by Linda Wells
“Will …” Elizabeth turned his face back to hers and she tenderly licked his upper lip. “Ohhh.” He moaned and traced his tongue over her parted mouth. She stroked his softly caressing tongue with her own and Darcy embraced her so tightly she could feel all of him, even through the heavy coat. Their tongues began to duel and their mouths fought to see which would dominate the other. Elizabeth moaned softly and that was the only sound that could stop Darcy from trying to tear her bodice open and claim her right there against a tree. He started to softly chuckle. His frenzied kisses slowed and Elizabeth relaxed with him, feeling his growing smile. “Will?” She murmured, still seeking his mouth with gentle caresses.
Moving away slightly, he met her passionate eyes. She is so beautiful! He nibbled her lip. “I can not begin to tell you how I love your moan, Lizzy.” His fingers traced her cheek.
Elizabeth’s eyes flashed. “I do not moan!”
“Oh darling, yes you do, and I dearly cherish the sound.” He hugged her to him.
“No, I do not.” She said stubbornly, and buried her blushing cheeks against his coat. She felt his chest move and heard his deep rumble of a laugh, and they stood quietly embraced until their bodies calmed.
“How do you feel, Lizzy? Did you rest after I left you?”
“I wish I had rested, but Mama had other ideas.”
“Ah, she wished to talk with you?” He laughed. “I imagine she was curious of your visit to Netherfield.”
Elizabeth sighed heavily. “I wish it had been just that. We went to my Aunt Philip’s so that she could parade me before the neighbours, crowing over her daughter’s, and by association, her fine capture of a husband.”
Darcy drew back and searched her face. “You went out? Lizzy, I was sure you were to stay at home, resting. That is why I did not remain with you longer.” He watched her head shake. “Why then was I not asked to accompany you on this presentation?”
“You mean you would want to be the object of attention?” She laughed, seeing his brow still furrowed, and stroking it she explained. “Mama planned to visit the dressmaker to begin choosing fabrics for my wedding clothes. I imagine she thought that you would not wish to be there.”
He was incredulous. “You had to go shopping as well?”
“No, I convinced her to delay until tomorrow. I only had to go to my aunt’s.” She continued to stroke his brow soothingly, and he only appeared slightly mollified. She bit her lip and looked down, then back up to his penetrating gaze. “William, I met a man there. A soldier … his name was Wickham. I asked if he was from Derbyshire, his voice reminded me of yours.” Darcy’s eyes narrowed. “He said his name was common, but he may have relatives there … William, what is wrong?”
Darcy’s face grew red and his eyes burned with anger. “HE was there!” Darcy let go of her and strode away, his hands were opening and closing into fists. He tore off his hat and ran his hand through his hair. He looked back at Elizabeth’s worried face and returned to her side. He took her hands and asked urgently, “What did he say? Was he uncivil?”
“He … he spoke of wishing to marry well … he … oh William, it will sound silly, but he brushed against me and I thought he looked … he made me suddenly feel uncomfortable, like Mr. Lucas sometimes does.”
His voice shaking he squeezed her hands. “He touched you??” He closed his eyes and bit his lip. “Did he … no, he would not be direct.” He pulled her to him and held her tightly.
“William, was that … him?”
“Yes, I am sure of it, and he knows that we are engaged. I spoke to your father of him yesterday, he said that he would speak to you, and ban him from Longbourn.” Darcy searched her face, silently asking for an explanation.
“I did not speak to him before we left for Meryton, and I was so tired when we returned, I went straight upstairs … I have not seen him yet today.”
He moved back and held her chin in his hand, and stared into her eyes. “Promise me Lizzy, swear, you will go nowhere alone. Never. I do not trust him.”
Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide. “You think he would try to harm me? Why?”
“Revenge, sweetheart. He lost Georgiana’s dowry.” Darcy held her to him and thought of what Wickham might do. “Promise me, Lizzy. I know you think you are capable of caring for yourself, and I am sure that you probably think me far too overprotective, but …”
“Will.” He stopped his pleading and looked down at her upturned face. Elizabeth saw the concern in his eyes. “I promise. I will not walk alone. I only hope that you are wrong.”
