Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple

by Brenda J. Webb

  “I awoke and, with all that is on my mind, I could not go back to sleep.”

  William went straight to the sideboard and began filling a cup with coffee. Then he took his place at the end of the table on Richard’s left.

  “Are you not going to eat?”

  “I promised Elizabeth that we would break our fast together in an hour, so this shall have to suffice for now.”

  “Is Elizabeth well?”

  “Mr. Camryn said that she is.”

  “Perhaps it is not my place to mention what has not been discussed publicly, but is the child unharmed?”

  A smile split William’s face. “I suppose everyone suspected but me.”

  “It is hard to keep secrets from an officer trained in intelligence,” Richard boasted.

  “According to Camryn, it is full early to say with certainty, but he agrees that all signs indicate that she is with child. As for Elizabeth, she has no doubt and, yes, the child is fine.”

  “I would think a woman would know her own body better than anyone, so my money is on her.” Richard said. Then he chuckled. “I am just relieved that I do not have to deal with such matters yet.”

  “Your time will come!” Then William’s expression sobered. “I do regret that I forgot to have Camryn report back to me after he examined Bingley and the servants. I was focused entirely on my wife yesterday, and I have no idea what he found.”

  “Uncle told me last night that none of the servants were seriously injured, and as for Bingley, despite the lump on his head, he is in excellent shape and good spirits!” Then Richard guffawed. “In fact, this whole episode may have done him some good.”

  William took a sip of hot coffee before replying, “Why do you say that?”

  “Because, after you and Elizabeth retired, Bingley told him and Aunt Olivia that he was not going to wait any longer to marry Jane Bennet. He said that his captivity gave him ample time to conclude that life is too uncertain to waste a moment of it. His intentions are to leave for London tomorrow, and as soon as a wedding can be arranged, they shall be man and wife. So, perhaps the knot on the head helped him to develop a stiffer spine.”

  William chuckled. “While I agree with Bingley regarding life’s uncertainties, he will need more than a stiffer spine to change Mrs. Bennet’s mind. Mark my words—that woman is determined to milk Miss Bennet’s engagement for all it is worth. She will not be in favour of another hurried marriage.”

  “She may not be, but I would bet on Bingley getting his way. He is a driven man!”

  “I am almost afraid to ask about the chaos I left behind at Briarwood? No! First, I should apologise for leaving you to deal with it while I came home.”

  “It was completely understandable, considering all that Elizabeth had endured, that you wished to get her home, not to mention Bingley and the others. Besides, I am used to handling such things.”

  “Still—”

  Richard waved away his concerns. “As to the remains of George and Andrew, were it up to me, they would have rotted in the nearest ditch. But you are kinder than I, and you would take into consideration Uncle George’s wishes. Therefore, I had their bodies transported to Lambton. Mr. Moody said that he would see to the interments. Also, he requested that you inform him right away if you wish to attend. I told him that I suspected that George will end up in the paupers’ cemetery adjacent to the church, and he should consult you as to where Andrew will be buried.”

  “You know me well. Years ago, Wickham forfeited the right to be buried at Pemberley next to his father, a good and decent man. And, notwithstanding his horrible deeds, Father would want Andrew buried beside his father. I will not attend either service.”

  “I am glad.” Seeing the brooding look now on William’s face, Richard changed the subject. “Lord Warren sent a man to fetch the local constable, and he arrived shortly after you left. Clearly, that man is not qualified for the position, for Warren had to direct the investigation.”

  “I have met him, and I agree with your assessment.”

  “In any case, the constable intends to turn the entire matter over to the county sheriff—Farnsworth is the name he mentioned—as soon as that man returns from Sheffield. Lord Warren seemed very pleased to hear that, for it seems that the Farnsworths have a long history of service with his family. Years ago, Sheriff Farnsworth’s grandfather was a valet for Warren’s father.”

  “I suppose that means Lord Warren will not face any charges, not that he would have anyway.”

