by Wells, Linda
“He is not so stiff.” Manning protested. “The last few years have been difficult, you forget the way he was.”
Winslow bent towards them, “Not so stiff? Did you happen to notice his breeches when they came downstairs? You could have yoked a team to that shaft!”
Laughing, Manning looked around at the milling crowd waiting for the next dance to begin and noticed a few disapproving glances. “Shame on us, we should hold these opinions for a more suitable location. I am sure that he was well regulated before the first guest entered the door, and if he dares to kiss more than her hand with all of these people here, I will be dashed.” Catching his mother’s eye, he sighed. “And it seems that I must go perform the duty of an elder brother.” Bowing to his friends, he walked across the room to offer his sister his arm.
“Well?” Winslow looked to Fox. “Will you continue to raise Miss Bingley’s hopes and then not dance with her? You spoke to her brothers; you have spent a few evenings with her. She keeps looking this way expectantly. You might as well see if the dowry is worth the match. Go on and have your dance. She lives in London, so it would be no trouble to continue the affair if you decide she is the one. Just remember, her sights were set for Darcy and he wanted nothing of her, and he clearly is a man who is willing to look outside of his circle for love.”
Fox watched Darcy and Elizabeth moving around the room together. He and Darcy had been friends for sixteen years, and this man he saw before him was one he barely knew. Not only was Darcy speaking comfortably to his many guests and managing to smile, he clearly adored his wife and was sensitive to her tension. His supporting hand gently rubbed the small of her back as he deferred the lead of the conversation to her charm. They were performing a different sort of dance now.
Winslow noticed his friend’s attention. “Extraordinary, is it not? All jesting aside, I have admired their connection since we arrived here as much as Manning has. What strikes me is that it is not a show put on for the occasion, I sense that they are like this all of the time.”
“Did you hear that story Bingley was telling this morning of Darcy’s tumble in the carriage?” They looked at each other grimly.
Winslow’s voice lowered, “Yes, I was searching the cliff as we returned from our hunting and spotted some of the debris. It struck me to the bone.”
“I think that we all were affected.”
Both men looked to Elizabeth. She was watching Darcy as he spoke seriously with a landowner from a neighbouring estate. She was listening and regarding him with respect, while again, his thumb continued its constant stroke along her spine. “Who is he reassuring there?”
“Both of them, I think.” Fox smiled and turned to his friend. “Are we ruined? Will we now set the bar for our futures at their happiness?”
“I can think of worse things.” Winslow shrugged. “So what of Miss Bingley now? Would she climb a cliff to save you?”
“And risk tearing her gown?” Fox smiled and cleared his throat. “Well, I will go dance with her and see.”
Chapter 44
“Elizabeth, you look lovely.” Samuel took her in with an admiring smile. “I have been hoping to tell you all night, but you have been flitting around here like a butterfly going from flower to flower.”
“I liked you better when you were shy and retiring.” Darcy groused and looked around the ballroom. “We need to find you a lady of your own to admire.”
He laughed. “I have danced every set, thus far. That is more than I can say for you.”
Darcy eyed him, “Are you looking to promote a fight?”
“Hush, both of you!” Elizabeth admonished them and touched Samuel’s hand. “Your compliment is gratifying, but it only makes me wonder how I appear the rest of the time.”
“Dishevelled, obviously.” Darcy winked.
“Fitzwilliam Darcy!” She gasped.
“Yes, my love?” His brow lifted.
A glint came to her eye. “I thought that you enjoyed my wild appearance.”
“I do.” A laugh rumbled from his chest. “I do hope that your hairpins are secure, for you will most definitely be exercising tonight. We have a dance coming.”
“And is it not wonderful how we have found a way of avoiding dances with too many others? How nice it is to see you speaking easily with our guests, Mr. Darcy.”
“Our guests is the key. At least I know most of them.” He sighed and felt her hand squeeze his. “Who knew that being the hosts could afford us such freedom? But in the end, even with fewer dances, you will still be most becomingly dishevelled.” He raised her hand to his lips. “That I do promise, Mrs. Darcy.”
