If you ask me, young Miss Darcy could use a good scolding for turning her back on her brother in allegiance to that rogue, Andrew. I suspect that no one more unworthy of the Darcy name will ever appear in the annals of the British Empire!
Suddenly William appeared in the doorframe, rubbing his eyes, and Mr. Martin came to attention. “Good morning, sir,” he said crisply.
William’s response was so muffled that Martin could not make it out, and the odour of brandy became even stronger as William approached the bowl where he always washed his face. It took all of the valet’s strength not to reach out to steady him as he passed; however, he was keenly aware that Mr. Darcy did not like to appear helpless.
After splashing his face and drying it with a towel that Martin produced, William stood and stretched, groaning a bit as he reached towards the ceiling. “I did not realise it was so late. Do you know if Mrs. Darcy has gone downstairs to break her fast?”
“I have not so much as heard, sir. However, I have been up for about an hour and have heard no voices or footsteps in the hall to indicate that Mrs. Darcy is awake.”
Just at that moment there was a knock at the door and William and the valet exchanged curious glances. It was not customary for anyone to bother Mr. Darcy in the mornings before he got dressed.
“Come,” he called.
The door opened, revealing that it was Mr. Barnes who had knocked. Strangely, after entering the room the butler stood stock still and silent, his eyes focused on the floor. The best evidence that something was amiss, however, lay in the fact that he kept wringing his hands. In his entire life, William had never known Barnes to act in such a manner and he was especially concerned when he would not look him directly in the eye. Thus, his imagination began to run wild.
Something has happened to Elizabeth!
“Good Lord, Barnes! Out with it, man, what has happened?”
GRACECHURCH STREET
The Gardiner’s residence
“Lizzy!” Madeline Gardiner exclaimed, looking past her niece to the imposing Darcy carriage parked on the street below. She glanced down the pavement in either direction. “What in the world are you doing here at this hour? Has something happened?”
“It has,” was all that Elizabeth managed to say before falling into her aunt’s arms.
Mrs. Gardiner held her until she composed herself and drew back, wiping her eyes with the backs of her hands. Then she pulled Elizabeth into the house, closing the door and instructing her housekeeper, “Please bring some tea and scones to Mr. Gardiner’s study.”
Once inside her husband’s study, Madeline shut the door soundly. Then she led Elizabeth to a small sofa in front of the hearth, where they sat down beside one another.
“Edward has already left, so, other than the children, we are alone in the house. You may talk freely.”
“I am so sorry to be a nuisance so soon after my wedding, but I simply could not leave for Derbyshire until I had your advice.”
“You could never be a nuisance. Besides, it was my intent to be available to you should you need me. What is troubling you?”
“It is a conversation that I overheard last night.”
Madeline Gardiner’s brow rose in surprise. “Your wedding night?”
Elizabeth shrugged. “It might as well have been any other night, as we spent it apart.”
Her aunt’s countenance fell further. “You slept in separate rooms?”
Elizabeth nodded. “And before you chastise me, it was Mr. Darcy’s idea. Since I was so set against marrying him, he thought it best if... ” She hesitated then hurriedly finished. “He is letting me decide when I am ready to... to come to him.”
“I am surprised that any man would be so generous.”
“And he said that until I do, we should keep separate bedrooms. I find that thoroughly confusing, for Mama said all married couples have separate bedrooms. She and Papa do.”
“Again, your mother is wrong. Edward and I have never maintained separate bedrooms. In any event, I must say your husband’s offer proves he has a kind heart.”
“He is thoughtful in some ways, but not in others. For instance, he treats me as though I am either a child or invisible much of the time. He talks about me as though I am not in the room and makes decisions concerning me without bothering to ask what I want.”
“And this is your entire complaint? For you and I have already spoken of how you must give him time to—”
Elizabeth broke in, growing flustered. “I am fully aware that I agreed to be patient with his officiousness, but I did not know the extent of his controlling character until after we married. Nonetheless, that is not the reason I am here at this hour. I overheard a conversation between him and Colonel Fitzwilliam that has pierced my heart.”
Mrs. Gardiner cupped her face sympathetically. “Oh, my dear girl. What could be so painful to hear?”
“My... my husband has... ” Elizabeth sniffled. “He has fathered more than one illegitimate child. Apparently, he purchased an estate in Richmond to house them, along with their mothers. His only concern seems to be that he is obligated to support them.”
“Oh, Lizzy, I am not sure that I believe—”
“It is true!” Elizabeth interjected fervently. “They even spoke of keeping it a secret from me.”
“Repeat exactly what you heard.”
Elizabeth did so, growing more emotional with the telling than she ever imagined she would. She was crying by the time she finished, and her aunt pulled her into another embrace, patting her on the back.
“Oh, my dear. I can understand why you are upset, but if you think about it, your husband did not say that they were his children. And from what I know about the Darcys—”
Elizabeth jerked away. “They are saints! I should have known that is what you would say, as you champion them at every opportunity.” Suddenly ashamed, she sank back into her aunt’s arms, cradling her head in her hands. “Forgive me. That was disrespectful. You have always been my anchor, and I know that you have my best interests at heart at all times. But I am so afraid that, though you may have known his parents, you do not know the true Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
“And you do?”