  “I agree. That man is so influential that it would be a mistake to lay any crime at his feet and, besides, he believed you to be in danger when he acted. As for Lord Hartley, he and his men are being held at Briarwood by order of the constable.”

  “What to do with Fletcher is another matter entirely,” William said, fatigue in his voice. “If he were anyone else, I would gladly see him arrested and hanged. But, when I consider the similarities—but for the grace of God, I could have been badly impaired like him.”

  “Or dead! What I find hard to believe is that Susan did not have Wickham and Andrew skinned alive for what they did to you. If she was not aware of their plans, surely she thought of them when she heard the news. I know I did.”

  “It is apparent that she has controlled Wickham with money and possibly Andrew as well. As delusional as she is, I imagine it would be hard to convince her that they would go against her wishes.”

  “What are your plans regarding her?”

  “I will deal with Susan after I decide what to do about Fletcher. Obviously, he is no longer sensible and, to his twisted way of thinking, his motive was to save Elizabeth, not harm her. I asked, and she assured me that she was not mistreated in any manner.”

  “I agree that fate dealt Hartley a harsh blow. Moreover, Lord Warren is convinced that his personality has changed completely, for he knew him well before he was assaulted. Keep in mind, too, that even if the episode at Briarwood is broadcast far and wide, Hartley could still garner the support of his former colleagues in the House of Lords to fight any charges. He may never be charged with a crime, unless you press the issue. Even then he might not be convicted in light of his present circumstances.”

  “I know. I will have to speak to Elizabeth and Bingley before I decide how I will proceed.”

  Just then Mrs. Reynolds rushed into the room, waving a letter. Seeing the anxious expression on her face, both men stood.

  “Mr. Darcy, this just came from Monthaven Manor. A footman delivered it and is waiting for a reply. He seems to be very upset.”

  William took the missive, tore it open and began to read. The longer he read, the more his expression darkened.

  “Mrs. Reynolds, please tell the footman not to wait for there will be no answer forthcoming.” She nodded and quickly left to deliver the message.

  As soon as she was out of the room, he addressed Richard. “It seems that Lord Hartley has saved me the trouble of deciding what to do about him or Lady Susan. According to this missive, he arrived at Monthaven at dawn and absconded with her against her will.”

  “Who sent the note? I do not think Lord Concord capable.”

  “It was Attaway,” William replied. “He apparently knows that you are here and asks for your help, as well as mine, to recover his cousin. It seems Fletcher mentioned sailing to the West Indies, and Attaway fears that Lady Susan will be forced to accompany him.”

  “That blackguard can track her sorry arse down himself! I owe no allegiance to that family, and I have no intention of getting involved. In fact, I pray they do sail from England and neither is seen again. If Lord Attaway wants help, let him hire detectives just as anyone else would. Surely you have no plans to take part.”

  “No, I do not. Susan must face the demons she has created, and Attaway can see to his own relations.”

  “What if Georgiana pleads for you to help?”

  “Alas, she will learn just how little influence she wields with me. Once I leave this room, I intend to call he
r into my study and tell her that her lady’s maid will be leaving today with no references.”

  “The one that Mrs. Reynolds found so meddlesome? Florence, is it not?”

  “One and the same.”

  “Until Georgiana leaves my supervision, she will make do with an upstairs maid to help her dress. Nothing more!”

  “Oh, that should be a sight to behold—my cousin having to make do with a maid who cannot style her hair in the latest fashion.”

  “And if your parents agree to oversee her, I will suggest to Aunt Evelyn that she would do well to assign an older maid to Georgiana, one who will be loyal to her and not to my sister.”

  Richard relaxed, sitting back down. “That sounds like excellent advice. Do you wish me to attend that conversation?”

  “If you wish to and have the time.”

  “I would not miss this for the world.”

  “Then, if you have finished eating, let us get started.”

  The sounds of chairs being pushed away from the table and footsteps crossing the polished hardwood floors gave warning to the servants waiting without that it was nearly time to clear the table. The instant that William and his cousin quit the room, maids and footmen rushed in from another door to do just that.

