The Darcy Brothers

by Abigail Reynolds

  “A rare specimen indeed, and the like of which I have yet to bag!” He flourished his cane. “May I be so bold as to take a shot?”

  She nodded, and he walked to the water’s edge, but even with his longer reach, the bonnet remained aloft and beyond him.

  Theo studied the ground before him. “I believe there is but one solution, Madam. I shall brave the high seas for you and duly restore you to your bonnet.” He made an exaggerated bow before removing his hat, looking about for somewhere to rest it that it might not become too soiled, only to realize the lady was offering her gloved hand.

  “I would not wish to intrude upon your leisure, sir, but if you are to come to my assistance, permit me to support you as best I can.”

  He inclined his head. “It is my pleasure. I do, after all, possess the traditional accomplishments of an educated gentleman, not least of which is coming to the aid of a lady in distress.”

  With a grin, Theo met her sparkling gaze, before handing his hat over for safe-keeping. She stepped aside as he took several paces back, then leapt across the stream, landing with a squelch on the other side. Flecks of muddy water patterned his trousers as his boots sank ankle deep into the soft mud at the water’s edge, and he tugged them free, slipping and stumbling his way, effectively but with little elegance, to the safety of the grass verge.

  “Hey ho! I am in safe harbor—do not be alarmed, Madam!” He glanced over to where the lady stood; there was no sign of concern on her features at all, merely an impish smile enticing him far more than he wished to acknowledge. How he wished to know more of her!

  Clearing his throat, Theo turned his attention to the recalcitrant bonnet, lodged somewhere above him.

  “Shall I throw you the branch?” The lady indicated the discarded item which he had not thought to take with him, but he shook his head.

  “I shall make do!” He raised his cane and stretched up in an attempt to dislodge the bonnet.

  The lady clapped her hands together. “You are almost there, sir. One more prod should do the trick.”

  Theo grasped his cane more firmly and, with a small jump, finally managed to dislodge the bonnet from its leafy hold and it tumbled down through the air straight towards him. Before he could take evasive action, it landed with perfect precision upon his own head.

  A burst of laughter from the lady was, however, sufficient encouragement for him to leave it in place.

  “I am tempted to retain it, Madam. It is a fine fit, and I trust you are out of countenance with it as you had tossed it aside.”

  Clearly struggling to contain her amusement, she shook her head. “Indeed, I did not. It was Mother Nature’s desire, for as I entered this clearing, a gust of wind whipped it from me before I could prevent it.”

  With a more successful leap this time, Theo crossed back over the stream and came to stand before her, performing his best attempt at a curtsey. Smiling widely, she held his hat out to him.

  “Much as the color becomes you, sir, I believe we should trade. Gallantry must be rewarded with more than muddy boots! I am gratified I was able to preserve your hat from a similar fate.”

  Theo laughed, thoroughly delighted with her, but then she too curtseyed. “And now I must repeat my thanks and say farewell for I am past due at the parsonage. Mr. Collins always expects me to return directly, and I will not be thanked for keeping him from his supper.”

  She turned away as Theo inclined his head in acknowledgement. He was conscious of a twinge of disappointment; did her reference to Mr. Collins mean he had come across the wife he had so serendipitously secured in Hertfordshire? He turned his feet back towards the house, mulling upon the good fortune of some.

  *****

  Not being prone to the depression of spirits, the chance encounter had restored Theo’s natural enthusiasm and, despite his reluctance to be at Rosings, he bounced up the stone steps to the front door with a much improved air and countenance.

  He made a perfunctory attempt at scraping some of the mud from his boots, then shrugged and let himself into the house, closing the door carefully so as not to alert anyone to his return.

  To the either side of the doorway stood two highly polished suits of armor; these had stood in their silent positions for as far back as Theo could remember and, moreover, presented a temptation he was loath to resist. With a quick glance about to ensure he was undetected, he grinned, removing his hat and balancing it on top of the helmet of one of the figures. Pleased with his efforts, he rested his cane across the extended arms and turned around, looking for inspiration.

