by Webb, Brenda
With the realisation of how close that establishment was to London, William’s heart sank further. His time with Elizabeth was quickly coming to an end, and the evidence brought him misery of the cruellest kind. Lost in his thoughts, he did not hear her soft inquiry.
“Are we near to London?”
Seeing that Darcy was not listening, Richard responded. “Yes. We should reach Darcy House in less than a half-hour.”
Elizabeth tried to smile, though her eyes did not concur with her lips. “Thank you.”
Encouraged by the fact that she was now apparently ready to talk, Charles brought up a subject that he thought Elizabeth might enjoy. “Jane and I have talked, and we are hopeful that you and Darcy will stand up with us at our wedding.”
Instantly the facade of cheerfulness fell and her brows knit. As Elizabeth looked away, her answer was barely audible. “Mr. Bingley, I fear that what has transpired in Teddington, as well as the gossip that already spread in regards to me, might well ruin your special day. I would not want my presence to be a source of embarrassment or a hindrance to my sister’s happiness or your own.”
“I assure you, Miss Elizabeth, that nothing so unimportant will affect our happiness or our wish to share our wedding with you and Darcy. One cannot stop people from talking; one can only choose to associate with friends and family who do not rejoice in hearing the worst that can be said against us. I intend to have Darcy stand with me, and I can assure you that Jane means to have you.”
William slid forward clasping both of her hands and causing her to look at him. “Listen to Charles, Elizabeth. Our true friends and family will not care and neither should we.”
For a brief moment Elizabeth seemed hopeful and smiled wanly. “I would love to stand with Jane. It has always been our dream to stand up with each other when we married.” Then her face crumpled as though she would cry. “It is just—how can you bear to stand with me, Fitzwilliam? My mother disparages you, and my father has not decided in your favour. And he may be less inclined to do so after what has transpired. In addition, your family will be disgraced if you marry me.” She sighed raggedly. “Not to mention that most of London probably thinks me a wanton!”
Richard could not stay silent. “I must put your mind at ease at least as it pertains to our family. They are on your side already. Even my parents, the Earl and Countess Matlock, have pledged their support, and if they stand with you, no member of the ton will dare defy them. Please do not put much stock in what those harridans of the ton think. Mother says that their likes and dislikes change day-to-day as new scandals replace the old. I imagine that when word gets out that Lord Landingham is Georgiana’s father it shall overshadow everything else. I know that I was shocked to hear it.”
“As was I,” Bingley added. “The ton would rather have a good scandal to talk about than a couple in love who wish to marry.”
“Besides,” Richard teased, “my mother can control the gossip with a crook of her little finger.”
Elizabeth could not but smile a bit at Richard’s antics, so William took that opportunity to cup her face, meeting her gaze without flinching.
“I can assure you, Elizabeth Bennet, that not only do I intend to stand up with Bingley, your sister and you, I intend to stand with you on our wedding day, which shall take place as quickly as I can arrange it. In fact, we shall marry before your sister and Bingley.”
Charles and Richard exchanged looks of incredulity, stunned at William’s plan. Nonetheless, they uttered not a word.
Elizabeth, however, had no such reticence. She sputtered, “Surely you cannot rush into another marriage! Your—Gisela has just died. Is not a period of mourning required?”
William instantly scowled. “You cannot be serious.”
By the way the muscles of his jaw flexed, Richard understood that his cousin was on the brink of losing control. Thus, he interjected, “Do not get overwrought, Cousin. Miss Elizabeth is only stating what is customary in such cases.”
Bingley tried to soothe him as well. “Yes, Darcy. She fears another scandal if there is no mourning period.”
William turned to slowly study his cousin and then Bingley, wondering if they had gone completely mad since leaving Teddington. When next he spoke, his voice was strained but eerily calm.
“What do you suggest I mourn? Being set free from a woman I despised? While I never wished for her death, I cannot bring myself to mourn her passing. For the last two years, our ridiculous pretence of a union has provided fodder for the gossips, yet I did not yield to society’s dictates. What could possibly make you think I care one whit what the ton will think now?”
