Memory: Volume 1, Lasting Impressions, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Memory: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice)

by Wells, Linda

  “You are healed?”

  “Enough. The infection is gone, and I seem to have most of my strength back. I came to propose a ride in the park, test my new mount.”

  “Ah, she has arrived!” Darcy smiled. “Do you have a name?”

  “I considered Elizabeth.” He pursed his lips and saw Darcy’s instant glare then laughed. “Just testing you, Cousin. I wanted to see if the bloom had worn off now that you have spent some time with her. I have never known you to tolerate a woman any longer than it takes to …”

  “Richard.”

  “I know, I was exaggerating.” He cocked his head. “How long has it been?”

  “It is none of your business.” Darcy stared down at his hands.

  “That long?” Fitzwilliam sat back and laced his fingers. “Well, well. She is visiting tomorrow, Georgiana tells me”

  “You spoke to her? How long have you been wandering my hallways?”

  Laughing, he sat forward. “I saw you scribbling in that journal of yours with a smile. I did not care to interrupt until you had finished. So I went in search of my ward. She is excited and apprehensive.”

  “I know, but they have met already. I wanted this meeting to take place before she leaves for your parents’ home next week.” He laughed, “Although it might be useful to keep her here, it provides a ready reason for Miss Elizabeth to visit often.”

  “That it does, well, there is no reason why the two cannot meet here regularly, since it may not be welcome at Matlock House.” Fitzwilliam saw the worry appear in Darcy’s eyes. “Father is not happy, but he did speak to me of Uncle George’s desire that you find love. I hope that your Miss Elizabeth is up for the challenge that faces her Tuesday. You had better warn her, and her relatives. It will not be easy, not when Mother has no idea you will be arriving with three women on your arms.”

  “Should I speak to her?”

  “No, the surprise will be in your favour, she cannot behave badly in front of her guests, so be prepared for the morning call on Wednesday!” He stood. “Enough, I see that you are beginning to worry, we need some exercise!”

  “I will go change.” Darcy stood to go upstairs and saw him heading to the decanter. “Do try to leave me some port.”

  “You can afford it.” Fitzwilliam laughed and poured.

  “AND THIS IS THE MUSIC ROOM.” Georgiana said proudly.

  “Oh what a beautiful pianoforte!” Elizabeth exclaimed and walked up to it, drawing her hand over the intricately carved wood. “Your brother tells me that you are very accomplished with your playing.”

  “Well, I am improved from when I began.”

  “Hopefully we can all declare that.” Elizabeth laughed and looked up to see Darcy watching her with an expression of warmth that made her heart beat faster. “I am afraid that my playing is poor. My sister Mary is always at the instrument, so my time to practice is limited.”

  “May I hear you? I am sure that Fitzwilliam would like it, would you not, Brother?” Georgiana looked at him hopefully and his smile widened.

  “I would indeed Miss Elizabeth, if you would care to oblige us?”

  Elizabeth shook her head, then glanced at Mrs. Gardiner who was looking at her with raised brows. The moment to perform graciously for the man she had imagined had arrived. “Very well, sir. But I make no promises for pleasure in the performance.”

  “I can bear a missed note or two.” He smiled and taking her hand settled her at the bench, and spoke softly in her ear. “Shall I turn pages for you?”

  “If you like, but I know this piece by heart.” She added softly. “I do not know why, but I think of you when I play it.” Their eyes met and he took his seat beside her.

  The other ladies took their places and waited expectantly. Elizabeth closed her eyes, breathing in the intoxicating scent of Darcy’s cologne as he moved, and leaned unconsciously against his solid form, his thigh and calf touching hers. His sharp intake of breath brought her back to the present and they looked at each other, then she began to play.

  Across the room, Georgiana gasped. “Fitzwilliam, it is your birthday song!” Elizabeth looked up to see a delighted smile, and his head nodding in agreement.

  “So it is.” He leaned down to Elizabeth as she played. “I gave this to Georgiana when I returned from my tour, with a request that she learn how to play it for my birthday.”

  “I purchased this to learn two years ago, after my visit to town.” She looked up from the keys to meet his intense gaze, and her playing faltered.

