by Tess Quinn
Lizzy’s expression darkened in concern at this, as she knew that her husband still felt the loss of his father deeply. She felt somewhat regretful that her light-hearted badgering for information had taken him to this period in his life. Darcy noted Lizzy’s unease, took and squeezed her hand in his.
“It is all right, Lizzy.” He smiled warmly to reassure her of his composure. “Do you know that cave I have shown you… my safe haven?” She nodded, intrigued and attentive to her husband’s words. “Since I discovered its entry as a boy, I thought of it as my own place, that no one else knew about, refuge I could seek when I needed asylum. It remained so for years. Then, some few days after my father’s burial, I took Georgiana there. We both of us needed it: the removal from a continual stream of well-wishers and hangers-on, but also to share a confidence. Georgiana was so young, just on ten years, to have lost both our parents; and I needed to assure her that she was safe, that I would always care for her and, I suppose, to reassure myself that I still had my sister as family. Sharing my secret from childhood with her was an attestation of that.” Darcy was silent for a moment. Lizzy found that, unconsciously as he was speaking, she had begun to stroke his hand lightly. He took notice of it as well, and covered her hand with his other, squeezing it lovingly before continuing.
“We rode there several times in the weeks thereafter, would spend a few hours talking, or sometimes just being silent. On this particular day, however, I took Parsifal out early and made my way to the cave alone. Georgiana had left a shawl behind on our previous visit, and I thought to retrieve it for her. I tethered Parsifal to a tree and clambered up the last of the rocks to the cave. And I saw as I crossed the threshold two gentlemen sitting quietly against the back wall. They looked up expectantly as I entered, and I cannot say which of us was the more stunned.
Before I could exclaim or ask them their purpose – for the cave is on estate property – I was knocked down from behind, and found myself tussling with a third party who had entered out of my vision. After some minutes’ brawling, my assailant bested me when a blow caught my chin. I found myself pinned to the floor of the cave by a ‘ruffian’ of my own size or larger.” Darcy laughed to recall it. “I had always considered myself quite the pugilist in my youth, scrapping with… well, in scraps with friends… but this man had ruses that were quite effective. When once we had stopped our punch-up, he looked closely at me, then as suddenly as he had attacked, he released me.
‘You are Mr Darcy!' he exclaimed, as he removed himself from my person, and offered a hand to help me rise. I confirmed that I was, and demanded to know what he thought he was playing at on my land. I was quite imperious in tone,” Darcy laughed, “to make amends for my shame at being bested.”
Lizzy looked at the man sitting next to her and could well picture his indignation at such a defeat, and shared his laughter for a moment. Then he continued, “When once we both stopped posturing and sat down to talk, I found that he was John Ravensby – not yet knighted then – a young man probably two to three years my senior. He had been raised by a foster family some few miles away, a family I was acquainted with, which is how he knew my identity apparently; though I did not recall ever seeing him before. Despite my thrashing, I found myself quite liking the man. He was brash and confident, and given our circumstances, he was not fawning over me with condolences for my recent loss though he acknowledged it. With continued converse, it transpired that he occasionally performed services to the crown, and it was in this capacity that he was temporarily harbouring the gentlemen who still sat quietly in the cave. He had no idea the cave was known to anyone else, apparently he also had discovered it some years before as a youth. He occasionally used it for the safekeeping of articles or… refugees… in his intrigues.”
“Did you just accept him at his word on such a thing?” Lizzy asked incredulously.
“Yes, at first I did so. I had no choice, given our remote setting; and I saw something forthright about him. Later I did speak both with his foster family and with a gentleman very closely associated with the crown whose name Ravensby had provided for surety. I was relieved on all counts to find he spoke true.”
“How extraordinary that in those years, neither of you had come upon the other’s use of the cave!” Lizzy said.
Darcy nodded his agreement. “Yes, yes it is.” He paused, then said, “And now, if we do not dress, my dear, we will be late for drinks.”
Lizzy cried, “Oh, hang the drinks, I want to hear the remainder of his story!”
