Taking a deep breath, he smiled as he walked towards her. Those in attendance were expecting to witness the reunion of a happily-married couple, and William meant to oblige. Her eyes were firmly fixed on her shoes by the time he took her clasped hands, which he was surprised to find were trembling. Wishing the public display to be over as quickly as possible, he leaned in to place a chaste kiss on her forehead.
His voice was composed as he said, “Mrs. Darcy, you look well.” Then his brow furrowed in suitable concern. “However, my aunt shared that you were faint only minutes ago.”
“It... it was only the heat,” Elizabeth managed to say without actually meeting his gaze. “I am well.”
It was as though all present heaved a collective sigh of relief, for the silence in the foyer was soon replaced with the sounds of maids scurrying about, footmen bringing the luggage inside and his aunt and uncle conversing with the butler and housekeeper, respectively.
Suddenly, Elizabeth whispered so that only he could hear, “I... I am sorry for your injury... that it has not healed.”
Her confession caused William to regard her warily before he answered, “I thank you for your concern.” Then immediately, he addressed his aunt. “I wish to wash off the dust of the road and elevate my foot for a bit. And I am sure that Mrs. Darcy has much to share. So if you will excuse us, we shall join you again at dinner.”
“Of course, dear, go and rest,” his aunt said warmly.
William turned and held out his arm. Tentatively, Elizabeth placed hers atop it, and they began to make their way up the grand staircase. It quickly became obvious that William was struggling not to grimace with each step, and by the time they entered the sitting room connecting his bedroom suite with hers, his false smile disappeared completely. Wordlessly, he removed her arm and hobbled in the direction of his bedroom door. He turned the knob before halting and looking over his shoulder.
“It is best if everyone assumes we are happily married. That is why I suggested that you join me; however, you are free to do as you wish. Although, if you feel you must return downstairs, you might wait at least an hour in order to give the impression that we actually had a conversation.” He paused. “As for me, I intend to soak my ankle and rest before dinner. Good day, Mrs. Darcy.” With that, William disappeared into the room, closing the door softly.
Elizabeth’s heart sank. Since learning that she was mistaken regarding his character, she had prayed continually that God would prompt William to forgive her, but obviously her prayers had had no effect. Knowing that her distrust had singlehandedly built the wall that was between them, she was unable to hold back the tears that had threatened since she first saw him. Thus, hurrying into her bedroom, she locked the door and fell on the bed, sobbing until there were no tears left.
AT DINNER
Had there been guests for dinner, they might never have noticed the detached manner between William and Elizabeth, for outwardly everything seemed normal as the newlyweds entered the dining room sporting smiles and conversing with practiced politeness. Nevertheless, due to the odd beginning of the Darcys’ marriage, the Fitzwilliams were conscious of even the smallest of aberrations. And since they were on a mission to quell all their doubts, throughout dinner they asked many questions.
“We have never heard how the two of you met, Fitzwilliam,” Aunt Olivia stated after the entree was served. “Do share the story with us.”
William appeared more reticent than usual, blotting his mouth slowly before answering in a cautious manner. “It was in Meryton. I was staying at Netherfield Hall as a guest of Charles Bingley. I am certain I have mentioned him to you before.” His aunt nodded. “Elizabeth was also a guest at Netherfield during that time. That is how we met.”
Olivia waited, but when he said no more, her eyes flicked from her nephew to Elizabeth. One might expect a newly-married couple to, at the least, exchange shy smiles in recollection of their first meeting, but such was not the case. Olivia found that very strange.
“And did you fall in love with Elizabeth at first sight?”
When he did not immediately answer, she looked to Elizabeth, as if posing the question to her instead. However, instead of answering, her niece’s eyes fell to her plate, while William replied woodenly, “No. It was not like that.”
The brevity of his reply made it clear that he was not enjoying her enquiries so she became silent. Joseph, however, stepped in to fill the void.
