by Wells, Linda
“Oh Jane how lovely!” Elizabeth exclaimed and beamed at Harwick. “What a thoughtful gift, sir. I suppose that Jane has already confessed her love of violets to you?”
Harwick turned to her and smiled. “No, Miss Bennet did not share her secret. Will you tell me your other favourites so that I might surprise you with them sometime?”
“I believe that I would be happy with any gift, sir.” Jane smiled kindly.
“You are forcing me to conspire with your sister, Miss Bennet.” He looked to Elizabeth to see her nodding. “And it seems that she will not hesitate to speak.”
“There is no doubt of that.” Darcy whispered and Elizabeth turned to see his eyes twinkling at her.
“Mr. Darcy, are you baiting me?”
“I am, I own.”
“And you presume to know me so well as to think that I would …”
“Meddle in your sister’s affairs?” He raised his brow and pursed his lips. “I do.”
“I am offended!”
“I see you applying your skills to the care of our tenants and their concerns.” He tilted his head. “I know them all, but I can believe that they will be delighted to have an interested mistress again.”
“Oh.”
“Well done, Darcy.” Harwick turned to Jane and smiled. “I know that the tenants of Meadowbrook would appreciate a compassionate mistress as well.”
“Is that the name of your estate?” Jane smiled to him and he nodded. “It sounds lovely. I hope that it is a place that brings you peace.” Harwick’s head tilted as he studied her face. There was no pretence in her expression, simply kindness. He had not seen that from a woman in a very long time.
Darcy felt Elizabeth’s hand steal into his and he looked to see her watching her sister and her suitor. He saw her hope that this might someday be a marriage of some affection. He squeezed her hand and felt her squeeze in return. Her hope spurred him to speak. “Mr. Gardiner, after dinner, I would appreciate hearing your opinion on a matter of some importance.” Harwick raised his brow and Darcy nodded to him.
Mr. Gardiner caught the exchange and nodded. “Of course Mr. Darcy, whatever I can do to help.”
“I WONDER WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT.” Elizabeth mused while the ladies waited in the sitting room for the men to return after dinner. “I noticed that Mr. Harwick seemed to know the topic.”
“You did?” Jane asked. “When did you notice Mr. Harwick?”
“Why when Mr. Darcy spoke to Uncle, they seemed to exchange glances.” She shrugged and took a sip of tea. “I suppose I would have missed it but I was looking Mr. Darcy’s way.”
Mrs. Gardiner laughed softly. “Yes, I think that staring is the proper description.” Elizabeth blushed. “However I notice that he spends quite enough time doing the same in your direction.”
“He is rather sweet.” She bit her lip and touched the tiny locket that barely contained his lock of hair. Noticing Jane’s eyes on her fingers she smiled. “Mr. Harwick seems to be very kind, Jane. I am so glad to see that. He is obviously a devoted father from the way he speaks of his girls.”
“Did he speak of them? I could not hear; his head seemed to be turned away from me.”
Mrs. Gardiner’s heard the hint of jealousy in her voice. “I believe that he was addressing the entire table, Jane. It would be impolite to limit his conversation to just one person.”
Jane blushed. “I suppose that is so.”
“You are only just beginning to know him. Keep in mind that Lizzy and Mr. Darcy have years between them, you have barely a week. They are also just engaged, they have every right to be particularly pleased to gaze upon each other.” She raised her brows to her niece and Jane nodded.
Elizabeth tried to encourage her. “Mr. Harwick seems to be very gentlemanly, Jane. He reminds me in some ways of Mr. Stewart in his manner.”
Lifting her shoulders, Jane smiled happily. “That is true; he does behave differently than Mr. Darcy, does he not? He is anxious to follow the proper rules of courtship and will not give away any indication of fondness before it is time. Mama told me never to express my feelings before the gentleman does himself, and of course I never have done that with any gentleman.”