Her husband reminded her that it might be possible to hear the remainder from the gentleman himself – “but only if you are present to do so.”
Though Lizzy gave in on point, she did ask to hear the end of Darcy’s encounter on the day in the cave before they joined the others for drinks and dinner. Darcy chuckled both at her curiosity and his recollections of that day years ago.
“Yes, well, once we had established our identities and I had given my tentative approval for Ravensby’s continued use of my property, we attempted to rise for my departure. We had been sitting for above an hour, and to our embarrassment, neither could stand with grace. Our earlier blows each to the other had settled in to become aches and bruises – I must say I was proud to note that Ravensby seemed in as battered a condition as I myself felt – and we moped together in our infirmities. I hobbled out to Parsifal, bid Ravensby good day, and rode home.”
“And that was the end of it?” asked Lizzy.
“Yes, for the most part. Of course, I had some time of it to explain away my bruises at home – particularly one such to my chin – to Georgiana and Mrs Reynolds. I concocted a story of a riding accident, which they accepted, though I doubt Mrs Reynolds ever believed it. She clucked over me for days!” he explained with a laugh.
“I called on Ravensby thrice since then, twice on the occasions of his foster parents’ deaths, and once to seek his assistance in a matter of… some delicacy.” Darcy’s expression took on a look of slight discomfort, which he quickly shook off. “And I have met him as well on the odd occasion in town, though I believe he spent most of the past years abroad. I never saw him again in the cave. And I most assuredly did not expect to see him at Netherfield this afternoon. That is most baffling.”
“Something tells me there is yet more to your knowledge of this man.” Darcy had the grace to colour under his wife’s scrutiny, and she hesitated before going on. “But I will not press you. We will join the others and see if his story emerges. But I give you warning, Mr Darcy, if my curiosity is not satisfied at dinner, you will get no rest tonight.”
Darcy grinned playfully at the suggestion, drawing a blush from his wife. She shook her head to correct his presumptions. “For I will not hesitate to torment you until you give in to me.”
Again, Darcy grinned, this time reaching for Lizzy. She made to elude him but he was quicker than she, and Lizzy succumbed easily to his attentions for a few long moments that threatened to stretch into other pursuits.
With some effort, Darcy sighed and released his wife and both made to straighten their attire. Lizzy took pity on her husband and smoothed his cravat when she noted that his fingers had lost their agility with the cloth; and he for his part carefully replaced a pin in his wife’s hair.
Ready at last to depart the room, Lizzy smiled sweetly at her husband, drawing his immediate mistrust. She said, “Despite your very agreeable skirmishing, my dear, my interest will not be diverted. You cannot deny my curiosity, particularly given your cryptic remark earlier concerning Caroline’s connection to this John Ravensby. I am intrigued now… I must know, who is this man?”
~~~~~~
Sara Allen attempted to pin Miss Caroline’s hair, but the lady was fidgeting and would not sit still. She despaired of ever getting her lady’s mane under control. She supposed she could understand her mistress’ nerves as well as her desire to look her best. When Miss Caroline had first accepted Sir John’s proposal a week ago, she had been calm and composed on t
he ride back to her townhouse. She had even taken in good humour the knowledge that had come to her – now that she was no longer blindfolded for the journey – that his home was only blocks from her own. Previously, they had taken a purposefully circuitous route to maintain anonymity of its location.
Miss Caroline had even spoken to Sara a bit about her engagement, swearing her to secrecy until a formal announcement might be made to her family, threatening immediate sacking if anyone on staff should hear tell of recent events. Sara assured her mistress of her dependability, and was rewarded with some insights into Sir John’s life. Most amazing it was. And her own Joss (for so she thought of him now) so fortunate to be aligned with him.
In the past week, however, Miss Caroline had begun to show signs of nerves. She returned from a visit with Mrs Hurst quite flustered, though she allowed that she had talked her sister into travelling to Hertfordshire so that the news could be imparted to all the family at once. And since that day, she had become increasingly edgy, anxious to have her relationship with Sir John known and her engagement irrevocably established.
