"I have every reason in the world to think ill of you. I saw you kissing Lady Susan in the garden during the ball and any trust I had in you was lost. And no motive could excuse the unjust and ungenerous part you acted in the misery of the poor women and their children at Richmond. You dare not, you cannot deny that you have been the principal reason those poor souls were brought into the world fatherless."
Suddenly it was though a curtain fell between them. William’s entire countenance changed, and his voice sounded dull and lifeless with his answer.
“You have said quite enough, madam. I perfectly comprehend your feelings. Forgive me for taking up so much of your time. I am sure you have more important things to do.”
Elizabeth was stunned that he made no attempt to defend himself. She had planned a rebuttal to every argument he might possibly put forth. Now, it seemed, she would not have the opportunity to use them. When it became clear that he was not going to refute her charges, she rushed from the room, slamming the door behind her.
Insufferable man!
THE NEXT DAY
Elizabeth’s bedroom
Mrs. O’Reilly came into her bedroom while it was still dark, waking Elizabeth from a deep sleep. As she rubbed her eyes, she could not believe that her maid was up so early.
“Wha... What time is it?”
“I am not quite sure. Just before dawn, I should think. You and I are off to Pemberley today.”
“Only the two of us?”
“I heard Mrs. Barnes tell her husband that Colonel Fitzwilliam has to go to York, and he will be escorting our coach.”
“And my husband?”
“Oh, Mr. Darcy cannot travel until his ankle is much improved.”
The realisation that her husband was sending her to Pemberley but was not going himself, made Elizabeth feel peculiar. What would the servants here think, and more importantly, what would those at Pemberley think, since they had never met her? In the end, she knew that there was nothing she could do to change William’s mind, so she climbed out of bed and began getting ready.
Truth be known, if Mr. Darcy wanted to send me to Hades, he could do so without any questions asked. And he may very well wish to after yesterday.
WILLIAM’S BEDROOM
As Richard entered shortly after daylight, Mr. Graham was already in William’s bedroom, attending to his injury. William was very pale, likely due to the physician’s manipulation of his ankle. When the fallen beam landed, it had cut through his boot and burned a large portion of skin before the others could lift it off. The sight of it made Richard’s nose crinkle, for he well remembered the putrid smell associated with these type of injuries during campaigns in His Majesty’s service. Silently, he moved closer.
“I was just about to treat the burns and rewrap it, Colonel,” the physician stated, retrieving a jar from the black bag that was beside him on the bed. “I would have liked to have gotten a look at this ankle before it swelled. As it is, I am not certain if any bones are broken, though I think not. Otherwise, I believe there would be even greater pain. Would you like to examine the wound before I finish up? I know that you have experience with such things, what with your occupation.”
“I have had more than my share.” Richard conceded, leaning in for a better look. “I would never have thought a charred beam could inflict so much damage.”
“If the boot had not split, we would only be dealing with the damage to the ankle. Burns add complications of their own, as you well know.”
“Discounting the swelling, I will say that the burns are not as red today.” What was left unsaid was that Richard had seen many men lose their limbs with less serious damage.
“I agree,” the physician replied, his eyes locking with Richard’s in a silent acknowledgement of the true severity of the injury. “Nonetheless, we must pray that infection does not set in.” Mr. Graham held up the jar. “This may prevent that from happening, though it is not a pleasant remedy to endure.” He met William’s eyes. “It will sting, sir.”
William nodded. Bracing as the man dabbed the potion on his ankle, he closed his eyes and grasped the covers. Afterward, the physician reapplied the bandages. Satisfied, he prepared to leave, putting everything back into his bag.
“I have given Mrs. Barnes a draught you must take three times a day. It is bitter, but it is essential to your recovery.”
Resignedly William nodded.
“I shall come every morning to change the bandages and check your progress. I do not want you on your feet; however, if you have men enough to carry you, you may occupy other rooms to alleviate boredom. Just be sure to keep your foot elevated.”
Richard answered in William’s stead. “Thank you for your service, Mr. Graham. Be assured that my cousin will follow your orders, or his staff will report to me.” He grinned at William. “And he does not want me administering the draughts and supervising his care, I assure you.”
William rolled his eyes while the physician laughed. “On that note, I shall bid you good day then, Mr. Darcy. Colonel.”
Instantly the physician was out the door, leaving Richard and William alone. Richard wasted no time getting directly to the point.
“I got your note this morning. Let me see if I understand. You are sending your wife to Pemberley whilst you recuperate here, and since I must go to York at General Lassiter’s behest, you wish me to escort her. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“I cannot believe this. It goes totally against your character to send your wife on to your home alone. Why not keep her here with you until you are well enough to travel?”
“Elizabeth planned to meet her relations, the Gardiners, in Lambton next week. I see no reason to prevent that just because I am incapacitated.”
“How absurd. She could always see them in Town after they return. Try again, Darcy.”
William groaned. “Must you be so inquisitive?”
“Yes, I must. I enquired of Barnes how Mrs. Darcy was handling the fact that you were injured and was informed that she had showed no concern whatsoever. If you expect me to escort her to Pemberley, I insist on an explanation for her behaviour since the ball; for to be truthful, at present I am not predisposed to like her any better than Lady Susan.”
