Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple

by Brenda J. Webb

  “Yes. I marvel at his audacity—thinking he will never be found out.”

  “Andrew has never lacked audacity.” Then William added, “What have you learned regarding what occurred at Marsden Park?”

  “I am sad to say that Mr. Harrington expired only days after his daughter.”

  William whirled around. “Expired? No wonder I did not hear from him. How did he die?”

  “A heart ailment, they suspect. I imagine that is the only reason your cousin escaped his wrath, for I was told that he was determined to exact revenge for his daughter’s death.”

  “And Lord Warren? What news of him?”

  “Lord Warren was charged with arranging Mr. Harrington’s funeral and with trying to locate the next of kin who inherited Marsden Park. I understand it is a distant cousin who lives in Wales. At least that is the rumour. I do know that Lord Warren has not been in London since Harrington’s death.”

  “I would hate to be in Andrew’s shoes when Lord Warren finishes his obligations and goes after him.”

  “Yes. I can imagine he will exact revenge on your cousin himself.”

  William took a deep breath of air, puffing up his cheeks and blowing it out noisily. “Well, I refuse to worry about what happens to Andrew because of his dissolute ways. I have enough problems of my own.” Slamming his glass down on the desk, he declared, “Keep after Andrew. I want to know where he is at all times. You may contact me at Pemberley.”

  “I am off to Manchester tomorrow, and I shall report to you when I know more.”

  “Take two days of rest if you wish. I know you have not been slack in your pursuit. The day after tomorrow will be soon enough to head to Manchester.”

  “Thank you, sir. I believe I shall.”

  With that, William headed out the door. After he and Coleridge were again in the hall, William locked the door and walked towards the rear entrance. Coleridge watched him until he left the house and then went in the direction of his room.

  PEMBERLEY

  Elizabeth’s Study

  Mrs. Reynolds watched Olivia Fitzwilliam glide down the hall as quietly as a mouse, her silk damask skirts barely rustling as she walked. She could not wipe the smile from her face, for William’s aunt reminded her of Lady Anne. Having grown to care for her since she came to stay at Pemberley, the housekeeper was delighted that someone of her calibre was around to advise the new mistress.

  Only minutes before, Olivia had stopped to enquire where the new Mrs. Darcy could be found, and she had gladly directed her to the mistress’ study, where Elizabeth was busy making baby clothes for the tenants. Though she had suggested to her mistress that another venue was available as a sewing room, Elizabeth insisted that she had plenty of room for a table in her study, and its presence would remind her of what she needed to finish. Thus, footmen had transported an unused table from the attic to her study, moving a sofa and two chairs closer to her desk to accommodate it. The last time Mrs. Reynolds had looked, the table was covered in bolts of cloth, patterns and a collection of completed baby items. Pleased with how well her new mistress had taken to her role, the long-time servant sighed contentedly and went back to her duties.

  “ELIZABETH!” OLIVIA Fitzwilliam declared as she walked into the study. “What in the world have you started?”

  Elizabeth looked up from her sewing and smiled. “I am making baby clothes. Jane and I sewed all the clothes for the tenants’ children at Longbourn, so I am well versed in making gowns for newborns. I have these patterns that I use to cut out the pieces,” She held several up. “When I get enough cut out, I stitch them together. I find that I can finish them faster in this fashion.”

  Her new aunt held up one tiny gown and winked. “Are you trying to tell us something?”

  Elizabeth’s heart sank at the realisation that she might never have William’s child. Still, she quickly resumed her smile, for she had no wish for his aunt to suspect her heartache.

  “No. They are for Mrs. Becker, a tenant who is due to give birth at any time. She has not been well and has had little time to make baby clothes.”

  Olivia did not seem to notice when the smile left her new niece’s face. “I must say that you sew very well. These stitches are small and perfectly straight.” Then she became sombre. “Elizabeth. I hope you will take this advice in the spirit that it is given, for I do not wish to interfere in your private affairs. But as a newlywed, I wish to tell you what my mother told me.”

