, and if it is up to me, she never shall,” he replied walking over to the window and looking out into the night. “We are calling her Mrs. Anderson and my sister did not question me.”

  “She never does, Darce. But,” Richard continued, “often when we are trying to hide secrets, bigger ones come out.”

  “There are some things which should remain buried. I am willing to take that chance,” he replied, downing his drink in one gulp.

  Richard swirled the contents of his around and studied the dark liquid. “And you, Cousin? Do you have any secrets you wish to share with me?”

  Darcy looked up at him through squinted eyes. “Why do you ask?”

  “No, reason. Only I thought I heard something this morning about Briggs getting your mother’s jewels from the safe…”

  “And from whom did you hear that ?” Darcy asked, a note of humor in his voice.

  “Never you mind,” his cousin replied, taking a swallow from his glass. “However, if that be the case, I wish you luck.”

  “Luck?”

  “Yes, luck. Miss Bennet is an outstanding woman, who would make any man an admirable wife. She is beautiful, witty, intelligent, compassionate.”

  “Yes,” Darcy nodded walking back to pour himself another drink. “If that is the case, then why do you wish me luck and not congratulations?”

  Richard stood as he heard guests descending the stairs, and carriages approaching. “Because, dear cousin. You have yet to make the public announcement to formalize things. She can still back out if she wishes.”

  “And why would she wish?” Darcy asked, indignation in his tone. “What do you know that you are not sharing, Richard? Has she said something to you?”

  “Not formally, no. But, I am dancing the first with her, and plan on using that time to convince her to see the error of her ways. A man in service of his King is much more dashing than a stodgy landowner. The life of adventure I could promise her…”

  He ducked as Darcy picked up a pillow from the chair and threw it at his head. “You had better watch yourself, old man, or there shall be fireworks brighter than at Vauxhall Gardens tonight in the ballroom. I will be on guard.”

  Richard laughed, and walked over to slap his cousin on the back. “As you should, my friend. She is a treasure worth fighting for. If I were you, I would make it official before the first dance!”

  An idea began to formulate in Darcy’s mind and he clasped his cousin’s shoulder before leaving the room. “Would you assist me, Cous
in?”

  His heart raced when he first glimpsed her. She seemed to float down the stairs like a heavenly visage in her blue silk gown. “You are breathtaking,” he had whispered to her as he stepped forward and lightly placed her hand into the crook of his arm. “Thank you for agreeing to be mine, so that I may look upon you every day for the rest of my life.”

  “Sir, someone will overhear you.”

  “Let them.”

  He squeezed her hand, then reaching for Georgiana, he escorted both of them into the ballroom.

  All the local families who had been contemporaries of the Darcys and Fitzwilliams for years and all who would assist his sister and his bride rise to the occasion, were in attendance, save Lord and Lady Matlock who remained at their estate as Lady Matlock was ill.

  It is no bother. They will meet Elizabeth soon enough. He walked both women towards Richard and left them for a brief moment, to ascertain the musicians needs before the notes of the first song began.

  “Georgie,” Richard said, stepping in front of Darcy and bowing at his young cousin, “I realize this dance has already been spoken for, but as your oldest guardian, I am imposing my right and claiming it. Your brother will just have to be disappointed.”

  Georgiana looked from Richard to Darcy and gave a knowing grin. “I thank you, Cousin. My brother will have to find another to partner.” She placed her gloved hand in her cousin’s, and they stepped to the top of the set as other couples began to take their places.

  “Sir, that is most singular,” Elizabeth remarked quietly.

  “Well, madam,” he said, “since it seems your partner has abandoned you as well…” He extended his hand to her, and she hesitated.

  “Fitzwilliam,” she whispered. “We are to dance the next dance as well. What will your guests think?”

  He sniffed and clasped her hand, leading her out next to his sister and cousin. “They will think that Fitzwilliam Darcy is no longer the most eligible bachelor in England.”

  Beaming, she said, “Then who am I to disagree?”

  He brought her hand to his lips as the music began to play in earnest, and they both ignored the glares of the Markhams.

  It has been a successful night. He looked around and saw his sister dancing with Mr. Arden. A young man with an estate not twenty-miles from here. Does not gamble or drink to excess. Has no profligate tendencies… He shook his head, and gave a rueful smile. Is that what all men are going to be to me now? A list of their achievements like a thoroughbred to determine if they would make a good husband for my dear Georgie? He nodded his head, knowing the truth.

  He then turned to spy Elizabeth, dancing with Mr. Johnson, who was overly talkative and very interested in everything she had to say. Lucky for me, he is an inch shorter than she and has terrible breath. My happiness is still secure! He laughed to himself. My future joy is before me, and my sister will grow with an example of fine womanhood before her. I am truly blessed!

  He found Lady Cecilia dancing with Mr. Blakely, the minister of the Kympton living, who was doing his best to make conversation. But, Lady Cecilia was having none of it.

  I could not imagine waking up to such a sour expression every morning. He winced at the thought, then sighed, grateful for the unexpected meeting in the gallery the previous night had been. Oh, Elizabeth. You will bless Pemberley. Nothing will separate our happiness!

  At that moment, a footman came in from behind him to say quietly, “Sir, a carriage just arrived with some people claiming to be guests for the ball, but Mrs. Reynolds has assured me that at least one in the party is unwelcome.”

  A high-pitched cackle wafted into the room—“Oh, la! Look at Lizzy! Why would she dance with someone so short?”