With no other option, William told Richard all that Elizabeth had said when they argued the evening before. By the time he was finished, Richard was angrily pacing across the floor.
“I cannot believe you did not refute the rubbish she spouted—your illegitimate children indeed! And anyone who knows how you feel about fidelity in marriage would know that you did not instigate the kiss with that viper!”
“I suppose that after the fire and my injury, I was too despondent to bother explaining. I blame myself for those deaths and to hear her blame me... In a way, she is right.”
“Good Lord, Darcy, listen to yourself! You are not to blame for anyone’s death. And, you should tell her everything so that she will see your true character.”
“She has already sketched my character to her satisfaction,” William said woodenly. “Already she believed me capable of imposing myself on innocent women and fathering illegitimate children, so it was not difficult for her to believe that I am a philanderer after she saw Lady Susan kiss me. And though those are her gravest charges, she allows that there is still more to despise about me.”
“More faults. Such as?”
“She hates me because I am selfish and opinionated. In short, even if I were exonerated of Andrew’s transgressions, I am still an overbearing arse.”
On any other day Richard would have teased him about those aspects of his personality, but not today.
“First, you have been a bachelor for a long time; second, you were forced to take charge of Pemberley and raise your sister at a young age. Blast it all! If you are domineering, you acquired it honestly. Besides, any good woman could tease a decent man out of those trifling habits. I would be glad to apprise her of your integrity.”
“I wan
ted to win her love, not have her care because someone convinced her of my honour.” William was silent for a long moment. “You were right. I should not have forced her to marry me. In her mind, I will always be the one to blame for Andrew’s actions because I left him impoverished. It follows that he could not marry any of the women he ruined because of me.”
“That blackguard took advantage of those women, never intending to marry them. And he left his children for you to raise simply because he is a degenerate!”
“God help me, I do not care what Elizabeth believes at this point. I need you to escort her and her maid to Pemberley. You are the only one I trust to see to their safety.”
“Are you sure this will not make matters worse between the two of you?”
“Can they be any worse?” Richard shrugged in acknowledgment.
“Please help me, Cousin,” William pleaded with no pretence of cheeriness. “I need time alone to prepare for the kind of a marriage I never wished to suffer.” He forced a smile, though his eyes did not share in it. “Whilst my ankle recovers, hopefully I will recoup my common sense and return to my former outlook regarding the great institution of marriage. Then I shall be able to go on with my life. I imagine that my wife will welcome a reprieve from me, as well.”
“If that is your wish,” Richard agreed, sounding as despondent as his cousin. “Thaggart is travelling with me, and we shall ride alongside the coach. Knowing Mrs. Darcy’s mindset, I dare not ride inside, for if she utters any more of that rubbish, I cannot promise to keep silent.”
“However you wish to ride is up to you. Since her lady’s maid is accompanying her, there will be no problem if you decide to share the coach.”
“Thank you, but no. By the way, I told the general that if you were worse, I would stay in London, and he was very understanding. He even offered me time away, if need be. So you have only to send for me if I am needed. I can take a few months’ leave, if necessary.”
“I appreciate your concern.”
“So, I suppose I am ready to leave then; however, I do require something from you in return.” William looked puzzled. “I expect you to follow Mr. Graham’s instructions whilst I am gone. I do not wish to return and find that you are no better or, God forbid, worse.”
“You have my word.”
“Excellent.” Richard leaned over to shake his cousin’s hand. “If only your wife knew the man that I know.”
William smiled wanly. “She would think him daft for presuming she could ever have loved him.”
Richard just shook his head before hurriedly exiting the room.
I fear you are right, Cousin .
Chapter 18
Darcy House
Later that Morning
Within an hour of rising, Elizabeth had broken her fast and was dressed and ready to leave. The large trunks that had been piled in the foyer, due to the number of new clothes Mrs. Bouvier had completed, were now missing, and she presumed they were aboard the coach. The only thing left was for her and Mrs. O’Reilly to board. Fully expecting William to send for her before they departed, she was stunned when Colonel Fitzwilliam came down the grand staircase and made an announcement.
“Time to leave!” he declared, stopping in front of Mrs. Barnes. “You will keep me informed about Mr. Darcy’s progress. Rest assured that I shall return at the slightest sign of a problem, so an express would be appreciated in that event.”
“You can rely on me, Colonel,” the housekeeper answered. Then she cut her eyes towards Elizabeth. “We all think so very highly of Mr. Darcy. We will be on tenterhooks until he shows true signs of recovery.”
“As will I,” he said worriedly. He looked at Elizabeth, who appeared to be paying no attention to their discussion. “Mrs. Darcy?” When she glanced at him, he motioned to the front door. “It is four days to Pemberley and we have no time to lose, so let us take our leave. It will likely rain again this afternoon, and the roads are already impassable in some places. I fear that any more bad weather will impede our progress markedly.”
Elizabeth glanced warily to the top of the grand staircase. “Does my husband not wish to speak to me before we leave?”
“I just left him, and he did not mention it,” Richard said brusquely. “Would you like me to ask?”
