by Linda Wells
Sir William transferred his gaze to Darcy. “You struck him, sir?”
“I did, twice in the abdomen, and once on his jaw. I regret resorting to violence, but he clearly was not listening to Miss Elizabeth’s demands to let her go and leave her alone. Perhaps I could have negotiated with him more rationally if it were not for the fact that I am engaged to be married to her, and my feelings may have understandably obscured my reason.”
“Engaged?” Sir William sat back, dumbfounded by what he heard. “Is there any chance that his actions could have been misconstrued?”
Darcy leaned forward and drove his finger onto the desktop. “Sir William, he was holding Miss Elizabeth’s face in his hand. If it had been anyone but me witnessing the event, the rumours of compromise would be running wildly through the countryside.”
He nodded silently and turned to Mr. Bennet. “I am sorry, Bennet. You warned him, well all of us, away from making a match that Eliza did not want. I believe that I have honoured that request, and Lady Lucas has …”
Mr. Bennet snorted. “Except for the seating at last night’s dinner.”
Sir William cleared his throat, “Ahem, well, yes, there was that, but no harm was done, I suppose …” He glanced up at Darcy’s cold blue eyes and looked away. “Well nobody knew of your engagement then!” He defended himself.
“Now you do.” Darcy said quietly. “I have informed your son to stay away from my betrothed, and not to attempt any communication with her. I have told him that if he persists, I will call him out. He apparently is labouring under the impression that I am somehow misrepresenting myself to Miss Elizabeth. She and Mr. Bennet know everything of me, and if they are satisfied, then that is all that matters. I do not need to prove myself to someone so wholly unrelated to our situation. Your son was aware that we were courting; not knowing of our engagement is no excuse for his behaviour. Do I make myself clear, sir?”
“Yes, yes, of course, capital, yes; indeed. Well sir, I am sure that my son will think long before approaching another lady again, and I will be sure to speak to him about his behaviour. Sir, I apologize most sincerely on behalf of my son and my family. Bennet, I do hope that this incident does not sour the relationship that we have between our houses. Mr. Darcy, may I wish you and Eliza great joy? When is the happy event to take place?” He stood and was ushering them out the door as he spoke. Mr. Bennet glanced at Darcy and smirked.
Darcy saw an opportunity and took it. “No later than the end of November. As your son said, the roads in the north become quite treacherous in the winter, and I wish to bring my bride home safely.”
Sir William coughed and nodded. “Yes, very good, I can certainly see that, you have no wish to bring her to London for a time? You will have to have her presented; of course, so that you may attend events at St. James’s, perhaps we could meet there when you are in town? Yes?” He continued shooing them along. Lady Lucas appeared and looked at them with a quizzical eye. “Ah, Lady Lucas, so sorry my dear but our guests were just leaving. I must tell you the happy news; Mr. Darcy is engaged to marry Eliza, is that not wonderful?”
She gaped at them. “Engaged? Oh, well, how very nice for you all.”
Sir William gestured to the servant who held their hats and gloves. “Yes, yes, very nice, indeed. Well, do not hesitate to call again, and bring dear Eliza with you, Mr. Darcy.” He smiled and bobbed. The door was firmly shut behind them and Darcy and Mr. Bennet stared at each other in bemused silence.
They walked to their horses, mounted and were back in the lanes before either spoke. “He could not send us away fast enough, could he?” Mr. Bennet laughed.
“I imagine he is very embarrassed.”
“Yes, indeed.” He looked sideways at Darcy. “You did very well. You kept your temper and stated the facts plainly. I am quite proud of you. A man in your position could very easily have done a great deal of damage to the Lucas’s. Your choice to handle this quietly is impressive.”
Darcy startled. “Thank you, sir.” He looked down. “Elizabeth and I will be gone from the neighbourhood soon; you must address your future relationship with the family, not I. In any event, I am quite accustomed to conducting difficult negotiations, this situation was no different.”
