“Hold still, Richie. Mr. Thomas wishes to take your measurements, but he cannot do so with you wiggling about.” Darcy chuckled as he laid a hand upon the older boy’s shoulder. “William, have you any suggestions in keeping your brother still?”
William tipped his head to one side and tapped his finger upon his lips as though deep in thought. Snapping his fingers, he stepped forward. “Let’s play statue, Richie. We must each strike a pose and hold it. The first to move loses.”
Knowing his son despised losing anything, particularly to his older brother, Richard watched as his namesake suddenly became immobile. William did the same, but one eye was upon the older gentleman moving swiftly about with the measuring tape. Just as a line of perspiration was beginning to form on Richie’s brow, the tailor nodded he had finished and the older boy wiggled.
“You moved! I win!” Richie yelled as he jumped about.
“You certainly did.” Darcy congratulated the young boy, while winking surreptitiously at the older one.
“A most gratifying victory,” Richard said as he stepped forward.
“Pa! Pa! Did you see?” Richie asked as he ran to his father.
“I did indeed. You would make an excellent statue.” He glanced toward Darcy and smiled.
“It is now William’s turn. Shall we see who wins this round?” Darcy asked. The two boys took their positions as the gentlemen moved to one side. “James has gone so soon?” he asked quietly.
Richard lifted his shoulders ever so slightly. “There was no reason for him to remain longer.”
Raising a brow, Darcy asked, “And did he leave satisfied?”
“At this moment, I can only say that I doubt his visit had the affect my brother desired.”
The tailor finished taking the older lad’s measurements, but neither boy moved. It appeared this would be the true game, and William would not allow his brother a second easy win. Darcy led the proprietor of the store away to complete their purchases while they awaited the outcome. A moment later Richie was pouting as William declared he had moved. The young boy demanded another match and his brother acquiesced.
Richard stood nearby, glancing out the window at the passers-by. Were he to be honest with himself, he was watching for the ladies. The memory of Miss Bennet with the green fabric draped across her shoulder and the matching flecks flashing in her eyes was as unnerving as the actual event. He shook his head. Surely I am only thinking of James’s words.
“Richard?” Darcy obviously repeated himself as he laid a hand upon his cousin’s shoulder. “You appeared a thousand miles away.”
No, only a few yards. “I beg your pardon, Darce; I was lost in thought. How may I be of assistance?”
“I was asking if there was anything you required. We have finished with the boys’ purchases.”
“O’Toole will order whatever I need, but I suppose it would be easier were I to have my measurements taken.” He took his place, a grin upon his lips, and winked at his sons. “Shall we play again?”
***********
Anxious for time alone with her husband, Elizabeth dismissed her maid the moment she had been freed from her stays and completed her toilette alone as quickly as possible. Pulling on her heaviest dressing gown for fear his valet might still be attending him, she knocked on the door to her husband’s rooms. She was certain she heard him laugh just before calling for her to enter.
“Elizabeth! This is a surprise.” The silly grin spreading across his countenance belied his words. “It is lucky I dismissed Jackson early this evening.”
Crossing her arms, she pursed her lips and attempted a displeased expression. “Since you are so knowledgeable, Husband, then cease this game and tell me what I wish to know.”
Darcy laughed as he made his way to her side and kissed her brow. Sliding his hands up and down her arms, he leaned closer to whisper in her ear. “Would you not prefer a more comfortable position?”
She laughed as she raised her arms and draped them about his shoulders. “I suppose, but you will tell me the reason for James’s visit, will you not? You are not simply attempting to distract me?”
“As if it were possible?” Darcy led her toward his bed, untying her sash as they went. He removed her dressing gown and helped her under the covers before lying down beside her. Once she was snuggled against his shoulder, he began placing light kisses upon her brow and cheeks.
“My love?” She said softly.
“Yes?” He continued his attentions as his hands travelled slowly over her person.
“I am quite serious, William. I wish to know why the Earl came to Pemberley.” She placed a hand upon his chest and pushed away from him until she could see his eyes.