“Have I missed something? I did not mean to imply anything of your look, Elizabeth.” Samuel looked from one to the other curiously.
“We are relieving tension, Cousin, do not pay us any mind.” Darcy smiled and rubbed his thumb over Elizabeth’s palm.
“You are teasing.” Samuel shook his head. “I am slow sometimes.”
“You do not know the story behind the tease. Miss Bingley once criticized me for walking to Netherfield and appearing before the household somewhat untidy. My dear husband countered her opinion by admiring my healthy glow.” The three of them turned to take in Caroline speaking with Fox as they approached the dance. “I believe that she could use a glow herself, it certainly would not hurt her. Perhaps Mr. Fox will be her match.”
“I heard Gladney speculating on the subject with Richard one night after dinner.” Samuel nodded with a smile and noticed Darcy’s closed eyes and shaking head.
Elizabeth studied him. “You do not want her for your friend?”
“I will not say a word. I will not interfere with the matchmaking of the Bingley family. Fox is my good friend, if he asks for my opinion, I will give it.” Samuel cleared his throat while Elizabeth continued to watch her husband.
“Did you give your opinion to Charles about Jane?”
“As I recall, I was preoccupied at the time and tried my hardest to stay out of it, I offered my impressions only. I will do the same for Fox. I will not promote Miss Bingley to one friend to relieve another.”
“Are you calling me a hypocrite?”
“I am saying that if I meddled with others’ wishes for their spouse, than I would have to accept others meddling with mine. Then who would you, I, or even Samuel be married to right now?”
Elizabeth crossed her arms over her chest. “You meddled with my father’s wishes.”
He smiled and caressed her cheek. “Not at all, I followed mine.”
She shot him a look. “Clever.” He inclined his head and she sighed. “I cannot abide Mr. Collins, but my dear sister accepted him and is happy. I will never understand it, I do not like him, I do not wish him in my home, but for her happiness, I accept it.”
“So we are of like minds.” Darcy’s lips twitched and moved his gaze from his wife to his cousin. “Will you dance with Miss Bingley, Samuel?”
“I thought that you would not meddle.” He laughed when Darcy raised his brow, “I did already, because she is part of the house party. I saw that you danced with her.”
“As you say, she is part of our party.” He smiled at the protective glare Elizabeth assumed and stealing his hand around her waist, drew her closer, “And you love, were standing ready to defend my honour had she become too friendly. Did you truly think that I could not keep her at arm’s length?”
“I forgot that you have had years of practice.” Elizabeth’s arms came down and blushing, she leaned into him as he gently wrapped her hand around his arm. They exchanged looks and she smiled shyly, “I vowed to protect you as admirably as Samuel protected Georgiana today.” She turned to the startled man. “Thank you for everything you did for her, taking her to Lambton and most importantly, bringing her safely home.”
“She told us everything.” Darcy said softly. “You acted exactly as I would, and I know how difficult it was to refrain from chasing that carriage.”
“Oh. That explains your ra
ther expressive welcome this evening.” He closed his eyes. “William, if I could have done differently … I should have taken her into the office, but she said that you would not approve … I have not told Father or Richard.”
“Obviously. Both of them are easy. I will not tell them tonight, I have no desire to spend my time controlling either your father’s fear or Richard’s fury, and I surely do not wish to ruin their wives’ evenings.”
“I wish that I could have done more. I asked Barnes to keep an eye out for him tonight.”
“He will not come.”
“How can you be sure?”
“I know the man.” Darcy drew a breath and spoke in a low, soft voice. “I have three choices with Wickham. Murder, prison, or … trust. I will not commit murder, nor will I allow Richard, your father, or you, for that matter, to do so either. Imprisoning him for his crimes is as good as publishing the truth in the papers and would defeat the purpose of all we have done for Georgiana, not to mention exposing Hope. That would hurt them and your parents. So that leaves …”
“Trust.” Samuel sighed. “Trusting your enemy.”
