Fate and Consequences

by Linda Wells

  “Yes, he heard of Caroline’s removal from Bingley’s home upon his marriage and that she has a significant dowry. He has an estate, I would say about the size of my father’s, in Yorkshire, but the entailment upon it prevents him from selling any property as he hoped to eliminate some debts.”

  “Why does he need the funds, is he a gambler?” She watched the couple move through the pattern, making some conversation in the process. Caroline seemed to be attempting to smile, and Mr. Thatcher’s eyes were roaming over her.

  “Not that I am aware, but his father was, and left debts of honour behind when he died. Mr. Thatcher is obligated to pay them.”

  “So his recourse is to marry a woman with a dowry.” She said grimly.

  Hurst turned to watch them. “Yes, and quickly … he is not a bad man, Louisa.”

  Louisa caught his eye. “But is he a good one?”

  “He is not me or Bingley, and certainly not Darcy, but he is a gentleman. A marriage of convenience is all he ever wanted or expected. Do not be surprised to hear of his mistress, or of him preferring his club to his home. He wants a wife to produce his heir and run his household, and of course for social occasions such as this. He told me that he has observed Caroline in company, and that she has a sharp wit that would complement his own. He finds her handsome enough.” Louisa looked at the couple dancing sadly and he saw her expression. “They would marry because he needs the money and she needs the security. It is cold, but in all honesty, that is all that Caroline expected with Darcy, is it not?”

  “She wanted the first circles and his riches. Instead she will endure a loveless marriage, without even companionship as a benefit, I suspect. She has alienated so many women with her cruel remarks … few of them would recommend her to their brothers. It is the lot that she cast for herself.”

  “Well, she will be the same as you and I, which given your family’s very recent roots in trade, is not a bad accomplishment, if I may toot my own horn.” He smiled, then took her hand and bestowed a kiss. “I believe that you and I had a bit more of a romantic inclination when we first met, and I think that we have restored that now.”

  “Well, you certainly are returning to the dashing figure you had when you courted me!” She smiled and he laughed, patting his stomach.

  “My tailor is pleased for all the new business!” He smiled again and then looked soberly back at Caroline. “This may be her only chance, Louisa. The gossips are all discussing her removal from Bingley’s house. If he had not married, they would be crowing over it even more, at least they seem to have latched onto that as a reason. Her window of opportunity is closing quickly. Surely you would prefer her in her own home rather than living alone forever?”

  “Of course, it is not what she desired, but her hopes were too high, and her methods despicable. I regret ever encouraging her. Will Mr. Thatcher speak to Charles?”

  “Yes, it is not necessary, she is independent, but he wishes to follow the formalities. If Caroline is agreeable, I can see them marrying within the next two months.”

  “I admit that it will be a relief.” She sighed then laughed at her husband’s nod. “Well, let us leave them to their courting. I feel no compelling desire to chaperone what is a business transaction.” She tilted her head. “So, Mr. Hurst, will you ask me to dance?”

  He offered his arm and grinned. “By all means! May I demonstrate my newly acquired lightness of foot to match my new lightness of figure?” Hurst led her out to line up for the second set and smiled, his gaze resting on the small bump on his wife’s belly.

  DARCY WALKED slowly around his nervous wife, his arms folded, studying the way the fine fabric draped so sensuously over every curve. He stood behind her, admiring her bare shoulders, the soft skin like a siren, beckoning for his touch, the caress of his lips. Three long curls draped down her back, and moved with each quiet breath. Those curls would be enticing him all night. He slipped his hands around her waist and unable to resist, pulled her back against his body. He wanted her to feel what she had done to him merely by entering the room.

  He tenderly kissed her throat. “No, you may not wear this gown tonight.”

  “Will …”

  “I will not share your beauty with any other man. Do you not have a gown of sackcloth you might wear instead?” He gently nibbled below her ear and gloried in the soft moan.