Darcy sighed and rolled to his back. “News of the puddle mishap had reached his ears. James came to warn Richard away from a match with your sister.”
Startled, Elizabeth sat up. “How? Surely one of the servants would not …”
Shaking his head, Darcy drew her back to his side. “I spoke to Mrs. Reynolds, intending to have her question the staff but it is unnecessary. She was very alarmed to realize she was unknowingly the source.”
“Mrs. Reynolds? I do not understand.”
He allowed his fingers to begin lazily tracing patterns upon his wife’s arms, shoulders, and back as he spoke. “One of the servants from Matlock had delivered a message to her; something that was needed, of which they were in short supply, and their cook promised to replace. They were in her office which overlooks a portion of the gardens. The whole scene played out for them while she read the missive. Poor Mrs. Reynolds, she was quite distraught. It appears that when she saw Richard laughing she made some comment regarding her desire for his happiness. She never meant for the maid to hear it, or for it to be interpreted in such a manner. Richard had to tell her repeatedly that he did not hold her responsible.”
“Oh, the poor woman! She is so devoted to the family. I know she must feel terrible.”
“Yes, well I am certain we shall be seeing many of Richard’s favourite meals until she feels she has compensated for the error.” He returned his attention to leaving a trail of kisses from her shoulder to her ear until he felt her relax. Releasing a soft sigh, he rolled toward her as he claimed her lips with his own.
Suddenly she stiffened and pressed her hands against his chest once more. “Is there more you are not telling me?” Her eyes were opened wide and she saw him glance nervously to the side. “There is! William, I cannot believe you would attempt to hide something from me.”
“Why would you believe I am hiding something?” he asked as he leaned forward to kiss her once more.
Evading him, she smiled; her eyes sparkling. “You are behaving in the same manner as when you have a secret or a surprise.”
Darcy dropped onto his back and shook his head. “You know me entirely too well, Lizzy.”
“That I do.” She looked down upon him smugly and waited for him to speak.
“It appears James’s visit had an unexpected outcome.”
“Yes?” she asked, quite confused.
“When James made the ill-conceived decision to attack Mary’s suitability, Richard leapt to her defence. This, in turn, caused James to question whether Richard had feelings for her.”
Still not understanding, Elizabeth looked at him with her brows drawn together. The quizzical expression caused Darcy to smile. He propped himself up on one elbow as he brushed a stray curl from her cheek. “Until that moment, Richard had not considered Mary in that light.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened as she understood the implications. Suddenly she remembered the expression upon Richard’s face when he had seen Mary draped in the green fabric. “And now he does.”
“It appears so.” Darcy took her chin in his hand and looked deeply into her eyes. “They shall no longer be allowed alone together, but neither will we treat them as they are courting. I do not wish for either of them to be forced into anything they do not desire.”
“Of cours
e not,” Elizabeth responded, though it was clear her mind was exploring the options.
“Truly, Lizzy.” Darcy drew her attention back to him. “I know there is a bit of your mother in you. I shall not have you pushing them into a courtship they do not wish to enter.”
Elizabeth inhaled sharply. “Fitzwilliam Darcy, I am nothing like my mother. I cannot believe you would say such a thing.”
“Then do what you must, Love; prove me wrong. Focus on Georgiana and her wedding, but leave Mary and Richard to themselves.”
“Very well,” she said and allowed him to once more draw her into his arms. As he left a trail of kisses from her ear to her jawline her mind wandered. How romantic it is to plan a wedding.
Chapter Nineteen
“What the bloody hell have you done?” Richard asked as he stormed into Darcy’s study.
“I beg your pardon?” Darcy looked to his cousin in complete confusion. “I have been here all morning.”
Shaking his head, Richard dropped into the chair directly opposite his host. “Not today. Since our outing to Lambton I have barely seen Miss Bennet. She is always with your wife and sister; planning Georgie’s wedding.” He sniffed in disgust. “When we are together, there is always a maid or someone about. It is damned annoying.”
