Pirates and Prejudice

by Louise, Kara

  He took in another deep breath and tugged again at his coat. Shaking his head, he thought, It was so much easier for me when she did not know who I was!

  He walked into the parlour, sat down, and then bolted to his feet when he heard voices approach.

  His butler, Godfrey, appeared at the door and announced the guests. Darcy walked to the door and gave a quick bow, inviting them in. His breath caught when he saw Elizabeth. He wondered whether it was finally being able to see her again after so many days or that he had feared she might not come.

  “Welcome. Please, come in and have a seat.”

  Mr. Bennet took Darcy’s extended hand. “Now there is the Darcy we all knew back in Hertfordshire!” He turned to David. “He is a completely different man, is he not?”

  “Very different! The only thing I recognize is the bruise above his eye! Otherwise, I would have never known he was the same man! It is no wonder you did not recognize him.” He let out a laugh as he shook hands with their host.

  Elizabeth winced at the reference to his bruise. She dipped a small curtsey as Darcy gave her a short bow and a reassuring smile.

  “I am glad you have come.”

  “How could we not?” Mr. Bennet interjected. “We owe our lives to you, well, my Lizzy’s, at least, and now we come to find out you were somehow involved in my other esteemed daughter’s venture into lawlessness. We understand Lydia had a rather unexpected encounter with you.”

  Darcy grimaced at the mention of Lydia, and he saw Elizabeth cast her eyes down and bite her lip. It pained him to see the shame that tinged her cheeks a rosy pink. He wondered how much they knew of the extent of his involvement. He had to change the subject and improve the mood, and he knew exactly how to do it.

  “Mr. Bennet, all that is forgotten. I did not invite you over this afternoon to discuss Miss Lydia, but rather because I have some news to share with you that I believe you all shall be delighted to hear.”

  “You have my attention, Mr. Darcy, and I, for one, am eager to change the subject.”

  “Good!” Darcy clasped his hands together. “I do not know if you are aware, but there was prize money for my crew for the capture of Lockerly.”

  David spoke up. “I understand that crewmen are often rewarded in that way. But what does that have to do with us?”

  Darcy stood up and walked over to a small desk. He opened the door and pulled out some paper.

  “These are banker’s cheques that are being bestowed to you and the other passengers for the return of the jewels.” Despite being completely the truth, he did not wish for them to find out he had had a say as to how it would be distributed amongst them. He handed the cheques to Mr. Bennet and Mr. Adams. “He looked at Mr. Bennet, holding up one last cheque. “I have one more, sir, that with your permission, is reserved for your daughter, as Miss Bennet found the jewels and was instrumental in coming up with the scheme that brought Lockerly down while keeping the jewels intact.” He looked with questioning eyes at Elizabeth’s father.

  “Well, Lizzy, if you promise not to tell your mother or any of your sisters about this, you certainly deserve it.” He gave a nod of his head in affirmation to Mr. Darcy’s request.

  Elizabeth took the cheque, and her eyes widened as she looked at it. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” she said nervously. “I am not quite certain what I will do with it…”

  “I trust that you are wise enough to handle it judiciously.”

  She looked up to see him smile briefly and give a few nods of his head.

  “Oh, be assured she will,” Mr. Bennet said. “And I thank you, too. I barely consider myself worthy of it, but I know what I shall do with it. Since, due to my own neglect, my daughters do not have decent dowries, I intend to make it up to them.” He then let out a huff. “I am not certain, however, that Lydia deserves any part of this unless she improves in character.”

  David then added his thanks.

  Mr. Darcy nodded. “You are indeed welcome, although I was merely the bearer of the good tidings.” He clasped his hands together. “Now, if you do not mind, I should like to introduce you to my sister. Would you please excuse me while I go get her?”

  Elizabeth looked up and smiled. “Your sister is here? I would love to meet her.”

  Her soft smile warmed him, and her eagerness to meet his sister delighted him. “She is eager to meet you, as well.”