  “Will …”

  “Let us stay home.” He breathed. Slowly he turned her towards him and saw her beautiful, sparkling, but worried eyes. Her fear was all that kept him from carrying her off to their bed that moment.

  Elizabeth smiled softly at his warm and intoxicated gaze, and wound her fingers gently through his hair. Darcy’s eyes closed and he leaned into her touch. They reopened with the brush of her lips against his, and he knew she was seeking his reassurance. “Lizzy …” Her tongue tasted his mouth and he groaned, pulling her hard against his chest, and firmly held her hips to his, rubbing slowly. Both of them moaned with the growing sensation. “You can not wish to go …”

  “I … I wished to dance with you.

  “We will dance here.”

  “There is no music.” She sighed, feeling his tongue on her ear.

  His deep voice sent a thrill through her. “Our cries will be our music, my love.” His lips wandered down to her shoulder and lovingly nibbled the silky skin.

  “I know what you are doing.” She whispered.

  “What am I doing?”

  “You are behaving badly to make me demand that we go.”

  “And why on earth would I wish us to go?” His muffled voice asked.

  “Because we must, and you know it.” Elizabeth looked down.

  Darcy tilted his head and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Yes, my love, we must go. But know this, I am not at all reluctant to attend this ball out of fear for some misstep by you, and I hope with all of my heart that you do not fear that you will somehow embarrass me. Dearest Wife, do you not know me?”

  “You obviously know me.”

  “I do, and I wish to know where my courageous Lizzy has disappeared. You have been unusually quiet all day.”

  She drew a shaking breath. “I know how important this night is, Will. I have not been blind to the response of your peers as we travel about town. I realize that your return to London was not supposed to be as a married man. Especially as a man married to … someone who was required to spend endless hours being formed by your aunt into an acceptable … I know that my education was poor. I am very much aware of …”

  “What, Lizzy?” He said softly.

  “How unworthy I am of you.” She whispered and looked down.

  “Oh Elizabeth, please, do not say that!” He cried, and dropped his hands to enfold hers in their warm clasp. “There is no other woman in the world for me.” Darcy then lifted one hand to hold her face up, so that she had no choice but to look into his eyes. “Remember what you said to me at Pemberley. You refused to believe my confession of arrogance, and said that if you had wanted that sort of man you would have married Lucas, or Collins, do you remember that?” She nodded. “I spoke the truth then and I speak it now. Believe me when I say that you outshine every woman I have ever known. If I had wanted what society had to offer, I would have married into the cold formality and existence that was expected of me years ago. I waited, and although I declared that I would never marry, deep in my heart, I hoped I would be blessed with someone to love. Is it not obvious that I found all of the ladies of London lacking?” He stroked her jaw with his thumb. “You hosted a brilliant dinner for our friends last week.”

  “Yes, our friends, the ones who stood by you through this trouble, and willingly accepted me as your wife on your recommendation. They all wanted me to succeed. Your aunt’s guests will not be so generous. I have seen the reactions to me everywhere we have gone.” Elizabeth tore her eyes away from his.

  “Why would you allow a ballroom full of Caroline Bingleys and Lady Catherines bother you?” She looked back up in su
rprise. “My aunt has not invited my greatest enemies. They are powerful members of society, yes, but they are not …” Her sigh stopped him. “Lizzy, I hate going to this ball. I hate knowing that every move we make, our expressions, the tone of our voices, everything will be examined and discussed. I hate performing for others, but I am also very proud of the woman who married me, and I can not help but want to … show her off.” Darcy’s little smile appeared and he stepped away, still holding her hands. “Come my love, I can not do this without you. Please help me.”

  He watched as her shoulders lifted and the fear left her expression. That was it; she needed to hear him say that he needed her. “I believe Mr. Darcy, that you and I shall have a very good time tonight.” A small smile appeared on her lips and she tilted her head. “I look forward to my waltz.”

  Immediately Darcy grabbed her waist and spun her around the room, eliciting a delighted squeal. “And I, my dear, look forward to all of your dances.” Their twirling came to a breathless end and they stood staring at each other. “Lizzy …”

  Elizabeth gasped, seeing the unmistakable desire in his eyes. “Darling, we must go.”