“I do not trust him any more than I can throw him, but … this way, he is visible, and I will keep him within my sights. To throw him off means that he returns to hiding, possibly becoming angry again, and he may do harm, but somehow, I doubt that, too.”
“You truly believe that he loves her?”
“As much as he can love anyone, yes. Perhaps love is too strong a word; I will not attempt to understand his mind. However, I believe that ultimately, it is in her hands, just as it was the day she climbed into his carriage.” Darcy looked over the crowded ballroom, smiling to those who lifted their hands and nodded in acknowledgement. “Thank you for your care. I am in your debt.”
“Hardly.” Samuel demurred.
“I am. You protected her and by doing so, you allowed her to continue forward. What better example of being a Darcy is there?” Surprised, Samuel met his eyes and Darcy nodded. “Well done.” Seeing the musicians picking up their instruments, he smiled. “Come.” He started walking and led them to where the Manning family stood together. “Miss Manning, I do not know if you have had the opportunity to meet my cousin, Samuel Darcy? He is Judge Darcy’s son and is an attorney as well.” He turned to Samuel. “Cousin? May I present Miss Lily Manning?”
“Miss Manning, it is a pleasure.” He smiled and bowed to the blushing girl and nearly laughed at Darcy’s meaningful glance. “I see that you are holding your brother’s arm? Does this mean that the next set is taken?”
“I …” She looked up at Manning and he smiled and shrugged. “No, sir. I am free to dance.”
“Fine then, may I have the pleasure?” Samuel held out his arm.
“Thank you.” Elated, she took his arm and beamed up at him. “My, but you are tall!”
Samuel smiled while the others laughed. “I will thank my father for that later.” He nodded to Darcy and seeing Elizabeth’s amusement, led the young lady to the floor.
“Now tell me, Darcy. That had all the earmarks of a calculated move. Whose benefit was it for? Your cousin or …” He noticed Darcy’s gaze had shifted to where Cathy stood beside Lady Matlock, watching them from behind her fan. Darcy looked back to his friend pointedly.
“I thought that you do not meddle.” Elizabeth poked him.
“I am tired of watching them stare at each other. What is the problem?”
Manning sighed and glanced at his mother, “My parents remain undecided about the Matlocks; I am waiting for their decision of whether they wish to engage the family. Mother has heard gossip.”
“Gossip! She relies on gossip to make her judgements!” Elizabeth gasped as her anger flared, “I thought that you had better sense, Mr. Manning. Did you not observe my husband and myself before granting us your sanction? Why do you not give this family the same courtesy? If a person cannot be redeemed by sincere improvement than there is no hope for anyone, no matter their sins!” She sent a scathing glance to Manning’s mother who was watching her daughter, and then back to the man himself. “Gossip. I will tell you my opinion of gossip.”
“So much for impressing my wife with your charm.” Darcy recaptured the startled man’s attention. “I have hardly just engaged my cousin to your sister. One dance does not a marriage make. Not for your sister, not for you, certainly not for Fox with Miss Bingley.” Manning shot a look to Elizabeth and felt the heat of her glare. “As for your parents, I know that your father is engaged in a lively game of Whist in the card room, and I understand that he is being permitted to win more often than not by my cousin the viscount, who you might agree is more than accomplished with the game.” Manning smiled crookedly and laughed softly. “My cousin is waiting for you, she asked us expressly to invite you here, is that not enticing enough?” Giving his friend a shove, he pushed him off in Cathy’s direction. “Be your own man. Get on with it.”
Manning stopped and smiled at Elizabeth. “My mother’s behaviour has been grating on you, I think?”
“I have no idea what you are speaking about, Mr. Manning.” She looked him in the eye. “But I would dearly love to see you dance with my cousin, and even enjoy it.”
“Shall I wait for the supper dance and annoy Mother more?”
“You are permitted two sets, sir. There is no rule that they cannot be one right after another.” Elizabeth smiled as the sparkle returned to her eyes. Manning laughed and turning away, left to greet Cathy and Lady Matlock.