“I beg to disagree.” Mr. Bennet only had the vaguest idea of Darcy’s wealth, but it was enough to know that he was at least equal to a peer of the realm, and he possessed the power to harm if he chose. “I wish that I had your strength, and then perhaps I would have been able to reject my father’s demand that I marry Mrs. Bennet.”
Darcy looked at him. “But sir, then neither of us would have Elizabeth.” They rode in silence, contemplating that salient fact. Darcy did not return to Longbourn, but instead continued on to Netherfield. Elizabeth would learn the details of the meeting from her father, and her mother had already demanded that she spend the day with her, to begin the wedding plans. She would see him the next morning for a riding lesson.
“AH, BACK AGAIN.” Wickham looked about the village as the militia rode into Meryton.
Denny lifted his chin and looked over at him. “You have been here before?”
Wickham laughed. “I passed through.”
“There is a tale in that, I’d wager.” Denny grinned.
“Quite a tale.” Wickham muttered, and saw the inn coming into view. “Good inn, though.”
Seeing that he was not going to be hearing more at the moment, Denny changed the subject. “And the ladies? Did you have an opportunity to meet any?”
Wickham smiled, “I was not here long enough, but I do believe that our primary goal is to explore the ladies and the drink of our new home, is it not?”
Denny smiled, “And do not forget to add to our winnings by meeting the local gentlemen.” The two laughed and looked at the villagers watching them enter. Some appeared excited to see them, particularly the young ladies who were staring at their uniforms. Wickham was sorry to leave their last camp at Brighton, a town ripe with his favourite activities, but winter meant moving inland, and for whatever reason, his militia had been assigned here. Money must have exchanged hands somewhere along the line.
The officers were to stay in a rooming house in the village, while the rest of the men set up tents in a field rented for the purpose. They would erect more substantial structures for the winter, but nonetheless, Wickham was grateful for his simple accommodations in an actual building. Colonel Forster sent word around that an evening had been planned two days hence to introduce the officers to the local gentlemen, a sort of welcoming party. Wickham leaned into Denny as they left the room where they had gathered. “We will have the chance to see which of our new hosts will make the best companions. Too bad the ladies will not be invited.”
“Come on, let’s walk around and see what is to be seen.” They left the house and went into the street, and were soon aware of two young girls standing and giggling behind their hands at them. Wickham smirked. They approached and bowed low. “Good afternoon, ladies. I am Lieutenant Wickham, and this is my friend, Lieutenant Denny, we are very happy to be spending our winter protecting the good citizens of Meryton.”
Lydia giggled and affected a superior air. “Good afternoon sirs, I am Lydia Bennet, and this is my sister Kitty. We are delighted to meet you.” They curtseyed and fell into more giggles. Wickham sent Denny a look with a raised brow, and he grinned, nodding. Yes, these girls were perfect.
Wickham presented his arm to Lydia. “Might I ask you to give us a tour?” Still giggling she took his arm as Kitty accepted Denny’s and together, the couples strolled around the village.
ELIZABETH ARRIVED at Netherfield in Darcy’s coach, and was disappointed to only see Georgiana waiting outside for her. She stepped down with the aid of a footman and walked to the girl, noting her troubled expression. “Georgiana is something wrong?”
She wrung her hands. “I do not know. William was fine this morning, and until he read a letter at the breakfast table he was happy, but suddenly he stood up
and stormed from the room, nearly knocking over a servant on his way. I heard a door shut, and Mr. Bingley said that he had sealed himself in the library and begged not to be disturbed.” She took Elizabeth’s hand. “What could it be?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Well, obviously it was something in the letter. Do you think he would speak to me?”
“I confess I hoped you would offer. I was afraid to knock. Miss Bingley has been hovering outside of the door, but thankfully has not gone in.” They entered the house and after giving up her outerwear to a servant, Elizabeth followed Georgiana to the library door.
Caroline stood outside. “Miss Eliza, what brings you here?” She looked over the riding attire. “Oh yes, you were to receive a lesson today. Well, I am sorry to tell you that Mr. Darcy is far too occupied to spend time with you. I will call for the carriage to return you to Longbourn right away.”