  When they left a few minutes later, the table looked flawlessly set, whilst silver platters of food on the sideboard were covered with matching lids to keep everything warm.

  NEARING THE STUDY, William and Richard spied Mrs. Reynolds coming down the hallway.

  “Is my sister awake, Mrs. Reynolds?”

  Not wishing for another servant to hear her reply, she approached them. “Yes, sir. I just came from Miss Darcy’s bedroom. Per your instructions, I explained that she cannot send for a tray any longer but must eat in the dining room. She was getting dressed and indicated that she would come downstairs in a short while.”

  “Would you please ask her to come to my study first? Assure her that what I have to say will not take long. Moreover, once Georgiana is in my study, call Florence to your office and dismiss her, effective immediately. Tell her that we are aware of what she has been doing and, therefore, will provide no reference. Have several maids help her pack. I want her to be on her way before Georgiana finishes eating. Pay her for the entire month and have a groom drive her to the post station in Lambton. Send a trusted employee with them to purchase a ticket to any destination in England she chooses.”

  “I know it is not your custom to withhold references,” Mrs. Reynolds replied, “but I am pleased with your decision. I could not, in good conscience, recommend her to another family.”

  William nodded. Then he and Richard walked into the study while the housekeeper hurried to do his bidding.

  THE STUDY

  Twenty minutes later, William and Richard were still waiting for Georgiana to join them. Nerves on edge, Richard decided to have a glass of brandy. He was standing at the liquor cabinet, pouring himself a drink, when the door opened, and his cousin walked in unannounced. Instantly, he braced for the quarrel to come. Seeing his Darcy’s posture stiffen as well, he poured another brandy and set the glass on the desk in front of William as he walked back to his seat.

  “Brother,” Georgiana said after Richard sat down. “Mrs. Reynolds said that you wanted to speak to me.”

  After William told Georgiana of his decision regarding Florence, she replied, “I cannot say that I blame you; however, I have something to say as well.”

  Instantly, foreboding filled the air, and William’s eyes narrowed as he studied her. “Florence heard the news of what happened at Briarwood yesterday and told me. The reality of what occurred there has opened my eyes as nothing else could ever have done.”

  William and Richard exchanged suspicious glances.

  “I will not deny that I was very saddened to learn of the deaths of Andrew and George. After all, one was a childhood friend and the other my cousin. Yet, once I heard that George meant to kill you and Elizabeth, I realised how wrong I had been to defend him.” She took a deep breath and let it go. “I was also wrong to defend Andrew, especially after you told me of his drawings. It seems he was always a willing participant in George’s plots. In hindsight, I know that my loyalty should have been to you, and I should have told you when Lady Susan began to talk of ridding Pemberley of Elizabeth.”

  William’s brows knit before his face settled into a scowl. “Forgive me if I do not trust your abrupt change of heart.”

  Determined never to reveal her motivation—her abject humiliation by those she once considered her closest friends—Georgiana replied, “I understand why you would not trust me. Still, I am being truthful.”

  By his expression, William was not convinced. “Tell me this: Why would someone intent on doing Elizabeth harm share those plans with my sister?”

  Nervously, she admitted, “I... Susan found in me a willing partner. Originally, it was I who suggested the kiss in the garden at our aunt’s ball. I promised to provide witnesses to Lady Susan’s compromise, so that you would be forced to offer for her. Once we learned that you had married, I insisted we carry on with the plan, only Elizabeth would be the one to discover you. I wrote the note to send you to the gazebo and I made sure that Elizabeth saw everything.”

  Slowly William shook his head side to side. “Did you also help plan Elizabeth’s abduction—the one that Lord Hartley circumvented by taking her first?”

  “No, though lately Susan spoke more stridently of shipping Elizabeth out of the country. I was, however, told to send word the moment she left Pemberley for any reason.” Her next words were said in a whisper. “I sent Florence to Monthaven with a note the morning she left for London.”