  He began to walk out, but Elizabeth stopped him. “Does she know about your pirating adventure?” She gave him an encouraging smile. “I would not wish to enlighten her on a subject you wished to keep from her.”

  Darcy nodded. “I have informed her of it, yes, Miss Bennet.” He gave another single nod of his head and walked to the door, but then stopped and looked back at Elizabeth. “I tell my sister everything.”

  *~*~*

  As she watched Mr. Darcy confidently stride out of the room – much unlike his stride as Lockerly or Captain Smith – her heart pounded relentlessly. Could he have told his sister about her refusing his offer of marriage? If she was as proud as Mr. Wickham had led her to believe, would she treat her with contempt for slighting her brother?

  She had been a fool. She stood in a handsome room, decorated with beautifully carved wood mouldings and furniture with intricately embroidered tapestry coverings. She had been struck by the simplicity of the outside of the house when their carriage pulled up, but upon entering, she readily saw its fine qualities.

  A marble entryway welcomed them, but there was warmth in the reds and golds of the area rugs and window coverings. A small flower print wall covering added a cheery feeling against the heavy wood of the furnishings. It was all very pleasing to Elizabeth’s senses.

  She walked over to the window, which looked out at the park on the north side. It was more extensive than any she would have imagined in town. A beautiful garden was in full bloom, with a rock path that wound through it to the back. She could just see a small pond with a few benches placed near it. The prospect from this vantage point was very pleasing. She imagined that walking within the garden would be a pure delight.

  She shook her head slowly as she realized how all of this could have been hers. She could only imagine what Pemberley must be like. And yet, it was not these things that caused her to regret her earlier decision. It was that the man she had thought was full of pride and arrogance was truly a man of integrity, generosity, and compassion.

  The sound of a young girl’s cheery laugh drew her attention from the window. Mr. Darcy walked in with a tall girl, whose features were very different than his. She had blond, straight hair that was pulled up into a tight knot on the back of her head. Not a stray curl was in sight. She had deep blue eyes that hinted of shyness but were welcoming. She stood in the shadow of her brother, whose dark features and muscular build seemed to radiate strength to her.

  “May I introduce my sister to you? Mr. Bennet, Mr. Adams, and Miss Elizabeth Bennet, this is Miss Georgiana Darcy.”

  She curtseyed and nodded shyly, but her smile was pronounced. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” she said, walking over to a small couch. Turning to Elizabeth, she said, “Come, please, have a seat by me. I have asked that tea and cakes be brought in.”

  Elizabeth studied her as she walked over. The young girl was obviously shy and had not an ounce of pride in her. She absently shook her head as she chided herself for even considering that Wickham’s estimation of her would have had the slightest bit of truth in it. Their eyes met and Elizabeth smiled.

  As Elizabeth sat down, Miss Darcy leaned over and whispered, “I so much enjoy the conversation of a lady and do not often have the opportunity.”

  “I will gladly oblige you.” Elizabeth felt as though Miss Darcy was terribly shy, rather than proud, so she was determined to set her at ease.

  “I understand that you play the pianoforte,” Miss Darcy said.

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I do not pride myself on my abilities. I play only tolerably. But I understand that you are most pro
ficient. I have heard much praise for your talent.”

  The young girl looked down and blushed. “I do so enjoy it, but my favourite times to play are when I am alone or for my brother.” She glanced at him with eyes filled with admiration and then turned back to Elizabeth. “I am often asked to perform before others, and I hope someday I will overcome my fears.”

  Elizabeth smiled warmly. “I am confident you shall!”

  Miss Darcy seemed uncertain what to speak about next.

  Elizabeth leaned in towards her. “I understand that your brother told you all about our seafaring adventure.”

  Miss Darcy’s eyes lit up. “Oh, yes! It must have been so terrifying while at the same time exciting!”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I cannot say I felt those things at the same time, but I definitely felt both.”