Darcy sat back and sighed. “What did you expect, Richard? Mary is under my protection. You expressed the possibility of having an interest in her. I did what a good brother would do; what you would have done for Georgie in a similar situation.”
Scowling, Richard leaned forward. “And how am I to determine the degree of my interest in Miss Bennet under these circumstances?”
“In the same manner every other gentleman in the country has done since time immemorial; converse with her in company.” Darcy drew a hand across his mouth to hide his amusement. “I realize you and I had very abnormal courtships, Richard. Our wives were a bit out of the ordinary. You should know that Mary is as traditional as they come. For years she read only from her Bible and Fordyce’s sermons. She was the voice of censure in the Bennet household, though she was given little attention. Since her sisters have left home, she has blossomed; spread her wings, if you will.”
“So you are saying you will not rescind your orders.”
“No.” Darcy returned to the letters upon his desk, hoping Richard did not see the grin spreading across his lips.
Pushing himself from the chair, Richard strode toward the door. “I believe you are taking entirely too much enjoyment from this, Darce,” he called over his shoulder as he left the room. He could hear his cousin’s laughter as the door latched behind him. Damn that Darcy! Well, I suppose I shall simply have to find my way around his rules.
***********
Georgiana held up two swatches of yellow fabric. “Which do you prefer?”
Taking a deep breath, Mary accepted the material and looked at it very closely. In truth, she saw little difference between them, but she knew she must present an opinion. The colour was nearly identical, so she focused on the texture instead. Again, to the touch, they were very similar, but one seemed a bit courser. Rubbing first one, then the other, gently against her cheek, she handed the first back to Georgiana. “This one.”
Laughing, the bride accepted it and turned to Elizabeth. “I had not thought of that.” She followed Mary’s example of testing the samples and quickly agreed with her decision. “This one is far more luxurious.”
Elizabeth and Georgiana continued to discuss what was yet needed as Mary stared absent-mindedly out the window. Since their trip to Lambton, her sister had suddenly found it absolutely necessary that Mary be part of every moment of the wedding planning. It seemed a bit ridiculous as the wedding would be held in London, not Pemberley; and, from what she could see, it appeared everything was being handled by the housekeepers. Even so, there were checklists every day of things that simply could not be ignored.
She returned her gaze to the lawn below in time to see the General walking toward the stables in a determined manner. As she thought of him, she could feel the heat rise in her cheeks. More than once over the last few days, she had noticed him looking at her in an odd manner. She had confirmed there was nothing amiss with her appearance, so she was uncertain of the reason behind his increased attention. She had considered mentioning it to Lizzy, but she was acting strangely also; looking at Mary and smiling as though she had a secret.
Shaking her head in an effort to clear it, Mary turned back to the other ladies. At that moment, the butler entered the room and approached Georgiana.
“Forgive me, Miss Darcy. I realize you have been anxious to hear from Commander Kirkpatrick.” He held out the silver salver which held a letter from Georgiana’s fiancé.
The young lady’s countenance lit from within as she took up the missive and smiled at the faithful servant. “Thank you, Braxton.”
Returning her smile, the elderly servant bowed and left the room.
Georgiana glanced toward the sisters as she rose from her chair. “If you will, excuse me?”
“Of course, Georgie.” Elizabeth smiled and patted her arm. “We understand. Go read your letter in peace.”
It appeared as though the young bride floated from the room and Mary could not suppress her amused smile. Turning, she found her sister watching her closely. “I suppose the wedding planning is finished for the time being. I believe I will visit with the children if you do not mind, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth gathered the materials they had been discussing and placed them on a neat pile on the table. “I shall join you,” she said as she rose. “Perhaps we might join the children on a walk. It is a lovely day to be outside.”
Mary slipped her hand about her sister’s arm. “You believe every day is lovely to be outside; even when it is raining.”