Addressing Elizabeth again, his expression and tone softened. “I am seven and twenty, Elizabeth, and I had never been in love—until you. You are everything that I have ever desired in a woman, and I love you more than life itself. In two weeks, three at the most, everything should be settled so that we may marry. Will you consent to be my wife? Will you marry me then?”
Flabbergasted that the reticent, private man they knew would make such a tender declaration in their presence, Richard and Charles sat spellbound, unable to look away.
Elizabeth was already nodding before he finished. Unable to hold her tears, she proclaimed, “I love you too. Whenever you say, we shall marry.”
William broke into a wide smile, his face beaming with her affirmation. He almost forgot himself completely, leaning in as though to kiss her but stopped when Elizabeth blushed and tilted her head towards their companions.
Disappointed, nonetheless, he recovered and posed a question. “Do you suppose Aunt Audrey and Aunt Evelyn will be able to plan a wedding and a breakfast in a few weeks, Richard?”
“A public wedding? So it is your intention to meet the ton head on!” Richard declared, grinning widely.
Bingley laughed out loud. “That should cause quite a stir.”
“I am not ashamed.” William brought both of Elizabeth’s hands to his lips, kissing first one then the other. “I want all of England to know that I love this woman!”
While Elizabeth blushed crimson, Richard scratched his chin, pretending to concentrate on answering his previous question.
“I would wager a month’s pay that Aunt Audrey and my mother could plan the ordination of the next monarch in less than a week, so why should a simple wedding and a breakfast be difficult? Besides, Darcy, you are wealthy and money is a great persuader. I dare say that if you offer enough incentive, you can command an abundance of flowers, food and even wedding clothes in as little time as you wish.”
“What a mêlée shall ensue when word gets out!” Bingley crowed, “The ton will vie for invitations just to see the woman who has captured the heart of the elusive Fitzwilliam Darcy!”
“I could probably make a goodly sum selling tickets!” Richard parroted.
Elizabeth’s brow furrowed at Charles’ jest, and when Richard added his teasing remark, she paled.
“Do not fret, Elizabeth.” William leaned forward to assure her. “The majority of those invited will be our friends and family—at least, those family members who have supported us.”
As an aside, he chided Richard and Charles. “Your teasing goes too far. You frighten her.”
“Forgive us, Miss Elizabeth!” Richard exclaimed. “We were trying to have fun at Darcy’s expense and did not mean to scare you! I am sure that my cousin’s scowls, whenever things do not progress as he wishes, will be frightening enough for you.”
This made even William chuckle, and everyone else joined in. Seeing the man she loved so happy warmed Elizabeth’s heart. He had laughed very little in the few short months she had known him, and the sound of it lifted her soul. She was looking at him with an expression of such love that once he noticed, his entire being transformed.
I love you, he mouthed.
I love you, she said in return.
Bingley and the colonel pretended not to see their last display of affection. After all, they had been too meddlesome al
ready. For this reason, Richard began to speak quite loudly to Charles of other matters.
“Bingley, do you still have that red stallion that I admired when I encountered you in the park?”
Stumped as to why Richard was now talking about a horse, a nod towards the blissful couple finally caused Charles to comprehend. “As a matter of fact, I do! Are you still interested in purchasing him? A squire from Lancaster has recently written me regarding a price, but I would rather give you first choice.”
They kept up a steady conversation until the coach arrived at Darcy House a quarter-hour later. Meanwhile, on the other side of the coach, William and Elizabeth communicated entirely without words.
~~~*~~~
Darcy House
The Library
For the poor souls waiting in the library at Darcy House, the atmosphere in the room had changed considerably from what it had been when they had entered. Having prepared themselves for the imminent arrival of William and Elizabeth, when that couple did not appear forthwith, it was perplexing and, for Mr. Bennet, a bit suspicious.
