Watching her sister go, Mary reflected upon the conversations she had been a part of that day and shook her head. A cry drew her attention and she stepped forward. “Here, Richie, take care.” She knelt beside him just as he jumped up from the ground, and took hold of him before he could run off.
“I’m not hurt, Mistress Mary,” he said as he attempted to pull away and run after the older children.
“Hold still, Richie.” Mary brushed at the dirt upon his knees. “Ah, I thought as much. You have indeed injured yourself; you are bleeding.”
“It doesn’t hurt.” Richie said, looking longingly toward his brother.
“Perhaps, but it must be cleaned. Come along,” she said as she stood.
“Ah, Mistress Mary, I want to play.” Tears filled the child’s eyes and he swiped at them angrily.
A deep voice sounded from their left. “Richie, do as you are told. You may return to the gardens once Nurse has seen to your injury.”
Startled, Richie whipped about to see his father standing in the shadows of the house. “Yes, Pa,” he reluctantly agreed and moved toward Mrs. Hampton who stood near the porch.
“Thank you, sir,” Mary said as she turned toward the General. As she looked at him, she realized he was studying her very closely. She was about to turn away, when he spoke.
“Georgiana was correct, Miss Bennet; that colour is very becoming on you. You should wear it often.”
Self-conscious, Mary smoothed a hand over her new pelisse. “Thank you, sir. I still say it was more than was needed …”
“Nonsense, it was my foolishness which ruined your old one. I am pleased to have been able to replace it with one which flatters you so well.” He stepped away from the house and offered her his arm. Hesitantly Mary laid her fingers upon it and they began walking.
At first she believed they would join the others, but she soon realized he had set them upon a different path. “General, the others are over there. Do you not wish to see your children?”
He shrugged as he continued to move in a slow, deliberate manner, away from the larger garden paths where the children played. Neither of them spoke, and Mary felt a growing unease. She was searching for a topic, but she could only think of the comments Beth had made.
“Your daughter mentioned she had not seen you today.” She looked down at the flowers they passed.
“No, I required a bit of exercise and therefore I went for a ride.” He studied her, frustrated with the fact she would not look at him.
Mary nodded. “I saw you walking toward the stables while I was assisting Georgiana and Elizabeth with the wedding plans.”
He chuckled softly. “You sound as though you would have preferred to be outside.”
She turned suddenly to meet his eyes before looking away again. “In honesty, I would have preferred to be anywhere other than there. I have told Lizzy; I do not see the necessity for all the planning and preparing. The wedding lasts but a few minutes, it is the marriage which should garner the attention.”
A slow smile crossed his lips. “I must agree with you. For years I believed I would never marry; but then I met Sarah and I thought of little else. I imagined we would grow old together; see our children and grandchildren grown.” His voice broke and he turned to look away.
“Sarah did not believe she would ever fall in love again after Lord Henry passed. We were all surprised when the two of you married, but it was clear you were very much in love.” Mary laid her other hand upon his arm beside the first. “Perhaps we should find another topic, if speaking of her pains you.”
General Fitzwilliam shook his head and laid a hand upon hers. “No, you knew her before we met; I would like to hear your memories of her.” A twinkle entered his eye and he smiled. “I heard Beth’s comments earlier.”
“Oh.” Mary blushed. They walked a few more steps in silence before she responded, ignoring the mention of the young child. “Sarah spent most of her time with Lizzy and Jane. I remember she was always kind, and she would try to include me in their games. I was very quiet then, but she made me feel at ease.”
He smiled. “She had a way of making people feel accepted.”
“Much more so than my sister who did not wish her baby sister tagging along.”
The General laughed. “I can only imagine you are speaking of Elizabeth; I cannot see Mrs. Bingley being so.”
“No, Jane is the sweetest of creatures; nearly too good to be true.” She crooked her head in contemplation. “None of the Bennet sisters are very similar to each other.”
“I do not know your youngest sisters so I could not say.”
Mary released a most unladylike snort before quickly covering her mouth with one hand. “You met Lydia, but it was some six or seven years past. If you have forgotten her, you must not have been in her presence for long.”
“Yes, well, I was more concerned with Wickham at the time.” He frowned at the thought of the man who had stolen away with the youngest Bennet sister with no intent to marry her.
“Shall we speak of happier subjects?” she asked in an attempt to lighten his mood. “Have you made any decisions regarding the purchasing of a home?”
The twinkle from earlier returned and he leaned closer to her. “And we have returned to Beth’s conversation. Tell me, Miss Bennet, would you visit my new home?”
The blush which had receded bloomed brighter upon her countenance. “I would be pleased to visit with Elizabeth and Darcy.” She lifted her eyes to meet his as though to emphasize the fact she had out-manoeuvred him.
The General laughed heartily. “And so you shall.” He glanced about to see Elizabeth eying them suspiciously. “It appears our stolen time has come to an end, Miss Bennet. Shall we join the others?”
Her brow dipped, not understanding his meaning; but nodded her agreement and they turned back toward the wider paths.