  “Elizabeth.” He breathed.

  “Will you sing for us, Lizzy?” Mrs. Gardiner called out.

  The couple startled and both blushed. “Oh, yes.” She cleared her throat and clasped her shaking hands nervously. “Do you have a request?”

  “Anything you do will make me smile, Miss Elizabeth.” She laughed and his smile grew. “Especially if you laugh, I so enjoy your laughter.” Tilting her head, she raised her brow, and looking at him with sparkling eyes, began to sing:

  “When the green woods laugh with the voice of joy,

  And the dimpling stream runs laughing by,

  When the air does laugh with our merry wit,

  And the green hill laughs with the noise of it.

  When the meadows laugh with lively green,

  And the grasshopper laughs in the merry scene,

  When Mary and Susan and Emily,

  With their sweet mouths sing, Ha Ha He.

  When the painted birds laugh in the shade,

  Where our table with cherries and nuts is spread,

  Come live and be merry and join with me,

  To sing the sweet chorus of Ha Ha He.”²

  Darcy burst into laughter and the rest of the room followed. “That was wonderful! William Blake?”

  “Yes, The Laughing Song.” She giggled and gasped to feel his hand slip around her waist to draw her into a brief embrace. She looked up to see nothing but joy in his face. “You like my silliness?”

  “I do, I need your liveliness more than I can say.”

  Mrs. Gardiner turned to Georgiana, “Would you play for us, Miss Darcy?”

  She immediately stopped smiling. “Oh, no, I am not ready for performing.”

  She patted her arm reassuringly, “That is fine; there is time enough for that in the future.”

  “I do not recall you giving me such an easy pass when I declined, Aunt.”

  “You were not thirteen.” She pointed out and Elizabeth rolled her eyes. Darcy looked to Jane.

  “Miss Bennet, may we hear you?”

  Jane blushed. “No sir, I am afraid that my accomplishments do not include the pianoforte.”

  “You sing, Jane.” Elizabeth prompted her. “I have heard you when you think you are alone.”

  “Lizzy!”

  “Well you do not have the excuse of youth, come now, sing for us! You have a lovely voice.” Jane shook her head and Elizabeth sighed. Darcy leaned to her. “Is something wrong?”

  “No …I guess …” She looked to see his genuine concern and spoke softly. “I worry for her future.”

  “I understand; her singing could help to win attention from a gentleman?”

  “We have so little to offer.” She looked down to her hands in her lap.

  With the piano serving as cover, he slipped his hand over hers and squeezed. “I am discovering with every meeting the wealth that you possess, Elizabeth. I will be richer than Midas someday. I hope.” He entwined their fingers briefly then let go when Mrs. Mercer arrived to announce that refreshments were ready. The party rose together, and he lingered behind, letting Georgiana lead the way. He bent to Elizabeth’s flushing cheek. “Finish your tea quickly; I would like to show you something privately.” She nodded and swallowed, and took his offered arm to follow the women.

  Entering the sitting room she gasped. “What a magnificent display!” A table had been set with platters of strawberries and pastries, sliced meats and delicacies she could not identify, all on beautifu
l gleaming silver platters. “Sir, were you expecting more guests?”

  Darcy laughed and Georgiana piped in. “He told Cook to be prepared for special guests today.”

  “Is that so?” Elizabeth smiled at his blush then looked at Georgiana. “It seems that your brother is not comfortable with teasing.”

  “No man is, dear.” Mrs. Gardiner winked. “Only amongst themselves; or inflicting it upon others.”

  “Ah, like Papa.” Elizabeth smiled at Jane. “We know that all too well.”

  “Your father has a sharp wit?” Georgiana asked.

  “That is the source of my sister’s humour, I think.” Jane smiled.

  “I look forward to meeting him.” Darcy spoke and took a cup of tea while the ladies filled their plates. “I understand that Hertfordshire is only a two-hour ride, and I should probably go and speak to him in person about our courtship.” He smiled at Elizabeth and creased his brow when she looked away. “Is something wrong?” Jane gripped her hand as Elizabeth’s eyes welled up with tears.