Smiling sweetly, she met Caroline’s eye. “Although I am sure that Mr. Darcy appreciates your concern, I am also sure that he would not wish you to speak for him. I will just confirm this with him, then I will either return home, or perhaps Georgiana would like me to visit with her if he needs to alter our plans.”
She looked at Georgiana who nodded her head gratefully. “Oh yes, I would like that very much. I already told William that I would rather not accompany you today, it is too windy.” Elizabeth smiled and patted her hand, then raising her brows to Caroline to step away from the door; she lifted her hand and knocked.
“Please leave me alone!” The angry voice called.
Elizabeth was taken aback by the very uncharacteristic tone, but glancing at the smirk on Caroline’s face she drew herself up. “Mr. Darcy, it is Miss Elizabeth, may I speak to you for a moment?”
The rapid sound of boots on hardwood was heard and the door was unlocked and pulled open. Darcy’s eyes were dark and searching. He stepped back and she entered. He glared at Caroline, then looked with pain at Georgiana, and closed the door, locking it again.
“What is he doing? He can not be alone in that room with her!” Caroline fretted. Georgiana stared at her, and did not hear Hurst approaching.
He spoke softly so that Georgiana would not hear. “What are you afraid of Caroline, that she will be considered compromised and would have to marry Darcy?” He laughed softly and winked at Georgiana as he passed by.
Caroline turned to him and whispered furiously. “He is most certainly not compromising her! Do you hear me?” She looked at Georgiana and raised her voice. “She is perfectly able to speak to him alone. And I do not want to hear another word about it!” She spun on her heel and stormed away.
Georgiana looked after her in confusion and Bingley stepped up. “Come Miss Darcy, obviously Miss Elizabeth is who he needs right now. I believe that Mrs. Annesley is in the drawing room if you would care to join her.” She nodded her head and walked away, wondering at the distress in William’s eyes, and suspecting it had to do with her somehow.
Inside the library, Elizabeth had just turned as William closed and locked the door when she suddenly found his arms encasing her and his face buried in her hair. They stood for several minutes in silence while she held him tight, feeling his body shaking with emotion. As his breathing calmed he whispered, “Thank God you are here.”
“What is wrong, William? I understand that you were fine until you read a letter?” She rubbed his back and pressed herself to him. He nodded and drew back a little. His eyes had returned to their customary blue, but remained full of anger and pain.
“I received a letter from my cousin Richard, the colonel?” She nodded. “Apparently my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, decided that I was mishandling the reformation of my sister and that she would step in to find her a husband.” Elizabeth gasped. He nodded and let go of her, stepping back and running his hand through his hair. He took her hand and kissed it, then held it tightly in his. “She sent out letters to various families in need of Georgiana’s dowry, offering her money in exchange for a saved reputation.” He took her to a sofa and they sat. His face displayed his disgust. “Apparently she thought that if she approached me with the suitor in tow, I would give my consent.”
“Why on earth would she do this? She is but fifteen! Will your aunt not allow time a chance?”
Darcy laughed bitterly and squeezed her hand. “Saving Georgiana was not her goal. She felt that I would not marry as long as Georgiana was ruined. She thought that I was ruined unless I made a good match, and of course the only good match in her mind is to her daughter.”
“Pardon?” Elizabeth stared. “Do you mean this is some elaborate scheme for you to marry … your cousin?” Darcy nodded and looked away. Elizabeth closed her eyes. “Do you wish for such a marriage, William?”
His head snapped back. “No!” He gathered her into his arms and held her to his chest. “No, Elizabeth, no, I never wished for Anne. My mother and aunt wanted it, and that made me more determined than ever to never consider it, besides the very real fact that I do not care for my cousin in any way other than as a family member.” He gazed into her eyes. “Only you, Elizabeth; I will marry no woman, but you.” His lips gently caressed hers, and then he searched her face.