“I fear what he will do.” He said frankly. “Your father said he will keep him from Longbourn, but I can not stop him in the village. How can I expose him without telling of Georgiana’s ruin? People would not accept a vague reference to some unknown girl as proof.” He kissed her forehead. “I talked to her, Lizzy. I told her of Aunt Catherine’s plans, and that Wickham is here. I will not withhold the truth from her, but she is so vulnerable, so sure that she has ruined everything, so sure that she will make another mistake. I did my best … but oh, how I needed you there.”
“Bring her to Longbourn tomorrow; she can come with us to the dressmaker. That should be a pleasant afternoon for her.” Darcy nodded. “You will come here for dinner today as well, Mama invited all of Netherfield. We will work together to care for her. There is no reason for anyone to learn what happened with Wickham, and we can just pass the time before our wedding in peace.”
“I hope so Lizzy. I wish your father would just let us marry so we could go home.” His embrace tightened to the point of being almost painful, but she did not stop him. “Come back with me for breakfast.” She whispered.
“I want breakfast in our chambers, in our home, alone.” He whispered back, and then sighed. “I will take you home, and then I must return to Netherfield to dress for church.” He drew back, and attempted a weak smile. “Come, let us walk.”
After untying his horse, he held the reins in one hand and Elizabeth’s hand in the other, and began to walk. They arrived at Longbourn, stopping at the garden gate. Kissing and resting their foreheads together for a moment, Elizabeth squeezed his hand and turned, leaving him to watch her progress to the house. Only when she was safely inside did he leave.
FROM A DISTANCE John and Wickham sat on their mounts. “You know their habits well. Do they meet at the stile every day?”
John finally tore his eyes from Longbourn after the door shut behind her. “On fine mornings, they do. He gives her riding lessons at Netherfield as well.”
Wickham cocked a brow at him. “They certainly seemed to enjoy each other’s company, although, I would say he had a burst of temper at one point, I quite feared for her.”
John nodded. “You seem to be correct; he does have a violent streak about him. But she did not slap his face.”
“Does she make a habit of that?” Wickham asked, and watched him flush and look away, realizing that she had indeed slapped his companion.
“She has done it before when angry.”
Wickham laughed. “I would like to see that at close range, quite a lady to be tamed, eh Lucas?” John’s glare made him laugh some more. “Have you been telling the truth of him to the town?”
John glanced at him. “I have told of his offences against you, and spoken of his personal habits.”
The smile vanished and was replaced by a glare. “That is all? You have not spoken of his sister’s ruin? You have not told of his violent behaviour? This will not work if you do not perform your part! His sister’s story and his behaviour with her is what will convince the parents to end the engagement!”
“I approached the men outside of the tavern, and I was about to tell them all, and then I saw a young girl, and thought of my sisters. I could not speak of Miss Darcy. Him, yes, I can tell of his proclivity, he is an adult, a man, but I can not hurt a child, she has borne so much already.” He looked down, then back at Longbourn.
Wickham snarled at him. “She deserves to be hu
rt!” John’s head snapped up in surprise. Wickham regained control. It seems I will have to do the work myself, the coward! He looked at John with disgust. “You must not want this enough, Lucas.”
“Perhaps not. Perhaps I should walk away; Miss Elizabeth has made her choice. If what I have said is not enough to end it, nothing else will work. I should have just gone directly to her father; I regret what I have said in town already.”
“And you will have her be his victim as well. You should rethink your priorities.” John said nothing. “Well, I should take my leave. You have to attend church, I believe.” He nodded and spurred his horse, and was soon gone, leaving John alone again with his thoughts.
“WELL LIZZY, how was your walk?” Mr. Bennet asked as he watched a servant take her bonnet and spencer.
“Too short.” She smiled up at him and pulled off her gloves.
