by Suzan Lauder
“You can stay here and have my brother and Mr. Darcy look for him just as easily,” she protested, a new wash of tears escaping her eyes. “They will help us to save Lizzy.”
Bennet shook his head. “Our family will be needed to help in any case, but our daughter needs us.”
“Sir, I ask you to reconsider. This is too impulsive and too risky!”
“Because of what happened in Kent, and what Maria said about Wickham’s intentions, I am convinced that Lizzy is very much in danger. I need to be there to plan our tactics with Darcy, and in case, there is no other option but to involve me. I would risk everything for those girls.”
“As would I!” she cried. There were a few moments where not a word escaped the mouth of either.
“Then you must come with me,” Bennet said quietly. “We must both travel to London on Monday morning.”
“But what of Kitty and Lydia? If Mr. Wickham comes back to Hertfordshire, he may try to hurt one of them.”
“Wickham is moved by money. Lizzy and Jane are the ones at risk.”
Mrs. Bennet reluctantly acquiesced. “Very well, but please talk to me before you do something foolish that will expose your identity.”
“I will discuss it with you if I should feel the need to risk being seen in public. Now I must go and have the coach readied for your transport tomorrow. I have determined that the threat to Lizzy is so worrisome and urgent that I am resolute to go on horseback to Mr. Darcy’s townhouse at first light.”
Alarmed, Mrs. Bennet looked up at him. “Horseback? You just said you would be hidden in a carriage!”
“I cannot get an express to Darcy earlier than I can ride to London, and it must not be delayed. You heard Maria; Wickham has been in Town for several days at least. I must travel expeditiously so as to see Darcy as soon as is possible. I can mask my face for the trip and take care around the villages and coaching stops along the way.”
“Please, Thomas, come with me in the coach!” she insisted, but her husband quietly denied her wishes.
“I cannot, my love. It is a delay I cannot afford to make. Trust me on this. My concerns are the same as yours, and I promise you, I will take all possible precautions to keep our secret.”
“But husband, promise you will heed my warnings. Remember that the importance of not being found out is not only for your comfort but also the girls’ acceptance.”
“I can promise you that much,” he concurred.
“Very well. I will let the Akuetes know that we will be away.” She then appealed to her husband once more, “And after your meeting with Mr. Darcy, you will go directly to the Gardiners’ and stay there without leaving if at all possible?”
“I assure you, that is my intention, my love.”
Chapter 21:
A carriage ride home from the ball.
April 1812
London
Elizabeth was surprised that she had been able to steal away from the ball alone with her betrothed. She could only suspect that it had been overlooked in the mass confusion of arranging various people to their carriages in the rain during the wee hours of the morning. Although her aunt and uncle had occasionally allowed them a few moments alone in the hall while she saw her lover off for the night, for the most part, there was rigorous attention to ensuring that the obviously passionate couple not be allowed any opportunities to explore more than was appropriate prior to their marriage. As such, Elizabeth expected to be escorted back to the Gardiners’ home with at least one chaperone, but now found herself inside the carriage with Darcy rapping the signal indicating for the driver to proceed, leaving the rest of their party to the other carriages.
The festivities that evening had consisted of a glorious ball hosted by Lord and Lady Matlock in honour of the Ladies Jane and Elizabeth and their husbands-to-be. Lady Matlock, who had no daughters, was delighted to have young women to spoil and hosted the best gala seen in Town that Season. Elizabeth was grateful for the compliment to her and her sisters. In the week she had been in London, Elizabeth had met many of those in attendance but, even so, had been nervous about this important event; she was still new to being one of the fashionable set in Town. Nothing in her previous experience at the small balls attended with the Gardiners had prepared her for the en vogue of London ballrooms.
Elizabeth had been quieter than was her habit as she and her sisters prepared for the evening, but her appearance was not her concern. She, Jane and Mary had each been attended to by a separate maid, a situation they were unused to; at Longbourn, the three had to share the same lady’s maid. Her gown was the most beautiful she had ever worn—a white silk embroidered with silver threads—and her accessories were equally beautiful, of the finest quality that could be obtained in such a short time. Her hair was piled high on her head in an elegant style highlighted by hairpins with tiny crystals, and she looked like a faerie with stars in her hair. Likewise, Mary and Jane were most beautifully dressed in outfits suiting the complexion and tastes of each, the former in ivory and the latter in blush. But throughout all the preparations, Elizabeth ruminated over being the centre of attention that evening and worried about her inability to predict how she would respond.
As they entered Matlock House, she had glanced at Jane and tried to absorb some of her sister’s calm. Elizabeth was more self-assured with meeting new people and entering into new situations than Jane, but she had always admired her sister’s ability to appear composed as she quietly and politely responded to well-wishers. Elizabeth wanted to lessen any possibility of a faux pas during the evening in view of the fact that she was unable to escape the not-so-subtle examination of those attending the soiree.
Fortunately, she relaxed and forgot all her concerns as soon as she saw Darcy. His subtle smile revived her spirits. Placing her small hand upon his arm, Darcy ushered her into the ballroom with the confidence of someone who was greatly experienced with the scrutiny of such an assembly of fine personages. He entered with his usual dignified and enigmatic comportment, complemented by her easy manner and becoming smile, and all heads turned to look at them. The room was in awe.