Elizabeth’s brow furrowed. Did Jane just insult Fitzwilliam? Did she call him ungentlemanly? Because he had kissed her and spoken to her, because they danced and sat alone together? Elizabeth’s affront on his behalf began to rise, but unsure of Jane’s meaning she chose a different target and spoke incredulously, “Mama taught you to behave demurely?”
“Yes, you know that, I am sure that she must have said the same to you. I remember her telling me that someone with my beauty did not need to put on a show for a gentleman. All I needed to do is smile and they would come to me. As you see, she was correct.” She turned to Mrs. Gardiner. “Do you agree, Aunt?”
Mrs. Gardiner spoke slowly, thinking of the months, and even years where Jane had not a single suitor. “Your mother certainly had formed great expectations for your beauty to capture a man’s attention, but it certainly was a risk to place all of her hopes on your looks alone. You are fortunate to have gained Mr. Harwick’s court without ever having to exhibit.”
“But that just proves that Mama was correct.” Jane lifted her chin. “I have succeeded without compromising myself.”
“Are you implying that I have?” Elizabeth said in disbelief.
“Have I said something wrong, Lizzy?” Jane looked at her in surprise. “I did not mean to. Of course I do not mean to imply anything of you compromising yourself. Please forgive me if I have offended you! I was just speaking of Mama’s teaching.”
“I am sorry if I misunderstood you. We received very different educations from our mother. I was told that I had no hope of attracting a man, especially with my beauty.”
“I am sorry, Lizzy.” Jane said softly.
Elizabeth sighed and nodded, then embraced Jane. “It is well. Regardless of how we found them, it is good to know that we both have a chance for secure and hopefully happy futures now.”
The sound of boots in the hallway ended the ladies’ conversation and soon the gentlemen arrived. Darcy instantly sought out Elizabeth’s presence after the tense conversation with Mr. Gardiner. He kissed her fingers and studied her face as she worked to regain her good humour. Without thinking he caressed his fingers along her brow, and saw her tension melt away with his touch. She smiled at him. “Did you complete your mission?”
Darcy relaxed and smiled back. “You make it sound so mysterious.”
“You left my imagination free to roam.” She laughed to see his shaking head. “What are you plotting?”
“May we leave it until tomorrow? We can speak privately.”
“When are we ever able to really speak privately?” She demanded. “Please tell me or I will imagine so many horrible possibilities.”
Harwick had been watching the whispered exchange with a gentle smile on his face. “Darcy, I recommend that you give in.”
“No …” Darcy laughed to see Elizabeth’s eyes flash and he felt his desire rise. “I want to see just how imaginative you are Miss Elizabeth.”
“You are sure to see how stubborn I am, sir.”
“Sir?” He said quietly.
“SIR.” Elizabeth said emphatically.
Darcy sighed and looked to Mr. Gardiner. “Could we send a servant to have my carriage brought around?” He turned back to Elizabeth. “You are not the only stubborn person in this conversation.” She stared at him open-mouthed and he rose to bow to Mrs. Gardiner then Jane. “I wish you a pleasant evening.”
Harwick winked at him and Mr. Gardiner chuckled as Darcy raised his brow at Elizabeth. “Will you see me out, Miss Elizabeth?”
“You are so anxious to go, why do you need me?” She huffed.
“Lizzy!” Mrs. Gardiner spoke softly.
“I will do it for you, Aunt.” Elizabeth stood and walked past Darcy to the door and out into the hallway. Darcy bowed again and left the room.
Jane looked at everyone. “They are fighting! But I thought they were in love!”
The Gardiners sighed and Harwick looked sadly away from the doorway, and back to Jane and smiled slightly. “I am sure that a cross word will never pass between us, Miss Bennet.” Jane smiled happily with his words, and he looked back to the door.
In the hall Darcy stood by the front door, his hat in his hands, and glanced out of the window when his coach appeared. “Well then Miss Elizabeth, I thank you for the very pleasant evening. I am happy that our wedding day has been set, and I wish you a goodnight.” He bowed and started to open the door.
“That is all?” Elizabeth cried.