He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe to his bookroom. “Ah, you mean Mr. Darcy left too soon?” He smiled at her surprise. “Come now daughter, I am old but no fool.”
She laughed then sobered. “May I speak to you, Papa?”
He stepped back and she entered the bookroom, taking a seat as he closed the door. “What is it Lizzy? Is something wrong?” He asked with concern.
“William agreed with me. The man I met yesterday at Aunt Philip’s home was Mr. Wickham, the man who hurt Miss Darcy.”
Mr. Bennet nodded. “I will tell your mother and sisters that he is not welcome here, and to avoid him in Meryton. There is not much else I can do. Mr. Darcy asked that I speak to him if I hear any rumours.”
Elizabeth looked at her hands. “He is so worried, Papa. He wishes to leave Meryton … he wishes we could marry sooner.” She looked up at him and saw his head shaking.
“I will not have rumours spread over your rapid marriage, Lizzy.”
“But why would there be any? Everyone knows we are engaged. You said yourself that it was expected!” She stood and began to pace in agitation. “Why should Georgiana have to live in fear of seeing her seducer, and why should William have to choose between taking her away and remaining here to be close to me? Why can we not simply marry? You have agreed to the settlement, and I know he has the license!” She turned to face her father, tears were starting to form.
He tried to soothe her. “Lizzy … I have seen the effect of scandal on a family. I have no wish to see it again. Surely Mr. Darcy understands this, despite his impatience.”
She shook her head, he did not understand. “I do not believe it is merely a case of impatience, Papa.” She remembered William’s worried expression, and could feel the crushing strength of his embrace.
Mr. Bennet smiled knowingly. “Ah well, not only am I not a fool, but I was also once a young man in love.” His eyes grew wistful and he seemingly forgot Elizabeth’s agitation. “Now, go my dear, soon your mother will appear with demands for attention. Let us enjoy our peace while we can.” Elizabeth wished to question his dismissal, as well as the statement of his love for a woman, but obeyed. She sensed that the love he spoke of was not for her mother.
THE BENNETS ARRIVED at church and the Netherfield coaches appeared almost at the same time. Darcy handed out Georgiana, and Richard followed, claiming her arm. Elizabeth smiled and stepped forward to accept Darcy’s offer, while Jane blushed shyly at Bingley before moving to sit with their family. Bingley sighed in resignation watching her go, and then turned to escort Caroline inside. Hurst raised a brow and laughed, drawing Louisa’s attention. “Well, if he would just ask to court her, he could take her inside, could he not?”
As the parties entered, Darcy’s attention was focussed solely on his Elizabeth, and he missed the sudden flurry of whispers that began as they passed. Richard was more observant, and noticed heads tilting and fingers pointing. He could not make out the conversations, but simply assumed it was gossip over the betrothed couple and passed it off as typical wedding noise. As the service progressed, Richard would cast amused glances at his cousin, watching as he would stroke Elizabeth’s hand as they shared the prayer book, or how he would bend his head a bit closer than necessary as they sang. Of course, he noted that she was hardly innocent either, and caught her shifting slightly so her legs touched his. Richard looked up once and noticed the amused smile on Hurst’s face and rolled his eyes at him. Hurst sat back, and ignoring the sermon, listened to the fevered whispers behind him. The smile left his face and he tried his best to make out the words.
By the time they left the church, people were staring openly at Darcy, and shaking their heads sadly at Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet thought all of the whispering was in awe of the excellent match her daughter had made, and she beamed and preened as Mr. Bennet guided her along. He had no desire to listen to the gossip of the town and wishing to get his family home quickly, led them out to his and Darcy’s waiting carriages. John stood and listened to the rumours spread, and realized with some discomfort that they were already growing and worsening beyond the few truths he had told, but the news was only of Darcy, and not of Miss Darcy. He watched as Darcy handed Elizabeth into his carriage, then his sister. He hoped that exposing the truth of the man would be enough to save her in time. Elizabeth looked out of the window of the coach and their eyes met for a moment. John took it as a sign that all would be well. Elizabeth felt uncomfortable.