The happy couples opened the dancing, and she and Jane were subsequently introduced to many curious and admiring gentlemen who were clamouring over one another to request a dance. During the breaks, the capable Countess of Matlock guided her through the crush, steered her away from the ingratiating Caroline Bingley—despite the warnings from Mr. Bingley to spare Lady Jane and Lady Elizabeth her cloying attentions, she was always close at hand—and introduced her to the cream of London society.
The evening flew by at an amazing pace, and Elizabeth said her goodbyes as she waited with the others for the queue of carriages to collect the tired revellers. Although her family knew that Darcy was to escort her to the Gardiner home, somehow he managed to find her wrap and take her to the carriage before anyone realized they had left without a chaperone. She was in no doubt of his intentions and looked forward to them.
Almost immediately after entering the carriage, Darcy drew the curtains, and Elizabeth found herself in his arms and the recipient of the firm embrace she had come to expect. She put her arms around his neck anticipating the amorous advances she so enjoyed.
Their previous clandestine moments had involved slipping away for stolen kisses under the pretence of needing air or brief minutes left alone while bidding each other good night. Those had been insufficient for Elizabeth, and it was clear to her that Darcy also sought chances to spend more time anticipating the passion that would follow their marriage. His hand was no stranger to the curves of her body, but it had always been through handfuls of muslin, and their explorations had to be abandoned in order to return to others before they were missed. She could not resist the opportunity to go further than had been possible in the allotted time allowed in the past.
As the carriage struggled to move through the throng leaving the ball, she leaned back against the squabs of the richly-appointed conveyance as Darcy’s body covered hers. His fing
ers threaded through her hair, and she closed her eyes and moved her face towards his for the expected kiss.
But this was no ordinary kiss. There was no delicate prelude, no gentle caresses up and down her arms, no kisses on the sides of her mouth before softly sliding silken movements on her lips that left her breathless. It was not like the sweet, savouring kisses where he tenderly coaxed her lips apart and teased her with his tongue, gently nipping and finessing and eventually deepening into purely blissful sensations with firm yet tender lips, as his body moved sensually against hers while he gently stroked the curve of her bottom and wrapped his long fingers around her breast. This kiss was decidedly more than she had ever experienced.
His lips crashed down upon hers abruptly, plundering and self-indulgent, as a starved man who knew no other way to satiate his hunger. His mouth seized hers, feverish and expectant, and his tongue took control as it twisted and tangled with hers, her lips bruised by his urgency. She tasted whisky and smelled the manliness of him, all earthy with a faint chocolaty scent of cigars. One hand held her so closely that she could feel his heart throbbing in his chest and through every plane of his body while the other dragged dangerously over her curves, leaving a trail of tingling sensations as it firmly flowed along the hills and valleys it encountered. He groaned from deep in his chest.
It was at this point that Elizabeth knew she had lost all control. Her passion burned right through her, and she felt molten, wanton. The hairs on her neck stood on end, and she felt the rush of blood to all the sensitive places on her body. She was not breathless; she was breathing hard and fast, and every time their lips came apart, she slammed hers back onto his, biting, licking and giving him back everything he demanded, claiming victory over his mouth. There was a heat under her skin and pulsing wetness between her legs that exceeded all the fiery urges she had encountered before.
Secure against the interference of well-intentioned chaperones, there was no need to hold back every daring caress, no danger of being caught in a moment that could be looked upon as unseemly, and he feverishly ran his hands over her shoulders, her breasts, her waist, her hips, her buttocks. She barely noticed that she moaned when he pressed his hips into her body and she felt the length of his hardness against her. Although the sensation was not new, in tandem with the demands of his mouth, it was like nudging a smouldering fire with an incendiary essence to create a hot, crackling, burning inferno. She could not help but clasp his buttocks to grind herself against him. His unchecked desire made her restless and expectant, and sliding a hand under his waistcoat, she felt the heat of his skin and the sinewy muscles beneath his shirt. It was beyond sensual. Every nerve in her body was tuned to him.
An unexpected delay due to the many carriages ahead of them stopped the coach, but the occupants were oblivious. Darcy’s tongue stroked the tender spot he had discovered below her ear, and she stretched out her neck to give him better access as he nipped with his lips on the way down, down, all along the soft skin revealed by the low cut of her bodice. His hand caught her breast and massaged it. Her nipples had never been harder, and she was relieved when he rolled one between his fingers through the fine silk of her dress. He slipped his fingers below the edge of her bodice, struggling to free her breasts from their prison inside her beautiful ball gown. In order to save the dress and the embarrassment that would come from entering the Gardiners’ home with a torn gown, she stopped his movements and reached behind her to free the top of her gown and corset. In short order, Darcy’s prize was revealed, and he resumed kissing, pinching, massaging, suckling, and wanting more. Elizabeth panted.