She smiled. “I had to ask.”
He gave her a little smile. “I know.” He kissed her softly. “I have told nobody here as yet, but as your father has announced the news to your family and the Lucas’s I am honour bound to marry you.”
Gently she stroked back the fringe from his brow. “I do not care for the reasons, as long as you do.” Resting their foreheads together, they closed their eyes. “I assume by this letter that your family has somehow learned of the scheme and stopped it?”
She felt his head nod. “Yes, Anne wrote to Richard, who told his parents, and they travelled to Rosings in time.”
“I imagine that you feel grateful for their swift response.”
He sighed. “I am.”
Elizabeth pulled back and caressed his face. “What makes you so angry, your aunt’s actions?”
Leaning into her touch he studied her while thinking. “No, I mean, yes, her actions, but I suppose it is simply not being in control.”
“Do you feel that your family should have consulted with you first?”
He kissed her palm and settled back on the sofa, drawing her to rest her head on his chest. “I would have wished that, yes. It makes me feel that they think me incapable of protecting my sister.”
She squeezed him. “I sincerely doubt that they thought that at all, William. It seems to me that they wished to act expeditiously, and they wished to spare you additional pain. Is not your cousin also Georgiana’s guardian? Would not his actions be in accordance with your father’s wishes that he care for her as well?”
“You are being far too sensible.” He murmured against her hair.
Elizabeth laughed. “Forgive me. Perhaps when you write to your family to thank them, you could say that in the future, you would appreciate them including you in their plans.”
“You mean make my displeasure known subtly.” He smiled into her eyes.
She caressed his cheek. “Yes. It is obvious to me how hurt you are. Does it make you feel inadequate? Weak? I imagine with all of the things that you must care for, you feel hurt that you could not be trusted to handle yet another item. Perhaps though, they feel that you have enough on your plate, and merely wished to spare you more stress. Perhaps they wished to show you support after treating you so poorly upon your last meeting.”
“Do you know how much I love you?” He kissed her lips.
“Are you saying that I am correct?” She twinkled up at him.
“You can put into words the frustration I feel. I am so used to caring for everyone, even before my father died, as he became weaker, I was running Pemberley. By the time he passed, the transition was hardly noticed. I am simply unwilling to accept help sometimes.”
Elizabeth held his face in her hands. “There is no shame in asking for or needing help. You are no longe
r alone, and I hope very much that you will never be afraid to ask me for anything, even if it is just to hold your hand.”
He drew a deep breath and blinked rapidly. “Nobody has ever …” He buried his face in her shoulder. “Thank you for loving me.”
Blinking back her tears she whispered, “I do, and always will.” They stayed embraced for several minutes. She felt him swallow hard. “Do you wish to write back to your family, or would you like to give me my lesson? I think it may rain later, so we must go soon if we wish to accomplish anything at all. Georgiana said that she would welcome a visit if you have work to do.” She laughed. “Of course, we could stay in here all day and drive Miss Bingley mad!”
She felt his shoulders move then heard a deep chuckle. His head came up and he kissed her with a smile. “I think that we should ride.”
“One horse or two?”
He laughed. “As much as I enjoy one, I believe that two would be best, that is if you expect to learn anything.”
They stood and he held her close. “Thank you, my love.”
Elizabeth squeezed him. “I did not do or say anything that you would not have accomplished on your own. I have great faith in your reasonable mind.”
He smiled and shook his head, and they walked to the door. He unlocked and pulled it open quickly, and Caroline nearly fell in. Darcy raised his brow and watched her attempt to regain her dignity. “Why Miss Bingley, you really should be careful about leaning on doors, you never know when they might open.” Elizabeth bit her lips to suppress her laughter and they walked down the hallway to don their coats and begin their ride.
“MY DEAR MISS ELIZA, you do appear rather pale, perhaps we should call the carriage for you to return home right away?” Caroline’s sincerity, although questionable, did not belie the fact that indeed, Elizabeth was very pale.