  “I can hardly keep my countenance when I think of my brother as a pirate.” She chuckled softly. “It seems so unlike him.”

  Elizabeth laughed and looked over at him. “I agree! It was so unlike him, that even though my father and I were acquainted with him, we did not realize for some time that it was him.”

  Darcy seemed to notice the laughter and glanced over. His eyes met Elizabeth’s, and she quickly turned back to Miss Darcy, feeling a rush of emotion brought on by the intensity of his gaze. She hoped the young girl would not notice.

  The two talked on a variety of subjects, and at length the tea and cakes were brought in. Georgiana excused herself and went to inspect the savouries.

  Elizabeth found her gaze settling on Mr. Darcy as he spoke to her father and David. He was sitting back in a chair, leaning casually on one arm, one leg crossed over the other. His voice resonated with eloquence. She smiled as she thought of how he had disguised not only his looks, but also his voice, affecting an accent and even a different tone. He had a very calm and reassuring voice, and he spoke with great insight and intelligence. His hair had been neatly trimmed, and his face shaven smooth. He was handsome. She had always thought so, but her dislike had not allowed her to appreciate it. Now, when it was in all probability too late, she did.

  She began to wonder just how smooth a man’s face could be. His looked so smooth. She suddenly wished she could walk over and stroke his face with her fingers.

  Her eyes widened at the direction of her thoughts. She looked about her, trying to rein in the emotions that prompted such a desire. She doubted that they would evaporate any time soon. Fortunately Miss Darcy walked back over with a servant carrying a silver tray.

  “Miss Bennet, would you care for a piece of lemon cake, apple tart, or some plum pudding?”

  “An apple tart, please. It is my favourite.”

  Miss Darcy’s eyes widened. “Oh? It is my brother’s favourite, as well.” She smiled as she directed the servant to serve her.

  The two ladies found themselves drawn into the men’s conversation. Elizabeth had to refrain from shaking her head in astonishment as she saw such a different side of Mr. Darcy. He exhibited gracious hospitality, far different from his behaviour in Hertfordshire. She recollected him saying to her in Kent that he found it difficult to speak to those with whom he was not acquainted. He certainly seemed comfortable and at ease speaking with her father and cousin.

  When they had finished tea, Mr. Bennet stood up. “Well, Mr. Darcy, we would not wish to overstay our welcome. We really ought to take our leave.”

  Mr. Darcy pulled out his watch and looked at it with a frown. “I had hoped another acquaintance of yours would have been here by now. He wished to see you and said he would try to be here by three o’clock.”

  “Who is that?” Elizabeth asked.

  Mr. Darcy turned to her, his dark eyes reflecting something she could not decipher. “Mr. Bingley,” he said softly. He studied her as if to gauge her reaction.

  “Oh,” she said. “I am sorry we will miss him.” She wondered whether he was now attempting to right the wrong he had committed when he separated Mr. Bingley and her sister.

  “Whom did you miss?” Mr. Bingley stepped into the room, a smile lighting up his face. “I am sorry I am late, Darcy.”

  He walked in and shook hands with Mr. Bennet, was introduced to David, and came up to Elizabeth.

  “It is good to see you again. It has been too long,” Bingley said with a smile, as he seemed to search her face.

  She returned his smile. “It has been too long.” She stole a glance at Darcy, who was watching the exchange. “We had hoped that you would return to Netherfield.”

  “You had?”

  Elizabeth nodded and stole another glance at Darcy. “Yes, we all did.”

  There was a bit more conversation, but at length Mr. Bennet announced that they really must leave. They expressed their thanks to Mr. Darcy for the reward, to Mr. and Miss Darcy for their hospitality, and expressed their fervent desire to see Mr. Bingley back at Netherfield.

  They all walked towards the front door, and then Mr. Darcy stopped. “Oh, I forgot something. Miss Bennet, I have something for you back in the parlour.” He looked up at the others, saying, “I shall return her to you in a moment.”