Consequently, where once a feeling of eager anticipation permeated the room, fear and doubt was now paramount. And though nothing untoward had been said, Lady Ashcroft could not help but wonder if, from the look on his face, Mr. Bennet might utter a sardonic criticism at any moment.
In fact, she noted that Elizabeth’s father had become so uneasy that he actually laid down a book on astronomy that he had been pleased to find earlier, in order to walk over to the tall floor-to-ceiling windows that faced the road. There, he positioned himself with his hands grasped behind his back, as though fully expecting to observe the coach’s return from that vantage point.
As he stood in silent vigil, Audrey’s eyes happened to meet Jane’s. Without uttering a word, Elizabeth’s sister pleaded for understanding, and Audrey obliged, nodding almost imperceptibly and offering a faint smile. Of the Bennets she had met, this young lady seemed most like the woman her nephew loved, and that alone made Audrey predisposed to like her. While she considered this truth, her niece’s voice penetrated the stillness.
“Aunt,” Georgiana whined, “when do you think they shall—”
Sounds in the hallway, heavy boots and men’s voices, instantly silenced her, and she stood up and turned towards the door, gasping. Suddenly, it swung open, and her father stepped into the room with Mr. Barnes close on his heels. Smiling from ear to ear, the butler seemed well pleased as he pulled the door shut and backed out.
“Father!”
Instantly, Georgiana ran towards him, crying and laughing at the same time, totally unconcerned with how unladylike she might appear. Crashing into him, it took all Landingham’s strength not to stumble as he caught her. Closing his eyes against the feelings that engulfed him, he kissed the top of her head and soothed her with gentle rocking motions as she cried.
“Shhh, none of that, darling girl! All is well.” Inside his heart sung—I have my daughter at last!
While still holding Georgiana, he opened his eyes to search the room for Audrey. Half dreading that she might have changed her mind since declaring that he would return to her, he was thankful that genuine love shone in her expression. Holding out a hand, she came forward to grasp it.
“I… I am so thankful you are home.”
It was clear that if they were alone she would have been in his arms at that moment, but having given the room a cursory glance, he knew that Elizabeth’s father was present and a young woman, perhaps her sister. Therefore, fixing his gaze on the woman he loved, Landingham answered, “I thank God that, in His mercy, He has brought me home.” Whispering, “To you,” he was hopeful that she heard.
A loud cough from the vicinity of the windows demanded his attention, and as he focused on Thomas Bennet, he stiffened. Obviously unapologetic for interrupting, that gentleman’s posture shouted of distrust. It seemed to Landingham that he was spoiling for a fight, and he began to fear what that could mean for Fitzwilliam.
“Sir, may I interrupt your merriment to ask the whereabouts of my daughter?”
Not one to take kindly to being spoken to in that fashion and by a visitor, no less, Landingham’s ire rose. However, he felt gentle pressure as Audrey squeezed his hand and forced himself to answer civilly. “She occupies the coach with my nephews and Mr. Bingley. They should all be along presently.”
“And why did that coach not arrive with yours? Surely, they left at the same time.”
“They were detained when one of their horses threw a shoe. We decided not to wait, as they are close to Town, and we were transporting one of the officers who had been injured. The Earl of Matlock insisted Colonel Neilson recuperate under his roof, so they brought me here before making their way to Matlock’s townhouse.”
“Would that not have been justification to transfer my daughter to the coach that would arrive first? Obviously, her sister and I are frantic to ascertain her welfare.”
“Having seen her, I can assure you that Miss Elizabeth is well. As for having her change coaches, I dare say there was no conspiracy to keep you apart longer than necessary. It was just never taken into account.”
Mr. Bennet faced the windows again, mumbling under his breath, “Never taken into account! Humph!”
Trying to restore a modicum of gentility, Jane addressed Landingham, “Sir, I am Elizabeth’s sister, Jane Bennet, and I wish to thank you for your service in affecting her release. We—all my family and I—are grateful beyond measure.”
Jane’s statement garnered another humph from Mr. Bennet, though he did not turn. Ignoring her father, she smiled wanly at the others.