“Are you well?” Georgiana asked, seeing her shudder.
“Oh, of course,” she smiled. “It is a little chilly today.”
Darcy leaned over to Richard. “That is Lucas.”
Richard observed him as they pulled away to go to Longbourn. “Ah, I see why you were able to beat him, Cousin. A very scrawny specimen.” He laughed. Darcy shook his head. He would speak to Mr. Bennet about Wickham meeting Elizabeth and warn him to remain alert. After Hurst informed them of the snippets of conversation he heard in church, they were certain that the story of Wickham’s lost inheritance was making the rounds of the town, but at least Mr. Bennet knew the truth of that. They could think of no good reason for Wickham to speak of Georgiana, not when Darcy and Richard could just as easily identify him as the seducer. They expected him to take revenge in some way, but thought it would come in a physical confrontation. Richard would go and speak to Colonel Forster about him in the morning, and hopefully have him agree that he did not belong in the militia, until Wickham made a move; there was little else that could be done.
THAT EVENING, back at Netherfield after enjoying a late supper, the men gathered in the billiards room. “You really should watch yourself, Richard.” Darcy said to his cousin.
He laughed. “Am I in danger?” He looked around the room, and bent under the table, his eyes wide with feigned fright. “Are the French coming?”
Darcy rolled his eyes and Hurst and Bingley laughed. “No, Cousin, but Miss Bingley is giving you the eye.”
Richard laughed louder. “Darcy, I am most assuredly not in danger of being trapped by Miss Bingley. She wants nothing of my soldier’s portion. I am merely a conduit to your still-unmarried person, despite the fairly spectacular refusal you imparted upon her.” He looked apologetically at Bingley. “And I assure you, she is in no danger from me.”
Bingley smiled and shrugged. “I was not concerned.”
“Then why do you pay her such attentions?” Darcy prodded him as he bent to take his shot.
“I did not realize I had.” He missed his shot and his amusement calmed. “Come now Darcy, I did nothing beyond the bounds of propriety. I was just enjoying … well after all, she is the only available young woman in this house.” He grinned, “Unless you hold with our dear aunt’s desire that cousins marry?”
The glare Darcy delivered wiped the smile from his face. “Forgive me, Darcy. I went too far.” He sighed. “I could have remained at Longbourn; there is a houseful of distracting unmarried ladies there.”
Hurst poured himself some more port and walked slowly around the table, watching Darcy sink three balls with a sharp strike. He waved his glass between Bingl
ey and Darcy. “Watch out gentlemen, he is after your ladies now.”
“I believe that my Elizabeth is quite safe.” Darcy’s smug smile travelled the room and ended with a glare upon Richard’s face.
“You did not hear how well they got along the other night.” Hurst smirked.
Darcy’s brow rose as he remained staring at Richard. “Really?”
“Oh come now, you know Father sent me here with a purpose. You do not expect me to observe and not speak to the girl do you?” He slapped Darcy on the back. “You have absolutely nothing to fear, that woman is as loyal as my uniform is red. She may tease and have a twinkle in her eye, but her heart is yours exclusively.”
Satisfied, Darcy relaxed. “Then I presume that you will report these findings to your parents?”
“I will. Her family … well, let us say the two youngest girls require refinement, but as for Miss Elizabeth … I believe that you have made an excellent choice.” He grinned. “Which leaves four young ladies at Longbourn to enjoy!” He clapped his hands and rubbed them together.
It was Bingley’s turn to glare. “Sir, may I remind you that Miss Jane Bennet is spoken for.”
Richard cocked a brow. “Are you courting her?”
Bingley flushed. “Well, not officially.”
“Have you spoken to her father?”
“Um, no, but I intend to soon.”
Richard grinned. “Well sir, until you do, the lady is fair game, is she not?”
Hurst and Darcy watched with interest. “How serious are you about Miss Bennet? I admit this is the longest I have seen you without a new lady on your arm for some time, but I thought that was merely because the neighbourhood had so little to offer.”