  He was just threading two large flowers, extracted from a vase on the table in the center of the hall, into the mouthpiece of the helmet when a voice behind him made him spin about.

  “What the devil do you think you are doing?”

  *****

  An ominous creaking behind Theo hinted at the disaster to come, then time seemed to stretch as the helmet toppled off the suit of armor, bounced with a loud clang, then rebounded into his brother’s shin. Theo winced at Darcy’s grimace of pain. “I was merely attempting to add a little cheer to the decor.”

  Darcy bent over and rubbed his abused shin, then carefully picked up the helmet, its visor now dented and dangling loose. “This survived intact for four hundred years until you came along,” he said coldly.

  “Had you not startled me, it would have been there for another four hundred,” Theo shot back.

  “Had you merely respected a historical artifact, it would not have happened.”

  So much for his improved spirits! Theo managed to smile despite gritted teeth. It was a skill he had practiced often. “Whatever you say, Your Highness.”

  “Oh, stop that nonsense!” Darcy snapped. “Where have you been? Your boots are covered with mud.”

  “I went for a walk, not that it is any of your business. My boots became muddy when I rescued a damsel in distress.”

  “I hesitate to think what you might have demanded in return for whatever slight service you offered.”

  “None. I came upon the parson’s wife, whose bonnet was caught in a tree. I retrieved it for her.”

  Darcy’s shoulders tightened. “Why was her bonnet in a tree?”

  “She said it had blown off.” Theo dropped into one of the chairs lining the wall. “It was my pleasure to help her. She is a lovely girl—all chestnut curls, bright eyes, and a lively expression. A quick wit as well. A pity she is wasted on the parson.”

  His brother turned away to look out the window. “It was likely a prudent match for her,” he said coldly, then added briskly, “As it was for him. Apparently, he only sought a wife because our aunt instructed him to do so.”

  “And prudence is the only important thing, is it not?” Theo said mockingly. “Heaven forbid a man should choose his wife because he finds her attractive, or even worse, because he loves her.” Despite his tone, he was watching his brother carefully. Once again, a mention of the parson had angered Darcy. What could the man have done in Hertfordshire to discompose his normally stoic brother to this degree?

  “Love!” Darcy snapped. “Love is only for poets. It will not keep a roof over your head, nor will it feed your children, nor establish them in society. Love cannot keep the Pemberley estate intact for future generations. It is not the person who marries for love who suffers, but his children and their children after him.”

  Theo sat back in his chair and studied his brother. “Every man owes something to his children,” he said mildly. “He also owes something to himself.”

  Darcy’s lip curled. “That is what selfish men would say.”

  It was time to take a risk. Cocking his head to the side, Theo said, “What is troubling you, William? You are not yourself.”

  He could almost hear the mask snap back into place. “Nothing is troubling me. Nothing at all.” Darcy turned on his heel and strode away.

  Theo tapped his cheek. His best hope of discovering what had happened between William and the mysterious Mr. Collins wa
s to observe them together. A plan began to take shape in his head. True, it would mean undertaking several of his least favorite things—awakening early in the morning, attempting to be polite to his aunt, and avoiding annoying his brother—but sometimes sacrifices must be made.

  *****

  Darcy trudged down to breakfast in uncharacteristic low spirits. He had tossed and turned half the night haunted by images of his Elizabeth in Mr. Collins’s bed, giving him a leaden feeling in his stomach and a decided distaste for company.

  Why could he not have remained in ignorance of her fate? Leaving her behind in Hertfordshire had been hard enough, but at least he had the minor consolation of believing she was happily engaged in life at Longbourn, and perhaps giving his memory a wistful thought from time to time. But no—he had to have his loss rubbed in his face, to see his beloved Elizabeth’s spirits ground down under the weight of life with that fool Collins. He had not expected to enjoy his stay in Kent, not when he had to deal with both his aunt and Theo, but now it had turned into a nightmare.