“I lost my temper.” She glanced up at Darcy. “I apologize, Fitzwilliam. We have been combating and avoiding gossip too long.”
“We were fresh from discussing Georgiana and emotions are high.” He saw her nod. “I agree, his mother is a trial and has been since she arrived at Pemberley. I do not remember her being this way before. She feels entitled, I think. After all, her son is the perceived prize for Cathy.”
“No, it is not entitlement, I think that she is intimidated by the company and awed that an earl’s daughter would purposely set out to capture her son. But the near-destruction of Matlock is her chance to feel a little superiority of her own, even if it does annoy and infuriate … everyone.” She closed her eyes and her shoulders drooped. “Or maybe she just hates us. I certainly know from experience that not everyone in the world is kind.”
He looked her over from head to toe and grasped her hand. “Come.”
“Will,” Elizabeth held on tightly while he pulled her out of the ballroom, “Where are we going?”
“You will see.” He strode down the hallway, away from the music, away from the card room, away from the supper rooms teeming with busy servants, away from the people who seemed to fill every inch of their enormous home, and into the private hallways, the less decorative ones, the ones not meant for public view. While they were no longer dodging guests, they seemed to now be dodging a steady stream of servants bearing trays of food. “Excuse us, pardon …” Darcy said continually as they moved against the tide of people. Elizabeth apologized along with him when footmen flattened themselves against walls as their imposing and determined master barrelled forward.
“This way.” He called and at last they popped through a door into a silent hallway, just at the conservatory door. He placed his hand on the knob and grinned.
“How did we arrive here? I was praying that you knew where we were going!” Elizabeth laughed and entered as he opened the door and drank in the blessed peace of their heavenly scented sanctuary.
“Alone at last …” They were no sooner embraced when they both drew away to stare at each other. “What is that?” Elizabeth whispered.
Darcy’s face coloured three shades of red and he spoke tersely, “Come Lizzy, we must go.”
“Go? Go where?”
“Come.”
Darcy again took Elizabeth by the hand and they escaped through an outside door into the cool garden. He said nothing, only marching forward determinedly across the torch-lit paths, once again in the comp
any of milling guests. Exiting from the far end, he single-mindedly headed down the dark slope towards the lake. Elizabeth struggled to keep up; she was practically running in her silk slippers over the grass. She watched him worriedly as they flew along. He was quite serious, his lips were downturned, in fact, he resembled closely the brooding, unhappy man she had met in Meryton almost a year earlier. When that thought struck her, she came to a sudden stop, bringing him back to awareness with a jolt.
“What is it?”
“Please tell me what is wrong. I thought that we might be escaping the party for a few moments of relief, but … Why are we running across the lawn while we have a houseful of guests to entertain? Are you angry with me?”
“Angry?” Dumbfounded, he stared.
“Are you angry with me for losing my temper with Mr. Manning? I am sorry, Fitzwilliam, I should not have chastised him so publicly. It is no excuse, I know, but lately I hardly know my emotions. It has been so difficult with so many people here; and …”
Immediately he stopped her. “No! Lizzy! I … If you had not said something, I assure you that I would, and as for your feeling overwhelmed, dearest, how you have maintained your good humour in the face of all that has been set before you only makes my admiration grow. You know full well that I would most definitely not be so calm without you. This night would not have occurred without you.”
“Oh.” Elizabeth felt exhaustion and emotions welling up and Darcy opened his arms to her. “I am so confused.” Tears pricked her eyes and finding his handkerchief, he pressed it into her hand, “Where are we going?”
Darcy sighed and looked at the lake. “I was of a mind to go swimming.”
“Will!” She gasped.
“I desperately want to be alone with you, Lizzy.” He said helplessly then spoke quietly as he traced her jaw, “And I believe that you were in great need of being alone with me.”
Leaning into his touch, she nodded, “But we were alone in the conservatory, were we not?”
Taking the handkerchief from her hand, he gently touched it to her face. “What did you hear in there?”