  Elizabeth could only nod, her eyes growing wider. Does my aunt suspect what a muddle I have made of my marriage?

  “Do not fret if you do not get pregnant straightaway.” Olivia walked over to pat Elizabeth’s shoulder. “A child will come in its own good time.”

  Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you. I shall remember that.”

  Olivia changed the subject, which suited her niece perfectly. “Do you knit?”

  “I do, but not very skilfully.” She reached into a bag to bring out a small pair of yellow socks. “This is all I have accomplished thus far,” Elizabeth declared with a chuckle. “If you look closely, you will notice that I missed some stitches along the ankle, but at least they will keep the baby’s feet warm.”

  Olivia took the socks and studied them. “You did well, Elizabeth. If you would like some advice, I am sure I can help you do better. I would love to join your cause by knitting some socks, sweaters and blankets for the expected child. I do not mean to brag, but my husband says no one can knit as well or as fast as I.”

  “Oh, I would be so grateful for your instructions and your help. If you could make socks and sweaters, I will make gowns and blankets. We should have a sufficient number ready before the baby is born, and we can always take more later.”

  “Then let us get to work!” William’s aunt exclaimed. “I shall return to my room to fetch my needles. I cannot do well with any others, for I have used the same needles all my life. Besides, I have an abundance of threads in every colour in my luggage.”

  Aunt and niece soon formed a bond as they worked. In addition, it gave Olivia a chance to learn more about Elizabeth—her upbringing in Meryton and her family—though, noticeably, she never mentioned Fitzwilliam. Being a wise woman, Mrs. Fitzwilliam decided to bide her time, praying that as they became closer, Elizabeth might share what lay heavily on her heart.

  LONDON

  Lady Susan’s Townhouse

  The next day

  Though situated in a less exclusive area than the Darcy or the Matlock townhouses, Hanover Square was still a fashionable area of Town, since it was part of Mayfair. And today it was the destination of a carriage carrying Georgiana through the streets of London. The farther she travelled, the more her stomach filled with butterflies, just as it had this morning when she received the message from Lady Susan: Come as soon as possible!

  Unable to imagine what would require her presence right away, she was obliged to fool her aunt and uncle in order to comply. As it was, the earl and countess believed she was on her way to visit Lady Amelia Callaway, whom her aunt thought the perfect friend because she was of the same age and background. Georgiana suspected that her aunt’s disapproval of Lady Susan was the result of her helping the widow lure Fitzwilliam into the garden the night of the ball, for ever since that night, her aunt had done everything in her power to discourage the friendship.

  Sighing heavily, Georgiana complained furiously to herself. Now I shall have to persuade Amelia to lie if my aunt asks about our visit. And what if she decides not to help me? She is so submissive that she probably never lies. What will my aunt and uncle do if they find out? Fitzwilliam is angry with me, and if I make them angry, too, I will have no allies.

  It was truly ironic that just when she vowed to be less involved with her brother’s affairs, Susan insisted that she must have her help.

  I do not appreciate Susan pushing me to take an active part any longer, and I mean to tell her so today. This does not mean I like Elizabeth! It only means I no longer want t
o be instrumental in separating her from Fitzwilliam. After all, a union so unequal is bound to falter on its own. All I need do is wait for the inevitable.

  The carriage had barely pulled to a stop in front of Lady Susan’s townhouse when it began to rain very hard. Thus, when the front door swung open and a footman came hurrying down the steps with an umbrella, Georgiana was grateful. Once inside the house, Lady Susan rushed from the parlour just as the butler was taking her shawl.

  “Georgiana, I am so pleased you managed to come today!” She began to pull Georgiana towards the parlour. “My cousin is here, and I so wanted you to meet him before he has to leave for Liverpool.”

  A man suddenly appeared in the parlour door, and as their eyes met, Georgiana’s heart stopped, for rarely had she seen anyone as handsome. He appeared to be about four and twenty, of average stature, with sandy blond curls and bright green eyes. He looked at her as no man had done before, and it caused her to feel quite giddy. As she and Lady Susan reached him, he quickly stepped back.