  “Not yet.” His hands embraced her face and he leaned down to tenderly kiss her. Elizabeth’s arms wound around his waist and she clung to him. His lips slowly wandered down her jaw to her throat and then he spoke softly in her ear. “Are you ready for this? Are you still frightened?”

  Elizabeth looked down and he gently lifted her chin so she looked into his eyes. “I am nervous … but you will be with me, and your aunt and uncle, I will be fine, we will be fine.”

  “Yes, we will.” They kissed again. “And when we return home … I will love you properly.” His lips found their way back to her throat and he felt her giggle. Lifting his face he encountered her dancing eyes.

  “It is a wonder that I am not yet with child.” She pressed her lips together to suppress her smile, and Darcy began to chuckle, the dark passion in his eyes gave way to a twinkle. Resting his forehead to hers he kissed her nose and smiled. “Indeed.”

  Merely thirty minutes later they stood before the silent ballroom, hearing their names announced. Elizabeth felt William’s tension increase as they entered the house, and knew that it was not for fear of failure, but for distaste over the charade they must put on. He avoided being the object of attention in any location, and this night he and Elizabeth were unquestionably the objects of all eyes. It was indeed time for Elizabeth to show her strength. Lord and Lady Matlock came forward and greeted them, exchanging kisses and embraces. With that show of acceptance the volume of conversation rose again, and the couple was left alone for a moment.

  “You are lovely tonight, my dear.” Lady Matlock smiled. “You look very well in green; it brings out the depths in your eyes.”

  “I would think that the emeralds were sparkling enough for that, another heirloom?” Lord Matlock examined the spectacular necklace and earrings with interest.

  “No, I purchased them specifically for this evening.” Darcy raised Elizabeth’s hand and kissed it. “I wanted to create a memory with them.”

  Lady Matlock laughed. “You and your little treasures, Darcy. Do you know Elizabeth, that he kept a robin’s egg in his pocket for months until it was smashed when he fell off of his horse?”

  Elizabeth laughed and squeezed his hand, seeing his blush. “And why did you do that, William?

  “Because he thought it was a pretty blue.” James strolled up and kissed her cheek. “You said it looked like the sky on a summer day, and you wanted to be like the bird and fly away.” He grinned and Darcy continued to blush.

  Elizabeth realized that what the shell represented to him was escape. “You must have been very sad when it broke.” He nodded and said no more. She entwined her fingers with his and they stood clasping their hands tightly. She turned to James and grinned. “So Viscount, have you found your bride?”

  He groaned and his parents laughed, Darcy’s little smile appeared and he relaxed. “Excellent Elizabeth, he can hear it from you for a while!” Lord Matlock cheered.

  “That is enough. I am moving on, it seems I have work to do.” James bowed and left for friendlier companions.

  “Come dear, we must make some introductions before the dancing begins.” Lady Matlock led the couple around the room. Darcy knew them all, and as they approached each presentation, he would lean over and quietly give a warning as to them being friend or foe. Always his pronouncement was quickly proven correct. Through it all they maintained some form of physical contact, which reassured her, as he had retreated so far into his masked persona that she otherwise might have feared that he was displeased. By the time the dancing began they had managed to meet at least a third of the guests.

  The relief of being alone, standing opposite each other and waiting for the music to begin was felt by both. Darcy paid great attention to Elizabeth’s expression and when they at last advanced to join hands he bent to her ear. “What are you thinking? Your mind is at work.”

  They moved apart and came together again. “It occurs to me that we were not being introduced so much as we were humbling ourselves.”

  His brow creased, and then he smiled. “I had not considered that, but you are correct.”

  “It is as if we are behaving as repentant sinners, and you are holding me up, saying, Look, she is witty and lovely enough, I did not ruin my life by accepting her, please forgive me for being a besotted fool.” Her eyes were dancing.