“No. I realise I do not know him at all.” She stood then and moved to sombrely gaze out the window. “I fear it will destroy my marriage if this secret proves true. For it will crush any regard I may have begun to have for him. Love grows from respect and if I cannot respect—”
“Listen to yourself, Lizzy! You are leaping to conclusions and that will destroy your marriage. Of that I am certain. You must speak to Mr. Darcy about what you heard.”
“You are right. I must confront him, if only for my own peace of mind.”
“Confront is such a harsh word, Lizzy. Talk with your husband, calmly and without making accusations. I think you will find that there is more to what you overhead than you can even imagine.”
“I pray you are right. Though I am not in love with him, I committed my heart and soul to making my marriage work because I believed Fitzwilliam Darcy an honourable man.”
“Let me hear from you after you speak to him of this matter, for I will worry until you do.”
“I shall.” Elizabeth pasted on a wan smile. “I must return now, as he has arranged activities for the entire day.”
In no more than a few minutes, Elizabeth was in the carriage on the way back to Darcy House, planning what she would do.
I shall wait until after the ball to speak to him. For if what I heard proves true, I shall never be able to feign any degree of cheerfulness at the ball.
THE LIBRARY
An hour later
It was nearing nine o’clock when Mr. Barnes peeked inside the library to find his employer still pacing the floor, hands clasped firmly behind his back. Except for not bearing a weapon, Mr. Darcy put him in mind of the guards at St. James' palace, so steady was his stride. The master had been livid since realising that Mrs. Darcy had left at dawn for the Gardiners�
� house, and he had not been notified until after awakening. Never mind that the new mistress had expressly forbidden Barnes from waking Mr. Darcy to tell him. He would not be placated.
Barnes understood, truly he did, for he had tried to dissuade his mistress from going, but to no avail. Moreover, her husband had reason to be concerned for her safety, for accompanied only by a driver and two postillions, she had gone to an area of London usually shunned by those who lived in the finer districts. Cheapside—even the name conjured up seamy images.
At least, he thought, I sent an extra man to see to her safety; if only Mr. Darcy had allowed me to explain. For now, the only thing the elderly butler had to be thankful for was that Mrs. Barnes had not been a party to the debacle—for she was still asleep when Mrs. Darcy left.
Barnes sighed. It seems that pleasing the new mistress AND the master is not going to be an easy task. He shook his head despondently and returned to his duties, praying as he had all morning that the mistress had known what she was about. After all, she assured me that her aunt and uncle lived in Cheapside and that she had visited them every summer, without incident, since she was a child.
INSIDE THE LIBRARY, the sounds of a carriage rumbling down the street penetrated the trancelike state that had swept over William, and he rushed to the tall windows facing Hyde Park. From there, he had an excellent view of the street and his front steps. This particular vehicle was not his, so he went back to pacing. Each time the scenario was repeated, he resumed his exercise with renewed vigour. Truth be known, it took all his strength not to rush to Gracechurch Street and escort his wife safely home; thus, wearing the carpet down to bare threads was his way of coping.
The sound of another carriage brought him back to the window, and the Darcy crest on the door made him go fairly limp with relief. As Elizabeth stepped from the carriage, for a moment, he feared that he might burst into tears. Since that would never do, he crossed the room to one of the large mirrors on the wall to see if his appearance might betray him. Other than bloodshot eyes and his hair being chaotic from constantly running his hands thought it, he felt that he looked presentable. Using his fingers, he managed to smooth it somewhat and, satisfied, he straightened his cravat and waistcoat, buttoned his coat and assumed his normal mask as he hurried to meet Elizabeth. As he gained the foyer, he noted that she was handing Mr. Barnes a plain, muslin pelisse that looked like it had seen better days.
“Mrs. Darcy, will you join me in the library, please?”
Elizabeth stopped and slowly turned to face him, though she did not reply. Her refusal to greet Mr. Darcy caused Barnes to freeze in mid-step.
Elizabeth hesitated for only a moment before a simultaneous tilt of her head and lift of her shoulders demonstrated that she felt she had no choice. As she passed her husband, however, she would not look at him. Glancing past her, William locked eyes with Mr. Barnes, who instantly lowered his head and hurried in another direction. William then followed his wife.
Once inside the library, he closed the door soundly. Elizabeth was already at the windows, standing in the exact spot he had stood only moments before. Instead of joining her, he took a calming breath. Then he walked over to prop his elbow on the huge mantle that spanned the hearth—one expensive boot coming to rest on a bronze box that held strips of wood for starting fires.
“Sit down, please.”
Elizabeth did as he asked, her manner submissive. She looked so very young and vulnerable at that moment that any anger William might have felt quickly dissipated. Her demeanour brought to mind the many times he had had to correct Georgiana in this very room, and he did not wish to deal with his wife as he had his sister. Yes, he had been angry that she had left without a word, and he was frantic with worry for her safety, but he was not angry that she had visited her relations. He needed her to understand that.