Throwing back her head, Elizabeth laughed and squeezed Mary’s hand. “I fear I cannot contradict you.”
As they climbed the stairs to the nursery, they each descended into their own thoughts and silence surrounded them. Mary noticed her sister’s steps had slowed and she matched Elizabeth’s pace.
“Do you remain unwell?” she asked.
“Pardon?” Elizabeth said, as though she had been many miles away. “Oh no, I was simply lost in thought.”
“You were walking slower than normal. I thought perhaps you were weary.”
Shaking her head, Elizabeth smiled. “No.” Her steps slowed again until they were stopped just short of the nursery, and she turned toward her sister. “Mary, have you ever thought of marrying?”
Mary could feel the colour rise rapidly over her countenance. Taking a moment, she composed her thoughts. “Since coming to Pemberley, I have considered what my future may hold. Longbourn has become tedious. I wish for a change, but I know not what that entails.”
The corner of Elizabeth’s mouth curled upward as she raised one eyebrow. “You have not answered my question. With all this talk of weddings, have you never imagined your own?”
Mary turned away, afraid of offending her sister. “Forgive me, Lizzy, but I find weddings fatiguing. I believe the amount of planning and expectations which go into them are unnecessary. If a couple wishes to wed, let them stand before the church and their family, say their vows, and be done with it.” She looked back at her sister. “I do not want it to appear I am belittling yours and Georgiana’s enthusiasm, but I simply do not feel I would behave in the same manner were I the one about to wed.”
“Ah,” Elizabeth smiled as she took her sister’s arm and moved toward the nursery again. “You believe it is the marriage and not the wedding which is most important. You are correct, of course; but then the wedding is not for the bride and groom so much as it is for the friends and family who wish to see them happy. It is the things of which young girls dream; and mothers of girls,” she added with a self-deprecating laugh.
Mary frowned. “Lizzy, I do not mean to say I have not considered being a bride and walking down the aisle; but that would require a groom to
be waiting at the altar, would it not? It is he I am unable to see clearly.”
A sly grin spread across Elizabeth’s lips as she patted Mary’s arm. “Fear not, Mary. When the time is right, your groom will be there for you.” She opened the nursery door and they stepped inside as the children cheered their arrival.
***********
“Mistress Mary, where’s Papa?” Beth asked as they walked hand in hand through the gardens. “He hasn’t come to see us today,” the girl pouted.
“Your father has business to which he must attend, Beth. He has told you of the home he wishes to purchase so he may raise horses. I am certain there is much required of him before he may see his plans to fruition.” She looked in the direction of the stables, but did not see General Fitzwilliam.
“Will you come to live with us when we move to our new home?” Beth looked at Mary with large innocent eyes.
“It would not be proper, Beth. Your father has no wife to host me.” Mary felt her colour begin to rise and she looked about to see if Lizzy were nearby.
“Couldn’t you be his wife?” Before Mary could think of a response, Beth saw her cousin and cried out to her. “Patches, wait for me!” Tugging her hand from Mary’s, she ran down the path.
“Mary, are you well?” Elizabeth asked as she looked toward her sister from the other side of the roses.
Forcing a smile, Mary nodded, still unable to speak. In an attempt to avoid the questions she saw in her sister’s eyes, she turned and walked quickly toward the children.
Janet and William had set up a series of obstacles and were hopping over them. Richie was attempting to follow, but some were simply too high for him to succeed. Mary watched as his frustration grew, but he never ceased to try.
“I can imagine he is the most like his father,” Elizabeth said.
Mary jumped, not having heard her approach. “I was thinking the same. He is very determined.”
“As is his namesake. Did you know his father, the late Lord Matlock, attempted to purchase a commission which would have allowed Richard to remain in London? Darcy tells me his cousin refused saying he would earn his way. When he finally was offered a position in London, it was because he had worked for it.” Elizabeth smiled and moved on toward her daughters.
Mistress Mary and the General: A Pride and Prejudice Inspired Story Page 15