“So tell me, Fitzwilliam, what did Mr. Graham recommend to get your ankle back in shape?”
“I have a list of exercises—manipulations, if you will—that are supposed to strengthen the muscles,” William said straightaway, apparently eager to change subjects. “They involve flexing the foot in various positions.” He smiled wanly. “I tried to do them on the trip here, and they proved quite painful; however, there is nothing I can do about that. In addition, he insists I walk every day as far as possible, stopping to rest if the pain becomes unbearable.”
“How long does he think it will take until you are fit again?”
“He is unsure, but estimates that I will be much better in two weeks if I exercise faithfully.”
“I am sure that Elizabeth will be a great asset to you then, since she is so fond of walking. No doubt we shall now see the two of you walking around the lake very soon.”
William glanced to his wife, who quickly busied herself by pushing food about her plate. “Unfortunately, Elizabeth prefers to walk at dawn, while I prefer late in the evening,” he said charily. A confused expression crossed Elizabeth’s face, though she said nothing. “Besides, I would only hinder her exercise, as I have to walk at a snail's pace.”
Olivia raised another issue. “Tell me about the burns you suffered. Have they healed? Elizabeth was unable to allay our fears regarding their severity because she had not seen them.”
Perturbed at the reminder of his wife’s indifference, William answered matter-of-factly, “Thanks to Mrs. Barnes, all but the largest two have completely healed. In fact, Mr. Graham claims that her salve is far superior to any he has seen, and he offered to pay her for the formula.”
“I imagine that Mrs. Barnes was more concerned with helping you than making a profit,” Joseph interjected. “She and her husband have been devoted servants of the Darcys as long as I can remember.”
“Yes, they are most devoted,” William repeated. “And Mrs. Barnes offered the formula for free, saying she was glad to provide relief to any who may suffer.”
Olivia addressed Elizabeth. “I can only imagine how pleased you will be when Fitzwilliam has completely regained his health. Had this happened to Joseph on our honeymoon, I would have been beside myself with worry.”
If possible, Elizabeth looked even more ill at ease. “Of course,” she said, but not before stealing a furtive glance at her husband. “What wife would not wish for her husband to be well?” At her assertion, it was William’s turn to stare awkwardly at his plate.
Now thoroughly convinced that their marriage was in trouble, and upset that her worries had proven true, Olivia sought her husband’s reassurance. But just at that moment, William announced that he was tired from his journey and was retiring for the night. Elizabeth stood up immediately, saying she was retiring early, too. Consequently, after the young couple exited the dining room, Joseph walked over to shut the door behind them.
“Well, my dear, I have to admit that your suspicions were well-founded. It seems that something is definitely wrong in paradise.”
“Paradise is not a word I would use to describe their marriage,” she said sadly. “After the aloofness and formality I witnessed tonight, I would not be surprised if ere long they were complete strangers passing in the halls.”
Joseph walked over to help his wife from her chair. “Perhaps we are being too cynical. After all, Fitzwilliam is not well. Perchance once he is rested and his ankle heals, their relationship will improve. After all, I imagine that they have not shared a bed since he was injured. That alon
e would be frustrating for a newly married couple.”
“Let us hope that is the case.” She grasped his hand. “For if not, I do not foresee any felicity in their union, and I did so want Fitzwilliam to find someone who would love him as he deserves.” Standing, she added, “We might as well retire as well. I promised to visit a tenant with Elizabeth in the morning.”
“You did not mention that earlier.”
“I completely forgot.”
“As long as you do not wear yourself out, I have no objection to your going.” They got as far as the door of the dining room when he stopped and faced her. “We are blessed that nothing serious ever came between us.”
“We were blessed to fall in love. When a couple does not have that kind of love in the beginning, there is so much room for misunderstanding.”
“So you believe their marriage was not a love match?”
“I have not witnessed any true affection, and my heart aches to see how uncomfortable they are in each other’s company. So I would say no.”