Caroline sighed as her maid put the last pins, finally, into her hair. “I wonder how their converse is moving?” she thought out loud. Sara knew better than to reply – none was expected and it would not be appreciated – she might hear more by maintaining her tongue. “I think the lavender gown tonight, Allen,” Caroline changed the subject. “For it will set off sapphires very nicely when once I can wear them on my hand.” Sara smiled to herself. Miss Caroline had worn her sapphire and diamond ring constantly within the confines of her home this last week, and could be caught gazing at it in admiration at off moments; but she was quite attentive to removing it before she went out publicly or when her friends called. Sara knew that Caroline could not wait to display it in society and become a centre of envious attention for the season.
“Oh, what will they think when they discover the news, Allen?” mused Caroline. “I did not, I confess, expect to see the Darcys here today, and even more so, did not expect such a moment of recognition between Mr Darcy and Sir John, though I do recall Sir John saying they had met previously. I did worry for a moment that my plans would be undone through their acquaintance, but thankfully Mr Darcy betrayed nothing.” Caroline was silent, thoughtful, for a moment before continuing in a caustic tone, “I must admit marriage does seem to agree with him, though Mrs Darcy still insists on looking like a country parson’s daughter.”
Sara smiled inwardly at this comment. She had seen both Mr and Mrs Darcy briefly as they walked to their rooms. Mr Darcy did indeed look like marriage agreed with him. The soft spot Sara held for the gentleman was rekindled on seeing him, so handsome and tall. Even more handsome, she thought, for he had something of an untroubled casual air permanently fixed about him now that had been hinted at on the last occasion when the maid had seen him. And Mrs Darcy, Mistress Jane’s sister, was lovely, no matter what Miss Caroline said.
Mrs Darcy was quite different from her elder sister in looks – dark to her sister’s fair skin and hair – but there was something of a resemblance between them. Perhaps Mistress Jane was prettier by convention, but Mrs Darcy had an air about her that was full of life and very charming indeed. Sara could understand Mr Darcy’s attraction to his wife. Sara noted also that Miss Caroline’s less-than-kind comment about Mrs Darcy was attributable to that lady’s wearing a simple gown, of quality but not adorned in the style of the moment. Sara thought it somehow suited the lady, however; and understood that Miss Caroline’s rancour had more to do with having been bested in the past than with style.
But surely Miss Caroline would not maintain her enmity now that she herself was engaged, if still informally. For Sara saw the way Sir John looked at Caroline and knew that he loved her mistress; and she was just as certain that Miss Caroline returned the affection in kind and degree. “There you are, Miss,” she said, as she smoothed Caroline’s gown into place. “You will turn heads in this gown, you will, ma’am, begging your pardon for saying.”
Still distracted, Caroline ignored this lapse of familiarity. Sara, having completed her duties, took her leave of Caroline, curtseying and departing while Caroline surveyed her appearance in the mirrored glass. As Sara closed the door after herself, she heard Caroline say, “Yes, this will do. And very nicely for them all to find out who he really is.”
~~~~~~
So, perhaps I will find out from the man just who he is, thought Charles, as he led the gentleman to his library for the requested meeting. This is most peculiar. Caroline mentioned family business, and Louisa claims him to be a solicitor, but I cannot conceive of anything that might impinge on us all. For a solicitor the man’s attire is quite of quality and style; surely he is successful at his profession. And Darcy knew him and displayed no disquiet at the acquaintance. He treated him as a gentleman, indeed was most respectful. Very peculiar indeed.
The two men gained and entered the library, Bingley closing the door after them. He offered a brandy to his guest, poured for both, and then said, “Sir, you have some business with me?”
“I do, Mr Bingley, though I should begin by introducing myself properly. I am Sir John Ravensby of ____shire…”
Bingley chimed in, “Sir John! Do forgive me, Sir, for addressing you improperly on your arrival. I was unaware…”
Ravensby waved off Charles’ apology. “It is of no matter, and I fear your sister and I are to blame for the small deception. We wished to maintain some ambiguity until I have spoken with you.”