  William slammed his unfinished glass of brandy on the desk, sending liquor flying across its polished surface. Looking up through her lashes, Georgiana could tell that he was livid.

  “She... she was never supposed to be killed, mind you, only shipped to another continent under a different name.”

  William’s voice sounded strangely void of emotion when he asked, “Did you know that she was pregnant when you sent the note to Monthaven?”

  “Florence had told me that she might be but, at the time, I was convinced that you already had an heir in Susan’s child.”

  “That boy is likely one of Andrew’s throwaways!” William shouted, slamming his fist against the wall and sending a portrait crashing to the floor.

  Trembling, Georgiana watched her brother stalk a path behind his desk. His hand clenched and unclenched until he stopped and addressed her again with thinly disguised revulsion.

  “I realise that you never had any affection for Elizabeth and never gave her the slightest chance to be your sister, but disregarding that entirely, how is it that you never once considered what I wanted? Did you not think how I would suffer if Susan had succeeded? I love Elizabeth and our child. If she had been taken from—” His voice cracked, and he could not continue.

  Richard had stood with William and was now a dividing wall between the two siblings. With William speechless, he took the opportunity to tell Georgiana exactly how he felt about all she had done.

  “Georgiana, I am shocked—nay, I am astounded—at the evil you have just admitted. I would never have believed that you were so unfeeling. Is your conscience stripped entirely of the ability to determine right from wrong?”

  Her eyes filled with tears. Still, she did not cry. “I did not think any harm would come—”

  “Spare me!” he interrupted angrily, causing her to shiver. “Do you actually believe Elizabeth would not have been harmed? It is obvious to me that Susan meant to have her killed from the start! Can you honestly say that you did not realise that?”

  Richard walked toward his cousin, stopping with his face mere inches from hers. “I have watched Darcy sacrifice for you his entire life! I know how he has worried about your welfare and keeping Pemberley prosperous for your sake as well as for the servants and tenants who depend on it.”

  By now
tears were rolling down Georgiana’s cheeks, though she made not a sound.

  “I cannot think of any plausible explanation for your selfishness. You have shown no love for the one who always put your needs above his own and nothing but disdain for a woman who has never done one thing to harm you.”

  “I... I can offer no excuse other than I have always been a selfish person, spoiled and used to having my way. When Fitzwilliam took on the duties of the estate, I resented him for letting responsibility come before amusing me. Later, I realised that Father had kept him in his study so often in order to impart all the knowledge that he could before he died. Unfair as it was, the more that Andrew, Susan and George included me in their pursuits, the more I was willing to agree with their lies about Brother.”

  Richard threw up his hands. “I can only agree. You have no excuse. Did it not once occur to you that perhaps he would have liked to shirk the responsibility of carrying so many people on his shoulders at such a tender age?”

  Georgiana looked past him to where William had quit pacing and was listening. “It is true, Brother. I never thought of your feelings. And, on the rare occasion when my conscience reminded me that you were working for my sake, I dismissed every prompt. You see, I had to believe that I was right, or I would not fit in with my new coterie.”

  Georgiana glanced wistfully out the tall windows at the grand expanse of lawn that ran the length of the front drive. Realising for the first time how deeply she would miss her childhood home, she sighed. Then her eyes travelled back to William.

  “Fitzwilliam, I am very, very sorry for my actions—most especially those since your marriage. I do love you, and I pray that in time you can find it in your heart to forgive me, and that Elizabeth will as well. Still, I heartily agree that it is best I live elsewhere. No couple should have to share their home with a sister who has acted so meanly towards them. Moreover, I humbly accept any punishment you feel is warranted for the part I played in this horror.”

  William sat down behind his desk and, for a short while, he stared silently at the portrait of his parents on the opposite wall. Continuously turning the ring on his little finger, it was obvious that he was considering how to respond. When at last he cleared his throat and faced Georgiana, his voice was filled with more regret than anger.