He returned hot kisses to her mouth, lashing his tongue with hers as though trying to get the last word in an argument. His hand drifted downwards, stopping to stroke the place between her legs through the thin silk of her gown. The agony of expectation consumed her. She pressed her pubis against the touch, agitatedly moving against his hand to create the desired friction against the parts of her body that gave her the most pleasure. He paused to grasp the hem of her dress and urge it up her leg, his hand sliding over her stockings, determined in its course and firm in its resolve.
“Oh, my word, do not stop!” she gasped.
The carriage went over a bump, and they heard the driver curse. Their faces abruptly bumped together, their lips crushed by the other’s teeth. She felt Darcy go very still. He reluctantly pulled his hands away and placed them on the seat beside him. Her senses were still aroused and her mind befuddled; she felt removed from the situation and seemed unable to recapture her ability to think. She looked at Darcy, and in the dim light that stubbornly filtered through the curtains from the full moon, she could see there was a sheen of perspiration in the dip above his upper lip. His hair was dishevelled, his shirt untucked, and his cravat askew. She had only herself to blame.
He leaned over her to pull aside the curtain, and the movement brought her back to the present. Darcy groaned and told her they were near to Gracechurch Street. From his expression it seemed he was as annoyed as she about the interruption and truncated lovemaking. She then realized that her hair was down and her dress bunched up around her waist, and she was certain that her whole body was flushed. She could still feel his touch on the skin above her stocking.
Traffic was sufficiently slow for them to right themselves before the carriage stopped, although, due to the reddened patches on Elizabeth’s skin and the swollen lips of the two, the Gardiners were wise to what very likely happened in the coach. Her uncle gave Darcy a stern look and asked him for a private conference in his office. Some minutes later, a red-faced Darcy bid them all adieu. As she tried to excuse herself to retire for the night, Elizabeth was taken aside by Aunt Gardiner, who tactfully instructed that it was inappropriate to intentionally leave without escort and that no such further situation would be allowed until they were safely wed. Elizabeth offered a face of contrition that appeased her aunt but inside was certain that, given another opportunity, she would do exactly the same thing.
Her body was already craving more.
Chapter 22:
Bennet goes to London to search for Wickham, and his identity is revealed.
Midmorning the next day
Darcy House, London.
Thomas Bennet had an undeniable expectation that Fitzwilliam Darcy would be shocked to have his future father-in-law announced as a visitor. Bennet had been so adamant about not taking any risk at being discovered that it was natural for his friend to be taken aback at his appearance.
Darcy rose from behind his large, oak desk and moved to greet him then gestured to a chair near the fire. Darcy must have observed his agitated state because he poured two glasses of brandy before joining him. Bennet emptied his glass immediately.
“You probably wonder why I would risk exposure by coming in all this state to see you.”
“I must say it does astonish me. May I hope all is well and this is merely a social call?”
“Unfortunately, I cannot say that. It is about Wickham.”
Darcy’s expression clouded.
Bennet continued, “You told me how he attacked Lizzy in Kent and of your concern that he would continue to seek revenge for my exposing his immorality to the people of Meryton.”
“Yes, and we were fortunate nothing came of it. However, to be perfectly safe, I recruited two very large and intimidating footmen to escort Elizabeth at all times since her arrival in Town, and I insist that she use my carriage for all excursions. She is not pleased, but I managed to convince her that these precautions would not interfere with her pastimes.”
“Well, that is a great relief to me.”
“But what news have you of Wickham?” Darcy asked. “Have you seen him again? What has he done?”
“I have not seen him, but he has been around Meryton again and is plotting to kidnap Lizzy for her fortune. This is not a rumour, Darcy; the source of my information is reliable. My informant says that Wickham knows Lizzy is in London and followed her here five days ago. I ca
me to Town as soon as I found out because I thought your history with Wickham might help us to find him before it is too late.”
Darcy stood and paced the room with a dark look on his face. “Has anything been done to find him?” he asked, raking his hand through his hair.
“No, I came here immediately after sending an express to warn my brother Gardiner. I also sent a note to Colonel Forster asking him to have his men scour the area around Meryton in case Wickham had not left the county. I hope the colonel’s abhorrence for Wickham will be incentive enough to assure his assistance in apprehending the deserter and bringing him up on military charges.”
Bennet knew Darcy’s long history with Wickham and that he would willingly act to bring Wickham to justice. However, his friend’s next revelation caught him by surprise.
“Bennet, when I told you that Wickham eloped with a lady of fortune, I did not tell you the whole of it. That young woman was my sister, Georgiana. Providence intervened when I decided to visit her in Ramsgate last summer and found Wickham in collusion with his friend, a Mrs. Younge, who at that time was Georgiana’s companion. Together they schemed for him to elope with my sister to gain access to her £30,000. Georgiana thought herself in love and was only too happy to marry him, and happier still when I arrived. You see, Wickham immediately pretended that he had summoned me to witness the wedding as a surprise to her. When he found out that he would have no access to her money, he immediately abandoned his plans, leaving my sister heartbroken. Fortunately, I have learned from my mistake and can use it to our advantage.”
“How does this help us?”
“If we can find Georgiana’s former companion, she may help us find Wickham.”
“Did you not say she was a friend of Wickham? Will she be willing to assist us?”