  “Cousin, I wish to introduce my best friend, Miss Georgiana Darcy of Derbyshire.”

  “Charmed,” the gentleman declared as he took Georgiana’s hand and placed a chaste kiss on her glove.

  “Georgiana, may I present my cousin, Lord Attaway, of Gracehill Park in Liverpool.”

  “I... I am pleased to meet you,” Georgiana stuttered, blushing profusely.

  “Had I known my cousin’s friend was so lovely, I would never have promised to return to Liverpool so soon,” he said smoothly. “In fact, I think I shall send a letter stating that I plan to delay my trip by another day.”

  This caused a new round of blushes, though Georgiana was too shy to reply to his flirtations. Susan, however, never seemed happier.

  “If you are no longer planning to leave, Matthew, I shall call for a pot of tea, and you two may get better acquainted. I should love for you to become good friends.”

  Once the three of them entered the room, they did not depart until it was time for Georgiana to return to Matlock House, for they found much in common to discuss. Afterward, when they said their farewells and Georgiana descended the steps to her carriage, Lady Susan and Lord Attaway stood on the portico, waving until she was gone.

  “So? Did I play the part of the love-struck fool well enough?” Lord Attaway leaned in to whisper as the carriage rolled out of sight.

  Susan whirled around, entering the house and looking about to see if any servants were listening. “Never discuss such things until we are behind closed doors.”

  Shrugging his shoulders, Matthew followed as she led the way back to the drawing room. When the door was shut soundly, she turned with a triumphant smile. “You were absolutely perfect! I am sure that she is already in love with you.”

  “When do I get the five thousand pounds?”

  “I promised five thousand pounds if you help me for as long as needed to accomplish the deed. That means coming with me to Derbyshire and staying as long as necessary. If I pay you now, I shall not see you again until you are destitute.”

  His hand flew to his heart in mock horror. “You wound me with your sarcasm and distrust, my dear.”

  “I know you too well to trust you again.”

  Lord Attaway quit any pretence of civility. “Fine!” he growled. “Then at least advance me a thousand pounds so I can pay something on my gambling debts. Else you will be looking for another lackey to woo your friend. The man who holds my markers has no patience, and he promised to break both my legs if he is not paid a thousand pounds by tomorrow.”

  “How have you come to this? You received thirty thousand pounds as well as your mother’s jewellery when your father died last year. Besides, Gracehill Park must do well, not to mention that it would bring a fortune on the market!

  “It is not as you think. Father left Gracehill deep in debt. Nevertheless, I could never sell it, for what is a gentleman without an estate? And mother’s jewellery was not as valuable as he led me to believe. Besides, it is not my fault that gambling has always been my weakness. I inherited it from him.”

  “Spare me the pitiful details,” Susan interrupted as she stood and walked to the door. “I shall have the funds for you in the morning. But take this warning to heart: If you disappear this time without carrying out your end of the bargain, I shall never help you again. Even if you are tossed into prison, I shall not pay your debts.”

  “You need not worry. After meeting Miss Darcy, I am half-persuaded to charm her into marriage. I have heard that her dowry is thirty thousand pounds, and that would pay my debts and more. Besides, she is handsome, if naive.”

  “You had best keep in mind that her brother is no fool. He can spot an exploiter instantly. He will investigate your circumstances soundly before he agrees to let his sister marry you.”

  Lord Attaway shrugged. “I am not worried about Fitzwilliam Darcy. After all, he did not spot the woman who compromised him, did he? Moreover, if I charm Georgiana into caring for me, it will be her problem to convince her brother to let her marry.”

  “At any rate, I do not want you offering for Georgiana until I am completely satisfied with my quest. Is that understood?”

  He performed a sloppy salute. “Understood, General Hartley!”

  “You jest, but you had best remember that I am in charge. And keep this in mind. If I get what I want—Fitzwilliam Darcy—then I will help you win Georgiana.”

  “I like how you think,” he replied. “So, shall I just stay here for now?”