Chapter Twenty
Vines wrapped about Richard’s limbs, drawing him backward into the mire. He struggled against the binds, reaching toward the disappearing figure of his late wife, just before a hand roughly shook him awake. Blinking several times against the sunlight pouring through the open curtains, he attempted to cover his eyes only to realize his arms were indeed confined. He looked down to find the bedding wound about his body and limbs in a restricting manner. Glancing up, he saw O’Toole watching him; worry plain on his countenance.
“Are you ill, sir?” the man asked as he began to unwrap the sheet from Richard’s arms.
Releasing a weary sigh, Richard shook his head. “No, O’Toole, there is nothing which physically ails me.” He tugged impatiently upon the sheets about his legs and, finally freeing himself, rose from the bed. “Assist me to dress, I feel the need to be outside.”
Raising a brow at his master’s abruptness, O’Toole busied himself with preparing the General for his day. “Shall I request a tray, sir?”
Richard shook his head impatiently. “I am not hungry.”
“Very well, sir.”
The valet went about his business efficiently and Richard left his rooms minutes later, dressed and shaved. Without a glance in either direction, he descended the stairs and exited into the gardens. It was early and he knew most of the household remained in bed, or were most definitely not outside.
With a determined stride, Richard passed through the most popular garden paths and wound his way toward a secluded area where he and Sarah would sit together whenever they visited Pemberley. The very area where she left him in his dreams. He had to see it, had to know that it was not the ruin from his nightmare, and see for himself that she was not there.
As he approached the corner, he slowed; partially in fear. Taking the final step, he looked toward the corner bench and found it unchanged from the last time he had been there a few days past. His shoulders sagged as he released a soul weary sigh. He tore his hat from his head as he moved forward, finally dropping boneless upon the seat. Resting his elbows upon his knees, he lowered his head and ran his fingers th
rough his hair. Tears flowed down his cheeks as he whispered “Sarah” repeatedly. After a few minutes had passed, he allowed his hands to fall to his sides and leaned back against the brick wall.
“When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see,
For all the day they view things unrespected;
But when I sleep, in dreams they look on thee,
And darkly bright are bright in dark directed.
Then thou, whose shadow shadows doth make bright,
How would thy shadow's form form happy show
To the clear day with thy much clearer light,
When to unseeing eyes thy shade shines so!”
Unable to continue, he dropped his head once more into his hands and sobbed.
“How would, I say, mine eyes be blessed made
By looking on thee in the living day,
When in dead night thy fair imperfect shade
Through heavy sleep on sightless eyes doth stay!
All days are nights to see till I see thee,
And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me. ”
Slowly, Richard raised his eyes, afraid to learn from whence the soft, melodic voice had come. A feminine figure stood at the entrance to the path, the morning light shining behind her affectively obliterating her features. His heart raced; if from fear or anticipation, he was uncertain.
“Shakespeare’s forty-third sonnet, if I am not mistaken. Though it is not one of my favourites, I have always enjoyed the manner in which he expressed his thoughts, specifically his choice of words.” Miss Bennet stepped closer to him, lowering her gaze as she noted his distress. “Forgive me, sir, I did not intend to intrude upon your solitude.”
Richard realized she was about to turn away and leapt to his feet. “Please, Miss Bennet, do not leave.” He searched for some topic which might entreat her to remain. “If the forty-third is not your favourite, may I ask which is?”
With deliberation, she turned back to him, a look of compassion warming her features. “In truth, sir, I find the Bard’s sonnets not entirely to my liking; though should I be forced to choose, I suppose it would be the twenty-ninth.”
“Ah, ‘When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes, I all alone beweep my outcast state, And trouble deaf heav'n with my bootless cries, And look upon myself, and curse my fate.’ And when have you been outcast, Mistress Mary?” He returned to the bench and patted the seat beside him.
She raised one brow, an amused smirk dancing about her lips as she took the seat he offered. “We have spoken of my family before, sir. Born between the loveliest and the silliest, one could only feel outcast at times.”
“Yes, you have said as much in the past. Forgive me for forgetting.” Distracted once more, he laid his hand upon hers and slipped into silence as a calm overcame him.
Several moments passed before he became aware of her presence at his side. A self-amused smile slipped across his lips as he turned to her. “I fear I must beg your forgiveness yet again, Miss Bennet. I appear to have restrained you once more.”
“Not at all, sir. Had I wished to leave, I could have; but it appeared you required my presence and I was glad to provide it.” She tore her eyes from his as the now familiar crimson hue rose across her countenance.
Lifting her hand, he placed a kiss upon her fingers before laying it upon his arm. He cleared his throat and waited for her to look at him. Once their eyes met, he smiled warmly. “I have yet to break my fast. Would you care to join me?”
Miss Bennet nodded and they rose as one, speaking easily as they proceeded down the paths which returned them to the entrance. Upon arriving in the breakfast parlour, they found their hosts already situated at the table.
“Lizzy, I did not expect you up and about so early,” Mary said as she released the General’s arm and took the seat across from her sister.