He tilted his head, offering a slight smile. “And, naturally, you feel obligated to put right all that is wrong.”
“Do not tease me, Joseph. You know that I cannot just sit by and watch these young people destroy their lives. I must try to help.”
“I know, Livy. Please, just remember that Fitzwilliam is eight and twenty. He is not a child that we can lecture and expect to mind. And, while Elizabeth is young, she, too, is an adult. As much as is possible, we must let them sort out their marriage without interference. You do remember how we hated my family’s meddling.”
“And I will remind you that we are trying to unite them, not separate them, which was the goal of your family.”
“You are quite right, my dear.”
“I shall simply let Elizabeth know that I am willing to listen if she wishes to talk. Hopefully, by doing that, she will realise that their struggle has been noticed.”
“Well, you cannot save the world tonight, sweetheart, so let us be off to bed.”
Olivia laughed. “I suppose I shall have to begin tomorrow then!”
Slowly, they made their way back to their bedroom, holding hands. And, as with every night since their marriage, they forgot the cares of the world by falling asleep in each other’s arms.
SHEFFIELD
A pub
After several days of searching for Wickham, Andrew Darcy was greatly relieved when his friend walked into the pub he was occupying in Sheffield. The farther north he had gone, the more Andrew had begun to doubt the rumours that George had travelled north from Lambton, but there he was, as plain as day and looking every inch the gentleman. Walking in the direction of where George now sat at a corner table, he hesitated when he noticed that he was seated beside another man; however, his cohort spied him across the room and waved him over, and the decision was taken from his hands.
“Andrew! Sit down. It is good to see you, my friend.”
“And you, Wickham,” Andrew said, shaking his hand and taking a seat.
“Let me introduce to you another friend of mine, Robert Denny,” Wickham exclaimed, sweeping his arm towards his companion. “Denny, this is the man you have heard me speak so often about—Darcy’s cousin, Andrew Darcy.”
Both men nodded in acknowledgement of the other, but before either could speak, Wickham hurried on, “What on earth brings you to Sheffield? Last I heard, you were still in London.”
Andrew looked about and lowered his voice. “It got a little uncomfortable in Town.”
“Oh?” Wickham said, lowering his voice proportionately. “Were you forced to leave?”
Andrew did not answer. Instead, he glanced at Denny.
“You can trust him,” Wickham said bluntly.
After studying Denny for a long moment, Andrew continued. “Yes. I heard from a friend that my fool cousin had men on my trail, not to mention that it was rumoured that Lord Warren was returning to Town.”
“Does all of this pertain to the woman who drowned herself?”
“It is not known if she drowned herself or it was an accident. In any case, Lord Warren blames me for her death. I am certain that he has men searching for me, even as we speak.”
“I would never have guessed you to be afraid of Lord Warren. After all, he is old enough to be your grandfather,” Wickham teased, causing Denny to chuckle. This raised Andrew’s ire.
“I am glad that you find it funny, for I do not. Warren may be old, but he has never lost a duel, and the last one was only six months ago.”
“Calm yourself. I was only teasing. So how was it that you came here?”
“I was looking for you. I cannot return to Winfield Hall, for Warren’s men are in Manchester, and Fitz will never again let me stay at Pemberley. I learned that you had left the militia and returned to Lambton. In Lambton, it was rumoured that you headed north. I hoped that we might be able to do some business together. You have always had good ideas, Wickham.”
“What about your allowance?”
“Fitz has cut off my allowance entirely until I agree to meet with him. I am almost destitute.”
Wickham jerked his head towards the stairs that led to the rooms for rent. “Let us go to my room. We can talk privately there.”
Once they were situated around the small table in the room, Wickham began to explain. “Denny and I, plus two others, have found a way of acquiring funds. I had already thought of you as a possible fifth member of our group. However, you must swear to keep your mouth shut about what you hear, or face certain death. If you join us or decide not to, none of us would hesitate to do away with a snitch.”