  “Yes. In three days, I plan to strike out for Derbyshire. Georgiana talked of accompanying the Matlocks to their country estate next week, so that will give us a few days at Monthaven Manor before she returns to Pemberley. Once we are there, my plans can begin in earnest.”

  “As you wish, Cousin. I look forward to fleecing the Darcys as a team.”

  “You may only desire to swindle Georgiana, but I truly want to rescue Fitzwilliam from the chit he married.”

  Lord Attaway did not respond, for he could not say what he thought. Susan had been selfish all her life, and she saw everything through greedy eyes. Thus, as he nodded and began up the grand staircase to his rooms, he pursed his lips to keep from chuckling.

  But who shall rescue Mr. Darcy from you, my dear?

  Chapter 24

  Pemberley

  Three days later

  It was late afternoon by the time the elegant Darcy coach entered the ornate, wrought-iron gate at the entrance to the mile-long drive leading to Pemberley. This sent a sentry from the guardhouse scurrying via horseback to alert the occupants of the manor of the master’s return. The journey had taken the usual number of days from London, for William had insisted on keeping to his regular schedule, despite his physician’s instructions to add additional time to the trip in order to stop more often and stretch his legs. There was no denying that by refusing this advice William had paid a price, for the swelling that had subsided to manageable levels in Town had returned with a vengeance. So much so, that shortly after William entered the coach that morning, he abandoned the extra-wide boot crafted to accommodate his right foot and rode in only his stocking.

  As a result, when the coach came to a stop in front of Pemberley, William struggled to get the boot back on. In light of his infirmity, Mr. Martin, the valet who normally resided in London, had accompanied him, and it took both of them to accomplish the task. Thus, his exit from the coach took an inordinate amount of time, causing anxiety to rise among those waiting to greet him. When William finally emerged, it was with a forced smile, meant to convey that all was well; however, a noticeable limp sent an entirely different message, and though the servants pretended nothing was amiss, that was not the case with his aunt.

  “Fitzwilliam!” Olivia cried. “Your letter said that you were better, but you can barely walk.”

  “I am better, I assure you. My ankle is merely stiff from sitting in one position for so long.” He stepped forward and placed a kiss on her forehead, reward
ing her with a rarely-seen dimpled smile—a gesture that had never failed to reassure his late mother. “The journey aggravated the injury, but it should heal quickly now that I am home.”

  As he spoke, he glanced to his uncle, eyes pleading.

  “The boy is right, Olivia. All the jostling can only have made things worse. He should heal rapidly now that he is home.” William smiled gratefully as Joseph stepped over to slip an arm around his shoulder, adding quietly, “You and I will discuss this later.”

  Nodding in acknowledgement, William looked to the portico where he expected to find Elizabeth. Realising that she was not there, his forced smile was quickly replaced by a puzzled expression. Noting the change, Olivia hastened to explain.

  “Oh, I was distracted and forgot! I meant to tell you that your lovely wife is waiting for you inside—at my insistence, I might add. Only minutes ago she felt faint, and I was afraid that she might actually tumble down the steps if she stayed out in this unbearable heat. Mrs. Reynolds is with her.”

  William nodded absently, for two factions were warring within him. The first wished to rush inside to make certain she was well, while another cautioned that Elizabeth’s light-headedness was simply the result of having to be in his company again. Distracted, he did not reply.

  Olivia patted his arm sympathetically as they started up the steps. “It is likely just her nerves, for she has been anxiously awaiting your homecoming.”

  A frosty retort flew to William’s mind. I just imagine she has!

  Entering the house, he found Elizabeth sitting in one of the chairs that flanked the ornate table and mirror in the foyer while Mrs. Reynolds diligently fanned her. When she saw him, Elizabeth stood, though she did not move to greet him.

  She was even more beautiful than he had remembered and, for a split second, he mourned what might have been. Even so, as their eyes met, the uncertainty in hers served as a grim reminder of their last conversation, and instantly all thoughts of that nature vanished.