  It was at that moment that the dance ended, the music ceased, and the guests turned to the doorway to see Lydia Bennet followed by her two travelling companions. The silence was only interrupted by the startled cries of two women, and a commotion at the other end of the room, where a third woman, Lady Cecilia Markham, fainted clean away.

  “Lydia Frances Bennet! What are you doing here?” Elizabeth and her aunt Madeline retreated with the new arrival into the upstairs drawing room after the other guests were ushered into supper.

  “Are you not surprised? I bet you did not expect to see me all the way from Brighton.”

  “Does Papa know you are here? That you are traveling with these two people wholly unconnected to us?”

  Lydia petulantly raised her chin and turned away from her sister. “I do not need to ask Papa for permission. I was under the protection of Colonel Forster and Harriet.”

  “And did the good colonel sanction your travel?” Mrs. Gardiner asked.

  Lydia’s countenance altered but a moment. “Aunt. I am a grown woman—almost sixteen. I left a note for Harriet indicating my intentions. I am certain all is well. Colonel Forster knows the kind of man Mr. Wickham is.”

  “Lydia, what made you—”

  “It is of no consequence why I did what I did,” she said, cutting off Elizabeth’s question. “I only know that we are wasting time and I would much rather be downstairs dancing or at a delicious supper. The ball looked like a fairyland and I saw many handsome beaux.”

  “Lydia, you are not—”

  “Come, come, Lizzy. Stop being so stodgy. I have my best ball gown on, and intend to—”

  “Lydia Frances Bennet!” Aunt Madeline stood with fire in her eyes, causing Lydia to shrink. “I will not repeat myself, so listen to what I have to say. Your choice to travel half way across the kingdom solely to attend a ball to which you were not invited, has thoughtlessly jeopardized the happiness of our host’s sister. I have always known that your manners were wanting, but this action alone has proven to me your stupidity, your conceit, and your selfish disdain for the feelings of others. You will leave this room solely to go to my bedchamber where you will sleep with me! In the morning, we will leave for Chenowith, and from there, on to London, where your father and your uncle will determine what to do with you.

  “If it were up to me,” she continued, folding her hands in front of her, “your father would have turned you over to your uncle and me as we asked last year.”

  “Turn me over to you?” Lydia asked in shock, then snorted in derision. “Why would I want to go live with you?”

  “Oh, no, dear. You will not live with us. Your uncle and I will sponsor you at Lady Carlotta’s School for Girls…”

  “What? This is ridiculous,” she said, tossing her head and moving to stand.

  “Sit down!” Madeline Gardiner continued, Lydia alarmed by her tone. “As I said, you will not be going down to a ball where you were not invited ! I will accompany you up to my room, where we will remain for the rest of the evening. We will then wake up before sunrise and leave for Chenowith. I will brook no opposition, and if you attempt to escape from me tonight, I will ask Mr. Darcy to station two footmen in the hallway. I will then bring you back to my room and turn you over my knee!”

  “Aunt!” Lydia cried in horror. “I am almost sixteen years old.”

  “And you should behave as such! There ought to have been many years of being turned over someone’s knee. I am ready to make up for lost time.”

  Lydia stomped her foot and crossed her arms. “I am going to the ball, and there is nothing you can do to stop me.”

  Madeline Gardiner looked from Lizzy to Lydia and grabbed her youngest niece by the ear and pulled her out the door. Her cries could be heard all the way up the second set of stairs, down the hall, and into the guest wing.

  Elizabeth looked out the door, and back to the seat where her sister had only been a moment before. She was too stunned to react to all that had occurred.

  “Where is he?” Darcy asked his cousin as he came down the stairs from Georgiana’s room and into the first floor.

  “He is in your study with Mr. Turner, Lord Markham, and four of your largest footmen guarding him.”

  “Do you think four is enough?”

 
“Well, he already has a bump above his eye…”

  “From what?” Darcy asked, stopping mid-stride.

  “While attempting to sit in your chair behind your desk, he…slipped on that tall fellow…”

  “Nathaniel?”

  “Yes, Nathaniel’s foot. Unfortunately, his face hit the corner of your desk…” Richard attempted to hide his mirth, and Darcy grinned back.

  “We cannot beat, him, Cousin.”

  “I know, Darcy, but we did not… He tripped.”

  “Very well, then. If he tripped, there’s nothing any of us can do about it. But Richard, remind me to give Nathaniel an increase in his salary.”

  He walked in the room, his breathing became shallow: Lord Markham standing close to his nemesis, while Phillip Turner paced by the window. Was it only a few hours ago I had celebrated he was out of my life and away from my sister?

  “Happy anniversary, Darce,” Wickham said with a smug grin, while leaning back on the couch and folding his hands behind his head. “A year ago. Ramsgate. If only we could have continued our journey north, all of this would not have been necessary.” He waved his arm around the room.

  Darcy shook his head with fire in his eyes. “You are delusional. You have never taken responsibility for your actions. No more! There are consequences.”

  Wickham leaned his head back and laughed before sitting up straighter. “If only that were true. But, you see, I will not keep quiet on all that has happened here. I did not know I would be seeing three women from my past tonight: of course, our dear Georgiana, Margaret, and,” he said, turning to Lord Markham, “my sweet Cecilia.”

  “You will refrain from saying her name, you swine!” Darcy and Richard turned to look at Lord Markham in surprise.

  “It is no fault of mine when the ton gets word that the most desirable flower of the London season has already been plucked.”

  With one step, Lord Markham reached over and raised his hand to strike Wickham before Darcy grabbed his arm.

  “As magistrate, I will arrest him.”