Charles was now well and truly intrigued, with a glimmer of possible understanding taking hold in his mind. He forgot his drink and gave his full attention to Sir John.
“Sir, you are gracious in your hospitality, so I will not belabour suspense. I had the good fortune to be introduced to Miss Bingley some few months past at a ball given by Lady Parkhurst. Since then we have met still more as a consequence of social occasions, and I have formed a strong attachment to your sister.” Sir John paused to see the effect of his words on Bingley. That gentleman stood with his mouth open, eyes agog and a look of outright surprise. Had Sir John not known that Caroline had never breathed word of her acquaintance with him to her family, he might have taken offence at Bingley’s reaction; but as it was, he knew it to be the revelation of intimate acquaintance and not his own qualifications that spurred Bingley’s reaction.
Bingley recovered himself of a sudden and closed his mouth. Before he could form a response, Sir John went on: “Mr Bingley, your sister has reached her majority and may choose as she likes, but I would form an agreeable understanding all around. I have journeyed to Hertfordshire today to seek of you, as the head of the family, your consent for your sister’s hand. If you wish surety of my character, I believe our mutual acquaintance Mr Darcy might provide it.” With these words, he bowed slightly to Charles, and a brief silence fell on the room.
A million thoughts raced through Charles’ mind, each seeking purchase. Intermixed with his shock at this development was a happy relief that Caroline had made a match, a curiosity to know more of the gentleman before him, and the dawning realization that said gentleman was awaiting a reply from Charles. A fleeting thought also formed that Charles had better start now to prepare himself for future such encounters should he and Jane have daughters who would in their turn have suitors some day.
The continued and pointed regard of Sir John standing before him finally brought a response from Charles. “Does my sister share your affections? Has she made you a promise?”
“She has, sir.”
“Well, then, as in most things, I trust Caroline to know her own mind. She certainly would not have you if you were undeserving. As such, I consent and offer you my congratulations, sir.” The two men exchanged handshakes, then Sir John proceeded to give assurances to Charles of his ability to care for Caroline in practical ways, revealing of himself information pertaining to his worth and status. Charles listened eagerly, interjecting small comments here and there, and
all the while laughing inwardly at this turn of fortune. He could not wait to share this news with Jane. What an interesting week this was turning out to be.
When their converse reached a natural end, the gentlemen parted amiably to dress for dinner. Each conveyed their joy at the turn of events, and Bingley made promise to keep the information to himself (though surely his Jane did not count) until such time as the couple announced their engagement formally after dinner.
Charles gained his rooms just as Jane was finishing her dressing. He burst in on her, eager to reveal his newfound knowledge, but had to impatiently wait while Jane’s maid put the finishing touches on her hair. As soon as the maid departed, Charles took his wife’s hands in his own and said, “Jane, my love, you look beautiful!” Indeed, he was distracted, as often happens, by his wife’s beauty.
But Jane could see some new intelligence in her husband’s expression, so she kissed him briefly and said, “Thank you, my love, but I must say I have been all impatient these last minutes to know of your conversation with Mr Ravensby. Please, my dear, do not hold me in suspense. Just who is the man?”
~~~~~~
Caroline heard a familiar tapping on her door, and opened it to reveal Sir John smiling on the other side. He started to speak, and then stopped, obviously enjoying the vision of Caroline in her lavender silk. Though his purpose in seeking her out had been only to assure Caroline of her brother’s amiability with the match, he found himself stepping into the room and closing the door behind him. He swept Caroline into an embrace, whispering his appreciation of her appearance before kissing her. When at last they broke their contact, Caroline berated Sir John for his assault on her, though it was delivered without severity and centred on his wrinkling of her gown. He only laughed.
Quickly, he related his conversation with Charles, and then reaped the most enjoyable rewards of her reaction, being careful not to further wrinkle any thing. Sighing, he then made to depart for his own room to dress. On the threshold, however, he turned back briefly to press the suit of another pair of lovers. Caroline’s own joy, combined with a bit of coaxing from Sir John, was sufficient to gain her immediate support for Joss and Sara Allen to wed.