  If only he could skip breakfast and go for a gallop over the countryside, perhaps he would be able to breathe again. He quickly squelched the thought that he might come across Elizabeth, or at least see her at a distance. Even an early morning ride was impossible, though. Theo already seemed to suspect something was troubling him, so Darcy could not afford to alter his routine. Why did his wastrel of a brother have to possess a moment of perception right now?

  It had seemed a good idea to bring Theo to Rosings with him, now enough time had passed since Ramsgate to allow his fury to abate sufficiently he could speak to his younger brother without shouting at him. Darcy had even hoped Theo might have finally learned his lesson about Wickham, and the two brothers could have a rapprochement. Unfortunately, that had been wishful thinking, born of his own foolish desire for a brother who could understand him. Theo was as shallow and annoying as ever.

  At least he would not have to face Theo over breakfast, since he rarely troubled himself to rise before noon. That was something for which to be grateful.

  It turned out his luck had failed him in this matter as well. When Darcy entered the breakfast room, he found Theo seated beside his aunt, apparently engrossed in something she was saying. Fighting the impulse to turn on his heel and leave, Darcy instead gave them a cool greeting. The furthest seat from Theo was next to Anne, but Darcy took it anyway. At least she would not chatter at him.

  The first bitter sip of coffee awoke him to the realization that something was decidedly amiss. Theo was listening to Lady Catherine. Not only that, but he was asking her opinion—and sitting up straight in his chair. And Lady Catherine, usually fulsome in her welcome to Darcy, had barely acknowledged his arrival. Darcy’s lips tightened. Theo was plotting, and whatever his goal was, it would undoubtedly have unpleasant results for Darcy. He began to attend to the conversation he had deliberately ignored until now.

  ”…And mark my words, Theophilus, if you wish to be a Judge some day, you will have to change your ways. The Darcy name grants you a certain degree of credibility, of course, but you will have to prove yourself worthy of other men’s trust before they will bring you their business. First you must join a club.”

  “Fortunately, I already have the honor of being a member at Brooks,” said Theo deferentially. “I hope that meets your approval.”

  Lady Catherine frowned. “Whites is superior to Brooks.”

  “Ah, but I cannot afford the fees at Whites, so I must make do with Brooks.”

  Darcy fumed. Theo could not afford Brooks either. If it was not a flat-out lie, then Theo must have been gambling or going to moneylenders. No doubt it had never occurred to him to apply that money to the rent Darcy paid for him.

  With a sniff, Lady Catherine said, “I suppose you will at least meet some politicians there. It could be a start. But you must work to be invited to the finest social events.”

  Theo took a sip of his chocolate, his brows furrowed. “How shall I determine which events are appropriate for me? So often I go to a Venetian breakfast or a musical soiree expecting good company, and instead it turns out to be the sort of people you have warned me to avoid.”

  “I will give you a list of those on whom you may depend. If Anne’s health would permit, I could go to Town and introduce you to the proper sort of people myself, but that is impossible. You must cultivate friends who will not lead you into the way of temptation, for we have seen where that leads, young man! You will also need to learn to practice moderation. Although you must never refuse a game of cards, you must never be seen to play for high stakes. And no practical jokes! Remember, once you have earned a bad reputation for yourself, there will be no possibility of remedy. Memories are long in the ton!”

  Theo was nodding solemnly. “I will have to search out men of good character, then. I shall start as soon as I return to London.”

  “You must not wait so long, or you may lose your resolve as you have so often in the past!”

  “Perhaps I should practice while I am here. I heard you praise your clergyman yesterday—is he the sort of fellow I should spend more time with?”

  Darcy’s head shot up. What knavery was Theo planning, and why was he spouting this utter nonsense? As if Theo would ever voluntarily spend so much as a minute in the company of a fool like Mr. Collins!

  “Hmm. He can do you no good in society, of course, but I suppose you could do worse than to have him as an influence on you. He understands the importance of deference to his betters.”