“You can trust me.”
George began to explain how he, Denny, Pate and Buck made a living robbing coaches. When he was finished, he was a bit annoyed to find Andrew regarding him with scepticism. “You look as though you do not believe me.”
“I admit that I find it hard to believe that so many servants would actually betray their employers.”
“We have found it to be so. Apparently almost every estate has one disgruntled servant who feels they have been mistreated, abused or paid far too little.”
“Do they not realise they will hang if they are caught?”
“I suppose the draw of getting revenge and possibly making a few pounds outweigh the risks.”
“Why let me in on something that is obviously working well?”
Denny replied, “During the last robbery, a footman managed to pull a pistol. He dropped the weapon when we threatened to kill his master, but we would rather not use violence. With an additional man, we could better watch all sides of the coach.”
“Well, are you in or out?” Wickham asked.
“I have been reduced to poverty, George. What choice do I have? I am in.”
“Good!” Wickham exclaimed. “Hungry men make good partners.”
Andrew looked around the threadbare room. “Is this where you live when you are not working?”
“No,” Wickham answered. “We are only in Sheffield to pawn the jewellery from the last robbery and to visit the ladies at the brothel. Pate’s father owned a large farm seven miles west of Lambton. His mother still owns the old house, though most of the land around it was sold. Since she moved in with his sister, Pate lives there and pays the taxes, which keeps a roof over his head. We stay there between robberies.”
Denny stood up, pulled a pocket watch from inside his coat and flipped open the top. “It is merely minutes until Lily’s opens. Will you be joining us or staying here?”
“I am practically penniless, George, and I do not think the ladies will extend me credit on my looks.”
“You will not have to worry about that ere long,” Wickham chuckled, pulling a few pounds from his pocket. “Here! There is no need to repay me.”
Andrew took the money and stood. “I was never foolish enough to pass up a good time, especially at someone else’s expense.”
With that, all three men left the inn to enjoy the favours of the
ladies at Lily’s Pleasure Garden.
LONGBOURN
Though Thomas Bennet walked as fast he could, it was not fast enough to escape into his study before Mrs. Bennet caught up to him. Presently, she was on his heels as he navigated the hallway between the parlour and the study, spouting the same nonsense she had uttered ever since her arrival from Town. Never doubting that Jane and Charles had to listen to her opinions all the way from London, he considered himself very fortunate to have stayed home.
“I tell you, Mr. Bennet, there is something terribly wrong with Lizzy’s marriage. You must go to London and find out what has happened. Perhaps you can convince Mr. Darcy not to divorce her.” She waved her handkerchief like a flag. “I cannot imagine what I will say to the neighbours if he sends her back to us.”
Now sufficiently cross, Mr. Bennet turned to confront her just as he reached the study door. “Mrs. Bennet, I heard the same report from Mr. Bingley as you. Mr. Darcy never mentioned divorce! On the contrary, he made it clear that he was only thinking of Elizabeth when he sent her on to Pemberley. Why can you not just accept his explanation?”
“Because no man who is pleased with his wife would send her on to his estate while he stayed behind. Especially if he was injured! It is Lizzy’s place to see to her husband’s health, not to go off to Pemberley alone.”
“For the last time, do not ask me again to interfere, for I will not! And I admonish you to quit reading more into the situation than is there.”
With that, he stepped inside the study and slammed the door, letting his body fall back against it. Listening to her mutterings as she went in the direction of the parlour, once it faded completely away, Mr. Bennet let go of the breath he was holding. Then he hurried to his desk and settled into his favourite chair to consider all he had just learned. Though he had argued with Fanny that there was nothing wrong with his favourite daughter’s marriage, she had managed to create some doubts in his mind. Secretly, he found the whole thing as peculiar as she, and he wished to know the truth. Reaching into his desk, he pulled out pen and paper and began to write to his brother Gardiner.
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