  Walking alongside Mr. Darcy again gave rise to emotions that ranged from a quickening pulse and tingling sensation to a real fire burning within.

  When they walked into the parlour, Darcy picked something up from a chair on the far side of the room. When she saw the light green colour, she knew it was her bonnet.

  He brought it to her and placed it in her hands, their fingers touching, causing an even greater rise in her feelings. She kept her eyes down, eyeing his fingers which lingered. She knew he likely could see her rosy cheeks and did not know what to do about it. She felt her hands begin to shake as he pulled away. She wished to thank him, but knew that her voice would tremble with emotion if she did.

  “I wanted to make sure this was returned to you.”

  Elizabeth tightened her grip on her bonnet as she attempted to mask her turmoil. She felt as though her heart would burst if she did not express how drastically her feelings towards him had changed. She looked up, and her eyes locked with his.

  “Mr. Darcy,” she said softly, “I want you to know…”

  The clanking of dishes startled her, and she turned to see two servants removing their tea and cakes. “So sorry,” one said as she dipped a curtsey. “We thought everyone had left.”

  Elizabeth took in a deep breath. “Yes, yes. I was just leaving.” She looked up at Mr. Darcy and tried to smile. “Thank you, again, for all you have done.”

  Elizabeth turned and walked out of the room and the short distance to the door, where she joined the others. She knew not whether they could see the effects of the warmth in her cheeks, the trembling of her hands, or the clamorous pulsing of her heart. She could only hope she would not be required to speak, for she could not trust herself to have one coherent thought or express it without her voice unduly quaking.

  Chapter 24

  Mr. Bennet suffered an attack of a stomach ailment that left him quite unwell the morning the party had planned to leave for Longbourn, and they were compelled to delay their journey. He was indisposed to any sort of interaction, eating, and especially travelling. It was all Elizabeth could do to get him to eat and drink just a little to keep his strength from waning.

  When not caring for her father, Elizabeth enjoyed spending time with her aunt. She had several opportunities to stroll through the parks and streets of London with her and David. Lydia accompanied them on only one occasion. Since walking without a particular destination was not a favourite pastime – and she would only be satisfied by a destination that included at least four shops – she usually remained at the Gardiners. Because of her behaviour in Brighton, they felt it incumbent to ensure she was under her uncle’s close scrutiny at all times.

  After four days, Mr. Bennet finally felt well enough to leave his room, join the family at meals, and visit. He still felt weak but was certain he would be ready to leave on the morrow.

 
; An early morning start allowed them to make the journey at a leisurely pace, in deference to Mr. Bennet, who still felt the effects of his illness. By afternoon, everyone was eagerly anticipating arriving home.

  As they passed through the small town of Meryton, just a few miles from Longbourn, Elizabeth let out a sigh and addressed David. “This is Meryton, an easy walking distance from our home.” Elizabeth pointed out stores and other places of business in the small town as they passed.

  “It is a charming town, Elizabeth. I know I will enjoy my stay here.”

  Lydia gave her head a shake as she looked out the window. “But it shall be so dreary! The militia is gone, and there shall be nothing to do!”

  “Lydia!” Elizabeth scolded. “You should be looking forward to seeing Mother and your sisters again!” She clenched her jaw and took in a breath between her teeth. “I believe that even if the whole army were in Meryton, you would not be allowed out after what you have done!” She looked to her father for corroboration

  Mr. Bennet wearily waved a hand through the air. “She is correct, young lady. Until you learn to apply yourself in a useful employment for at least one hour a day, you shall attend no balls, no parties, and no soldier shall come within five miles of Longbourn!” His leaned his head back and closed his normally animated eyes, which were now dull and slightly sunken. He pressed his fingertips to the bridge of his nose and rubbed them in a circular motion.

  Elizabeth believed that his illness had been exacerbated by his deep anxiety over what Lydia had done. She wondered whether he would ever fully recover from the disgrace that came very close to overshadowing their family.