Her face crimsoned. “No... no, I just thought... ”
Ignoring her, Richard said loudly, “Mr. Barnes, I believe we are ready to board. Where did Thaggart go?”
“He was having a sweet roll in the kitchen when last I saw him,” the butler offered, noting the tension between the master’s cousin and wife. “I shall fetch him for you.”
Richard made no attempt to escort Elizabeth; instead, he strode to the front door and stood observing the scene on the street below. If Elizabeth thought anything of his slight, she did not show it as she walked past the colonel, out the door and down the steps, followed by her maid. At the bottom, a footman held the door open as they entered the imposing Darcy coach.
Summarily, Thaggart was located, and he and Richard came down the front steps, each mounting an imposing stallion being held by a groomsman. As the coach got underway, they took a place on either side of the vehicle.
ON THE ROAD TO PEMBERLEY
Stag and Boar Inn
The first two days on the road were spent in the same manner—the ladies rode in the coach, the men alongside. Even in the afternoons when showers came from out of nowhere, the colonel and his batman stoically rode in the rain, despite attempts by Elizabeth to get them to ride inside. Upon reaching the post inns where they changed horses, William’s cousin stayed with the coach, while Thaggart escorted Elizabeth and Mrs. O’Reilly inside the building. There they would occupy a table and enjoy a cup of tea and often a biscuit until the coach was ready to resume. At that point, Thaggart would come back inside to fetch them. Everything was accomplished with as little conversation between the Colonel and Elizabeth as possible, something not lost on her. She assumed that her husband had told his cousin of their argument and accepted that it had resulted in being shown the cold shoulder.
Just as during the day, when they reached their destination in the evening, they spoke very little. Since a servant had been sent ahead to arrange rooms and horses, all Richard had to do was sign the register. Then he would retire to his room, not to be seen until the next day, while Thaggart supervised the luggage and the horses. Mr. Darcy was well known along the route from Pemberley to London, so each proprietor wished to please the new Mrs. Darcy and, by extension, her husband; thus, they offered every courtesy to their party, including hot water for baths and meals in their rooms. This aspect of being married to a man as powerful as Fitzwilliam was something that Elizabeth had never anticipated, and the luxury of invoking his name to obtain good service brought feelings of guilt and shame. After all, why should she benefit from his name when it suited, and spurn the connection otherwise?
As a result of the tension, Elizabeth had reached her breaking point by the third day of travel. Dawn broke with an enormous thunderstorm and, tired of pretending that she was not wounded that Richard treated her as the culpable party, her frustration gave rise to righteous anger. When the chance to confront him materialized, she decided to act, knowing that it would also prove that she was the better person.
How dare he act as though I am the one at fault? Indeed, he is almost as wicked as Mr. Darcy, for he helped keep the children a secret. A sensible man would at least admit that my husband is no saint and not be like my Aunt Gardiner—blind to his every defect because of his rank in society. Today, I shall brook no opposition. Colonel Fitzwilliam and the sergeant shall ride inside the coach, whether they speak to me or not. My concern for his wellbeing will at least prove that I am not without concern for the welfare of others, as is the wont of some.
As she marched out of her room, Elizabeth met a maid coming towards her with a pail of water.
“I need to speak with Colonel Fitzwilliam, who is a member of my party. Could you tell me which r
oom he was assigned?”
The young girl stopped, dropped a curtsey and replied, “Yes, ma’am, he is in number seven, at the end of the hall, but I believe I saw him downstairs already.”
Elizabeth thanked the girl and, giving a quick glance in the direction of his room, decided to trust the maid’s recollection. In a few seconds, she was standing in the common area, dotted with small tables already packed with customers. In this room, anyone with the means could purchase food and drink, and a good many waiting out the rain had done so. She noted that Thaggart was at a corner table, playing cards with three men. Immediately upon seeing Elizabeth, he rose and made his way to her.
“Sergeant, could you tell me where I might find Colonel Fitzwilliam?”
“The colonel went outside several minutes ago, ma’am. I assume he was going to the stables to talk with the liveryman. He told me earlier that he was not sure if the roads would be passable due to all the rain.” As though a testament to the truth of that statement, a huge clap of thunder rattled the windows at that very moment. “He said that I was not to worry about anything until further notice.”
“I see,” Elizabeth replied, looking anxiously at the storm raging outside the structure. The wind was as fierce as she had ever seen, whipping the rain sideways, whilst bending small trees almost to the ground.
“I shall be glad to locate him for you.”
“That will not be necessary, Sergeant. You may return to your table.” Thaggart nodded and hurried to rejoin the card game.
Pushing the door open against the force of the wind, Elizabeth held fast to her bonnet as she walked onto the narrow porch. Though covered by a slanted roof, the structure was not well protected from the elements and she realised immediately that she should have worn a cloak, for her dress was quickly soaked. Deciding she had no choice but to go back inside, a movement caught her eye as she turned. Richard was standing on the opposite end of the porch, barely visible in the billowing mist. Wearing his cocked hat and his greatcoat with its collar turned up against the rain, he looked in the direction of the stables, oblivious to her presence, so she called his name.
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 29