  Darcy hooked his arm with hers and they spun. “I am shocked that I did not see the parallel so easily, which proves your superior social skills. I do, however, have a proposition.”

  “Ah, to prove your superior analytical skills?” Elizabeth grinned.

  “I will not touch that statement.” She laughed and his eyes twinkled at her. “From this moment on, we will enjoy this ball. We will dance and speak with friends and family, and no longer allow our aunt to parade us about the room. If someone wishes to know us, they may approach, but we will not beg for their sanction.”

  “I like this plan Will, very much!”

  Darcy’s face lit up with his first real smile since leaving their home. “They will have plenty of opportunity to observe us and draw their conclusions.”

  “And I have no doubt that tongues will be wagging at our impertinence.” She raised her brow and he took her hand to bestow a kiss as they danced side-by-side. “William!”

  “I told you I would steal kisses … and my love, you dance with nobody but me tonight.” His gaze burned into hers.

  “Not even Charles or James?” She tilted her head and delighted in his possessive expression.

  “I will allow family, no others.”

  “You are a determined man!” Darcy swung her around one last time and they ended the set standing opposite each other. He bowed and lifted his head.

  “I have played by their rules, now it is time to live by ours.” He held out his hand and they walked off together to join Bingley and Jane.

  Elizabeth hugged her sister. “I am sorry that we have not been able to greet you sooner.”

  “I have been watching you Lizzy, you were certainly well-occupied. How are you holding up?” Jane looked at her worriedly.

  She smiled and accepted a kiss from Charles on her cheek. “As well as can be expected.” They laughed and moved to a relatively quiet corner. “Tell me about Miss Bingley’s romance. How is that coming along?”

  Charles laughed. “Romance!” Jane shot a look at him and he lifted her hand to his lips. “Come my dear, call it what it is. It is the epitome of a marriage of convenience. She will be married to a gentleman, although not the grand one she wanted.” He grinned at Darcy who coughed. “Thatcher is not the warmest individual I have ever known, but then neither is Caroline. In that they are well-matched. She will have an estate to lord over, he will have her dowry to spend, perhaps they will produce an heir, and they will always have a dance partner. She will essentially be no better than Louisa or m
e.” He smiled, “Well, perhaps I will surpass her a bit.”

  “Knowing Thatcher I would say so.” Darcy said quietly

  “What does that mean?” Elizabeth asked curiously.

  “Thatcher just recently inherited his estate, but from what I know of him, he will be like his father, and will not invest in its improvement. A wise man looks to the future, and should be aware of the changes that are occurring in the world. A man’s income must not be all tied to the land, even though the status from such ownership is undoubtedly vastly important in society.”

  “And are you looking to the future in such a way?” Elizabeth tilted her head and he smiled down at her.

  “You can be assured that I am.” He took her hand and held it tightly. “Our children will be well-provided for.”

  “Well then man; do not keep these secrets to yourself! Share the wealth!” Bingley laughed and Darcy smiled. “In any case, they are engaged and will marry at the end of April. It will be small, as her dowry will be used for other purposes besides frills and bows.” He grimaced. “And then it will be done.”

  “Is she happy?” Elizabeth asked Jane.

  She blushed and glanced at Darcy. “Louisa tells me that she remains bitter over your winning William. She feels that you do not deserve him and that she earned the right to be his wife by waiting so long for him.”

  “I never indicated any desire to marry her.” He said with frustration.

  Charles held up his hand. “It was her choice. Perhaps she could have won someone who actually cared for her, if she had given in sooner. But she did not, and she will instead have a cold marriage of convenience. It is her bed, she shall lie in it. I will not allow it to bother me again.” He smiled and looked around at the crowd. “Now, enough of this. This is a ball, and I intend to dance. Elizabeth, will your husband tolerate letting go of your hand for one set with your brother?”

  Elizabeth looked down at her tightly gripped hand and smiled. “I think he may be persuaded, but only if he dances with his sister.”