  “I shall call on him today, then.” Theo frowned. “But no—I will have to wait until Sunday, for I have not been introduced to him.”

  Lady Catherine brushed this objection away. “It is no matter. I would take you to his house and introduce you myself, but I do not wish to be away when the doctor calls on Anne. Darcy can take you. He has met Mr. Collins.”

  Theo smiled as if she had granted the wish nearest his heart. “An excellent thought! I say, William, would you do me the great honor of introducing me to this paragon of parsons?”

  “Of course he will! I have said so,” said Lady Catherine crossly before Darcy had time to frame a response.

  *****

  Darcy’s suggestion of riding to the parsonage earned him an odd look from Theo, who noted it was just across the lane from Rosings Park. That was hardly the point; it might take only a quarter hour to walk there, but if they rode, he could avoid talking to Theo. He could barely think straight as it was, given his dread of seeing Elizabeth turned into Mrs. Collins, not to mention the effort of fighting to deny the part of himself that was euphoric to have the opportunity to see Elizabeth, no matter her circumstances.

  There was no help for it; Darcy and Theo set forth on foot, the former in grim silence, the latter speaking cheerfully about the weather and the state of the Kentish roads. Even when Darcy failed to respond to his direct questions, Theo continued to talk as if he had not noticed, but a mocking light appeared in his eyes.

  Darcy, in no mood to tolerate his younger brother’s nonsense, finally said, “What is it you want from our aunt? Money?”

  Theo had the gall to smile. “Just answers.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  Shrugging, Theo said, “It is what barristers do—seek answers. If I cannot get my information from one witness, I try another.”

  “She is not a witness in a courtroom. It is disrespectful of you to manipulate her as you did.”

  Theo shook his head, laughing. “Only you would think so, Darcy! She will treasure the memory of this morning, when she finally made her wayward nephew see the error of his ways. There is no greater gift I can give her than to ask for her advice!”

  “It would not hurt you to take a little of that advice.” Good God, he was starting to sound like Lady Catherine himself!

  Theo snorted. “Really, William, that is rich.”

  All the hurt and anger he had felt since hearing of Elizabeth’s marriage to Mr. Collins e
rupted. “I do not know why I still attempt to help you when I know full well you will simply ignore me and waste my money!” He strode ahead, refusing even to look at Theo, not pausing until he reached the parsonage gate. If Elizabeth was inside, she might be only a few dozen feet away from him.

  Theo ambled up, his face unreadable. “William,” he said softly, “how many cases have I argued since being called to the bar? How many of them have I won? Who do you suppose hires me for those cases?”

  Something about Theo’s voice made Darcy pause. Then a curtain in the window of the parsonage twitched, riveting Darcy’s attention. Could it be Elizabeth? “Later, Theo. They have seen us; we must not dawdle here.”

  *****

  Darcy’s heart pounded as a maid showed them into a crowded sitting room. His gaze was immediately drawn to Elizabeth as she placed a bookmark in her book, the sunlight from the window beside her dancing over her chestnut curls and illuminating her expressive lips.

  His breath caught in his throat. She was every bit as enticing as she had been in Hertfordshire—no, more enticing, because now he knew what it was to live without her. How could she have married a man like Collins?

  He tore his attention away as one of the other young women, her hair drawn back under a simple cap, approached him with a smile. He recognized her vaguely from Hertfordshire, but what was her name? He had to say something. With a bow, he said, “Miss…um...”

  Elizabeth’s voice rippled with amusement as she came to his rescue. “Mr. Darcy, Miss Lucas is now Mrs. Collins.”

  The woman in the cap was Mrs. Collins? Did that mean…could it mean his Elizabeth was still free? He glanced at her left hand. No wedding band! The surge of relief almost robbed him of words.

  “I… allow me to offer my best wishes on your marriage, Mrs. Collins.” He managed a formal bow, somehow, scarcely able to control his joy. “This is an unexpected pleasure, Miss Elizabeth.” He sounded like a schoolboy stumbling at his lessons.