  “Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bennet has given my husband complete authority as Elizabeth’s guardian. There is truly no reason to make such a lengthy journey at this time.” Mrs. Gardiner met his eye and he tried to understand what she was communicating. The memory of Stewart came to his mind, and his explanation that Elizabeth’s family was unsuitable. He nodded slowly.

  “Well then, I will meet him in the future. Thank you for saving me the journey.” He looked to Elizabeth and smiled reassuringly. He noticed that the others had taken their seats and were laden with plates and teacups. “Miss Elizabeth, I see that you are not hungry. I would like to show you a rendering of Pemberley in my study, if you would care to come with me? If that is acceptable to you, Mrs. Gardiner?”

  Mrs. Gardiner looked between her niece and her concerned suitor and nodded. “I am sure that it will be a brief exhibition?”

  “Yes, madam.” He nodded and offering Elizabeth his arm, they walked down the hallway to his study where he moved the door, but did not push it shut. They stood for a moment looking at each other, her eyes still filled with tears. He took her hand and led her to stand before the landscape of Pemberley. “This is home.”

  “Oh.” Elizabeth took a breath and examined the picture. “Is this accurate or an artist’s fancy?”

  He chuckled and without thinking moved to stand behind her and wrap his arms around her waist; she naturally leaned back against him, sinking against his chest. Darcy brushed his lips on her ear and she trembled. “This is very true to life. The house was built and burned twice, and now what you see has been added to many times.”

  “It is enormous. You must rattle around in there all alone.”

  “I do.” She looked back and up to see his mouth so close to hers, and his eyes focussed on her lips. Darcy swallowed. “Why did you cry, Elizabeth? Do you not want me to meet your family?”

  “Mr. Darcy,” He sighed, “Fitzwilliam.” Darcy looked up and smiled, “You do not want my uncle to come to the ball, and you know him to be a good and admirable man. My family …”

  “My uncle is the one who did not invite Mr. Gardiner, not I. I fought for him. I fought to be allowed to escort you and your sister and aunt. My uncle wished for Bingley to bring you as his guests. I informed him that even if that was done, the moment you entered the ballroom it would be perfectly obvious that you were attached to me. I intend to display my preference for you very clearly. You are a gentleman’s daughter; I am not ashamed of you.”

  Elizabeth choked and started to cry again and he turned her around in his arms. Darcy rested his cheek in her hair and rubbed her back, closing his eyes and impressing the feel of her body on his memory. As she calmed, she looked up to see tears in his eyes. She reached up to wipe his face. “Why do you cry?”

  Darcy kissed her fingers and letting go of the embrace, took her hand and led her to the portrait of his parents. “This is my mother and father. They loved each other deeply.” Again he stood behind her, his arms around her waist, and his hands clasped over hers. “My father wanted me to have a marriage like his. He told me twice to be prepared to find my future in an unexpected way, and to allow my heart to make the choice. I know that you fear my rejection; I know that you fear me meeting all of your family. I know of the entailment, I know there is no heir; I know that all I gain by an alliance with you is the woman I hold in my arms right now.” He turned her around to look sincerely into her eyes, and lifting her chin, he gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. “And that, my Elizabeth, is enough.”

  Chapter 12

  “Mr. Bennet! You received a letter from my brother, what news is there?” Mrs. Bennet stood in the doorway of the bookroom, clutching a handkerchief.Mr. Bennet glanced up from the letter and regarded his wife. “It seems that our daughter has done her duty. A gentleman has asked Gardiner for permission to court.”

  “Oh Mr. Bennet! We are saved! I knew our dear Jane would catch a man’s eye in London! Such a good girl! But how could it not be? She is so beautiful!”

  “Yes, yes, Mrs. Bennet, Jane is beautiful, but it is not she who is being courted.”

  Mrs. Bennet’s fluttering stopped. “Not Jane?”

  “No. It is Lizzy who will save you.” He watched as her face fell.

  “Oh no, no it cannot be! Lizzy will fail! She drove away Mr. Stewart! Surely this man, whoever he is, will discover quickly how undesirable she is and will run from her as soon as may be! Oh why does Lizzy always ruin everything for Jane!”