“Elizabeth.”
Her name hung in the air for a moment before she looked up at him through her long lashes. Her expression was indecipherable, and it pained him that he knew so little of her thoughts by observation.
“Why did you go to the Gardiners’ home at such an ungodly hour? And, more importantly, why did you wish to go without telling me?”
Her chest rose and fell heavily before she answered. “I... I missed my aunt terribly and... and I felt that I simply must see her before we left London.”
“I would never forbid you from seeing the Gardiners. Surely, you know that. And I would gladly have accompanied you... had you asked.”
“You had made so many plans for today that I felt sure you would tell me to put off visiting, perhaps even until tomorrow or... or later.”
“And it was crucial that you go today.” With those words Elizabeth squirmed under his gaze but did not reply. “Regardless of your reasons, I am certain that you will agree that there are parts of Cheapside where a woman should not go unescorted.” He waited but she did not reply. “Mr. Barnes also explained that you had expressly forbidden him from waking me to let me know.”
Suddenly, she took a good look at William. In contrast to his normal appearance, his eyes were red-rimmed, his hair dishevelled and his clothes needed a good pressing. Clearly, he had not slept well last night, if at all.
“I apologise if I worried you. I am very impulsive at times, and I felt a sudden urge to see my aunt; that is all. In fact, my uncle had already left for his warehouse, as he does each morning, so he does not even know that I was there.” He waited as though expecting more. She sighed heavily. “In truth, I did not desire your escort. I wished to go alone.”
“Evidently,” William said solemnly. Then he crossed to the windows and stared into the distance, clasping his hands behind his back in his usual manner. “Still, all actions have consequences. Mr. Barnes has been reprimanded and the under-coachman, Mr. Saulder, will be shortly.”
“Oh, no! It is entirely my fault! You should not—”
A raised hand halted her plea. “Your safety is my responsibility, Elizabeth. It does not fall to Mr. Barnes or Mr. Saulder.” He looked in her direction, though he did not move. “Wealth can be a curse as well as a blessing. As my wife, you are a valuable commodity to any blackguard who might seize you. Just last year, Lady Carrollton was kidnapped and savagely ...” William dropped his head, unable to continue.
“I did not think—”
“I would never forgive myself if you were subjected to what that poor woman endured,” William broke in.
“But Mr. Barnes instructed Mr. Saulder to send another postillion.”
“While I am grateful for his diligence, that is immaterial to this discussion. I decide how best to protect my wife, not my servants. It is my duty to know where you are at all times, not theirs.” He softened his voice and expression. “Can you understand why I am upset?”
“I... I can. And I apologise for creating problems for your servants, as well as for upsetting you.” She lifted her chin decisively. “It will never happen again. You have my word.”
Before William could answer, there was a knock on the door. With fatigue evident in his voice, he responded, “Come.”
Mrs. Barnes opened the door and stepped inside. Noting the friction in the air, she did not attempt to be cheerful. “Begging your pardon, sir. Madam Bouvier has arrived.”
“Show her to Mrs. Darcy’s sitting room and explain that we are running a bit late. Have Cook send up a tray of tea and sweet rolls. Perhaps that will entertain her until my wife and I are prepared to join her.”
“Certainly.”
The housekeeper left and he addressed Elizabeth again. “Have you eaten? If not, the fittings can wait until you have had an opportunity to do so.”
“No. I was offered food at my aunt’s home, but I was not the least bit hungry. I still am not.”
He considered her for a long moment. “Very well. Then you are ready to begin?”
As ready as I shall ever be! Elizabeth thought, but said aloud, “I am.”
LATER
Elizabeth’s
sitting room
It was nearing eleven o’clock when Elizabeth swooned, falling from the stool on which she had stood for the last few hours as different materials had been wrapped, draped, or, on occasion, pinned about her while her husband and Madam Bouvier argued the merits of each design and fabric as though she were not there. Despite being surrounded by the modiste, three associates and Mr. Darcy, not a one of them had realised that she was literally on her last legs until she collapsed.
Fortuitously, William had seen her begin to fall and had swooped in, took her in his arms and carried her into the bedroom, laying her on the bed. At the same time, he shouted for one of the seamstresses to fetch Mrs. Barnes. He was busily massaging Elizabeth’s arms and entreating her to wake when the housekeeper rushed in.
“Have you sent for the physician?” he asked anxiously.
“No. I have not had time. I was in a nearby guest room when I was summoned, and I sent a maid after my bag of medicine. I suspect that Mrs. Darcy could just be weak from not having eaten. After all, not a one of you finished dinner after the visitors arrived last night, and Mrs. Darcy did not break her fast this morning, to my knowledge. And being that yesterday was her wedding day, I venture to say that she might not have eaten much before or after the ceremony.”
William was nodding his agreement. “Her mother mentioned that she had not eaten. How could I have been so imperceptive? I should have insisted that she eat this morning.”
“You are not used to having a wife, Mr. Darcy. You will learn in time.”
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 23