Lady Ashcroft spoke up. “Forgive me for not making a proper introduction, Miss Bennet. I was so overcome to realise that Lord Landingham had returned safely that I forgot my duties as hostess.”
Simultaneously, Jane and Landingham both began to defend Audrey and ended by talking over one other. Chuckling, each bade the other to continue.
“Ladies first,” Landingham said.
Jane blushed, performing a small curtsey. “I just wished to say that no introduction was necessary, Lord Landingham, as I immediately knew who you were from the descriptions in my sister’s letters. Lizzy is very good at describing those she admires!”
“Thank you, Miss Bennet. I am just as fond of Miss Elizabeth, I assure you.” Landingham then let his gaze fall on Audrey. “And I, too, wish to set Lady Ashcroft’s mind at ease, for at a time like this, proper decorum is often overlooked, and no one thinks a thing about it.”
Audrey smiled her appreciation at Marshall then proceeded to return to the sofa she had abandoned earlier. He followed her lead, escorting Georgiana and helping her to the seat next to her aunt. Then he sat down on the opposite side of his daughter.
Jane sat back down as well. Then her expression became serious. “Lord Landingham, if it is something you feel that you can share, would you tell me what transpired in Teddington? I find myself both eager and fearful to know, though I dare not ask Lizzy. I would not want to upset her by asking her to recount the ordeal.”
Lord Landingham’s face sobered. “I shall try to remember everything that I observed, just as it happened.”
And with that, Marshall Landingham began to speak of what had taken place at Stillwater Manor. During the narration, Mr. Bennet moved from his position by the windows to stand behind Jane. By the time Landingham had reached the part describing Gisela’s demise, everyone was spellbound.
“So, Mr. Darcy put himself in jeopardy to save Lizzy.” It was a statement made for her father’s benefit, as Jane was well aware that he blamed that gentleman for her sister’s ordeal.
“Yes. I have no doubt that Fitzwilliam would have died saving her, were it necessary.”
Mr. Bennet was preparing a retort, when the door flew open and in walked Richard, Charles, Miss Elizabeth and Darcy, in that order, each of them scanning the occupants of the room with trepidation. Immediately, Jane stood and hurried to Elizabeth, motivating
her father to do likewise. Jane reached her first, falling into her sister’s embrace. Tears, kisses and laughter were shared before Jane moved aside to let their father have his turn.
Charles waited patiently for Jane, knowing that greeting her sister took precedence. Immediately after relinquishing Lizzy, she allowed him to take her hands and pull her towards him. Subsequently, he kissed the knuckles of each of her small hands while their eyes devoured one another, both aware that a more satisfying reunion would have to wait.
Of course, Lady Ashcroft and Georgiana hurried to welcome Darcy and Richard, each in turn bestowing hugs and kisses on their loved ones. Georgiana, being already emotional, began to cry anew while simultaneously laughing with relief.
William pulled her into an embrace. “There, there, sweetling! No need to cry!”
All the while he kept one eye on Elizabeth’s reunion with her father.
From the relieved look on that gentlemen’s face, it was obvious that he had been terrified of losing his child, and that touched William deeply, for he understood the fear of losing Elizabeth. However, once Mr. Bennet opened his eyes to see that William was watching him, his manner altered and his expression became stormy again.
Feeling his entire posture change, Elizabeth pulled back to look at her father and noted that his gaze was fixed on someone behind her. His expression, now a stone-like mask, left no doubt who it was.
“Papa, all is well. I am unharmed. And, to be truthful, I never despaired, as I knew that Fitzwilliam would move heaven and earth to find me.” Mr. Bennet did not reply, so she continued, “Had it not been for him, I would likely have perished.”
“If it had not been for him, you would never have been kidnapped in the first place!” Mr. Bennet snapped.
“You cannot know that!”
“I can and I do!” Thomas Bennet declared as he began to pull her towards the door, calling over his shoulder, “Come Jane! It is time I took you and your sister home to Longbourn. At least there I shall be able to keep you both safe.”