  “I hardly believe that Lizzy set out purposely to steal away this gentleman from Jane, and perhaps Mr. Stewart left the area for other reasons.”

  “Do not be ridiculous Mr. Bennet! Of course it was Lizzy’s fault!” Mrs. Bennet sat down sadly. “Well, when this ends, perhaps Jane will have her chance at him. I must go to London and do what I can!”

  “You will do nothing of the kind.” Mr. Bennet looked at her sternly.

  Mrs. Bennet sulked. “Well, what do you know of the man?”

  He consulted the letter. “He is a gentleman of some means. Our sister knows of his family and confirms that he is all that he claims.”

  “His income?”

  “It is not mentioned, but he does own an estate in Derbyshire.”

  “Derbyshire? I do not wish to live in Derbyshire! Why could she not find a man here?” Mrs. Bennet fretted while her husband stared at her in disbelief. “Well it will come to nothing I am certain.” She stood and nodded as she pointed her handkerchief at him. “Mark my words; Lizzy will ruin it for us all.”

  “Well that is just as well Mrs. Bennet, then you will not have to worry about living in Derbyshire when I die and you are left to live in the hedgerows.” He chuckled as his wife screeched and ran from the room.

  Mr. Bennet looked back down at the letter and read it again. “Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, ten thousand a year, a house in town …why would you want my Lizzy?” He read on to see Gardiner’s assurances of Darcy’s good intentions and genuine care for Elizabeth, and hinted at the long-standing attraction to her. “How long have you harboured thoughts of my daughter!” Mr. Bennet demanded, then sinking back down into complacency he relaxed. “Mrs. Bennet is probably correct, nothing will come of it. She will be crossed in love and will enjoy the experience.” He chuckled to himself. “And I will tease her about it!”

  “BROTHER?”

  “Come in Georgiana.” Darcy looked up from his correspondence and smiled to see her carrying a heavy book. “Have you finished the family history already or do you have a question?”

  “Both.” She smiled shyly. “I did not realize how much time I spend playing!”

  “Yes, I admit that I rather miss the house being filled with music, but I think that the punishment was effective.” He raised his brow and saw her look down and nod. “Well, two more days, and you may play again.”

  “Oh.”

  “You thought I would give you a reprieve?” He shook his head and laughed. “No.”

/>   Georgiana’s face expressed her disappointment. “Well, at least you are smiling. It has been a very long time since I have seen you so happy.”

  “I am. I am very, very, happy.” He sighed and reached forward to touch the book. “What have you learned from our history?”

  “I believe that I have learned that our family has worked very hard to become what it is now, and that when some members failed to perform their duties, the succeeding generations had to work twice as hard to regain what was lost. It is important for the younger generation to understand its history and to maintain and grow what has been left for them.”

  “And what of our status?”

  “It seems to be a happy consequence of our longevity, but it is more important to see what good we do with it as opposed to flaunting it carelessly.” She looked up and was pleased to see his approving nod.

  “I am glad that you have learned this lesson now, Georgiana. I only understood it properly a week ago, and if I had not, I am certain that I would not be smiling as I am today.”

  “Father did not teach this to you?”

  “He did, but I was not listening well enough, and after he died, too many others were whispering in my ear, and drowned out the memory of his lessons.” He smiled and tapped the book. “Someday you will marry, and it is your husband’s history that you must carry forward, but you will take the principals of the Darcys with you.”

  Georgiana nodded and said softly, “Miss Elizabeth will not be well-received, will she?”

  Darcy’s smile faded and a look of determination replaced it. “I will do my best to see that she is.”

  “Does she have a proper gown for the ball?” She saw his brow crease and added hurriedly. “Forgive me Brother, but I could not help but notice on the two occasions we have met that her dresses are not … not like mine.”

  “It is so obvious?” He mused softly.

  “No, not that bad, really, I … I have visited the modiste with Aunt Helen and Cousin Audrey, and I have seen …”

  “Yes, I suppose that I was just surprised that you would care about fashion at your age.”