Elizabeth looked between her sister and Richard, before turning to meet her husband’s gaze. A frown had settled upon his brow as he stared at his cousin’s back. “William and I thought we might take a walk this morning. It has been so long since I have been allowed to venture far from the house and I simply could not abide it any longer.”
Richard approached the table carrying two plates and placed one in front of Mary, the other at the place by her side, before motioning for the footman to bring them tea and chocolate. Taking his seat, he finally turned to meet Darcy’s gaze, though he had felt it drilling into him from the moment he entered the room. Richard could tell by the momentary shocked expression in Darcy’s eyes that he must appear as dishevelled as he felt.
“The two of you appear to have already taken exercise outside,” Darcy said flatly.
Mary laughed lightly. “Being the only remaining daughter at Longbourn, I have learned the reasoning behind Lizzy’s early morning walks. They are wonderful to clear the mind, and to escape Mama’s effusions for a time. It has become a bit of a habit for me now.”
“I hope you do not feel a need to escape anything here at Pemberley,” Darcy said as he continued to watch his cousin who was now avoiding his gaze.
“No, but Mama and Papa will be returning in a day or two.” She smiled at her sister and took a sip of chocolate.
“Richard? I know you normally have a hearty appetite in the mornings and prefer to break your fast before any exercise. Why the sudden change of routine?” Darcy glanced to Mary and back to the General. “Have you adopted Mary’s habits?”
Slowly Richard raised his head to meet his cousin’s eye. “If you must know, I sought the peace of the gardens following a particularly difficult night. Miss Bennet found me there. There was nothing untoward about it, Darce.”
Lowering his gaze to his plate in a contrite manner, Darcy nodded his head and returned to his meal.
“Of course not, Richard,” Elizabeth said as she laid her hand on her husband’s which rested on the table between them. “William would not suggest such a thing.” She squeezed his hand and looked at him pointedly. “Would you, my love?”
Swallowing, Darcy looked from her to his cousin. “No, of course I would not. I hope your day continues in a better light, Cousin.”
Richard glanced at Mary sitting beside him, intent upon her meal, and smiled. “I believe it shall.” He looked back to Darcy. “Might I have a moment of your time when you return from your walk, Darce? I believe I have made a decision regarding the properties we were discussing.”
Sitting back, surprise clear in his expression, Darcy nodded. “Of course. Are you finally ready to view one or two?”
“Yes. I thought perhaps we might make a journey of it since several are close at hand. I would appreciate the ladies providing their opinions.”
Darcy smiled as he ran his thumb over his wife’s fingers. “I have found it is always wise to include a lady when viewing property. The agent appears to work harder, and she notices deficiencies we would not consider until it was too late.”
“Would it not be wise to take the children as well, or at least William and Janet?” Mary asked as she took up the marmalade and spread a thin layer upon her toast. “Though they know little of what makes a good or poor property, they do offer another perspective.”
“But we could not include William without Richie; though I believe Beth could be persuaded to remain behind.” Richard tapped a finger against his chin as he considered her suggestion.
“If it will be their home, should they not have some interest in the matter?” Mary turned toward her brother. “Could it not be used as a learning experience?”
“All things could be made over into a learning experience,” Darcy smiled. “What say you, Richard? Should we include the lot of them? I am certain the agent will be quite surprised and know not how to handle the situation.”
Elizabeth slapped playfully at her husband’s arm. “William! You appear desirous to ruffle the man’s feathers.”
“Mr. Rogers is such a staid man; a bachelor. He seems to have learned the concerns of women regarding homes; I simply s
uggest we give him a lesson in the views of children.” Darcy replied, his eyes opened wide in an attempt to appear innocent.
“Whatever did the man do to you to make you suggest such a thing?”
“If you would recall, my love, it was your sister who suggested it; not I.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips to brush a kiss over her fingers.
“I shall never understand how my innocuous suggestions have a tendency to lead the two of you into mischief.” Mary shook her head in exasperation.
Elizabeth laughed. “Well, I have finished with my meal. Shall we begin our walk, my love, so that you might return to assist Richard?”
Standing, Darcy held her chair before taking her arm and escorting her from the room. When they reached the door, he turned and looked pointedly at his cousin. “I trust all will be well while we are gone.”
Richard nodded in annoyance and Darcy laughed as he left the room.
The couple sat in silence as they finished their meal. Surprisingly, Richard did not find the quiet awkward, nor did he desire to speak and end it. He nearly felt a loss as he realized they were both finishing and would part soon. All at once his dreams and the ease which he felt became clear.
“General Fitzwilliam, may I ask you a question?” Mary said softly as she set her silverware upon her plate, startling him from his thoughts.
“Of course,” he replied as he followed her lead.
“Forgive me, sir, but from my brother’s remarks, it appears you have been reluctant to view the properties.”
As her eyes met his, the green flecks he had only recently noticed flashed brilliantly, giving her a bewitching appearance. It took him a moment to recover, and he had to think upon her statement before responding. “And your question is, Mistress Mary?”
Mistress Mary and the General: A Pride and Prejudice Inspired Story Page 16