“What else do you wish for? I was under the impression that you were unhappy with me?”
She waved her arms at him. “So this is the man I am marrying? One who runs away from a discussion?”
Darcy stepped away from the door and looked down at her. “What do you suggest?”
“Well at least kiss me and tell me everything is well between us.” Her voice still held a hint of exasperation, but he also heard her worry. In a flash she was wrapped in his arms and kissed fiercely. Darcy’s one hand supported her neck, the other stole down to rest over her bottom and lifted her up to press tightly against his ever-present arousal. “Ohhhh.” She gasped when he tore his mouth away and spoke in pants in her ear.
“When we marry, my Elizabeth, my love, a discussion of this sort will not end by us separating, I assure you. I leave now only because if I do not, you uncle will have me standing before the altar at gunpoint in the morning.” He broke away from her, stared intently into her eyes, lifted his fingers to touch her love swollen lips, then left the house.
Elizabeth swallowed hard and leaned heavily against the doorframe. Her hand was on her chest, and she could feel her heart pounding under her palm as he drove away. “Oh my.”
26 MAY 1809
Harwick confessed to me today that he is not at all offended by Elizabeth but is actually attracted to her. My good sense tells me she is purely a bittersweet reminder of his lost wife, although my jealous soul cannot ever forget his words. I am a fool. I cannot begin to imagine losing Elizabeth and being forced to find a woman to bear me a son. I would rather leave Pemberley to Georgiana than face that fate. We have decided to write to Mr. Bennet and suggest, strongly, that he come to London and meet Harwick. If Harwick travelled to Longbourn, I know that any possibility of marriage with Miss Bennet would be eliminated before he crossed the threshold. Hopefully this sanctimonious patriarch will deign to appear. Otherwise I am certain that Harwick will very nicely but firmly end his courtship and move on to find another willing woman.
I dread telling Elizabeth about her father coming; I hate to cast any pall over our joy. She was delightful today, so happy and playful. She makes me smile and laugh, she is a pleasure to battle, she brings out boyishness in me that I thought was long dead, and I love her for it. Her kiss in the study, if only she knew how exciting it is to have her kiss me! My desire for her is painful; I can barely believe that I was capable of walking from the house with any dignity at all. I crave the day that I will at last make her mine and relieve for a moment this unending ache, before I must have her again. Fifty-two days, why on earth did I choose a date so long away!
Darcy set down his pen and closed his eyes tightly as his body inevitably reacted to his thoughts. Again, dearest? What you do to me! He drew a deep breath and attempted to control the yearning; and giving up, retired for the evening.
26 May 1809
I can think of no better occupation than kissing Fitzwilliam Darcy. Each time he seems to show me a little more, and when it ends, frustratingly soon, I am left wanting desperately for him to continue. He pulls away and I wish to grab his lapels and bring him back! I have discovered that he seems to lose all resolve when I kiss him first, he becomes very still and sways like a tall tree in the breeze and then he wraps me up so tightly in his arms. Oh I could stay there forever!
Elizabeth looked up when Mrs. Gardiner leaned in the doorway. “Are you well, Lizzy? We grew concerned when you did not return.”
“Oh, yes Aunt, I wished to record my thoughts while they were fresh.” She blushed and closed her journal.
“I see.” Mrs. Gardiner walked in and touched her shoulder. “You must be experiencing a great many new emotions. I think that you and I need to have some conversation soon. In only seven weeks you will be a married woman.”
“It seems so long.” Elizabeth said unhappily.
Laughing softly, her aunt kissed her forehead and gave her a hug. “It will be here before you know it.”
“ALL IN.” The men threw their cards down and Wickham groaned.
“That’s it for you, I think.” The grinning man scooped up the coins on the table and drew them back to his chest. He tossed Wickham a shilling. “Here, for your drink.”
“Very amusing, Scott.” Wickham grabbed the coin and pocketed it. “One more round. I feel lucky.”
“And what will you play with? I’ve got all your cash.”
He drew out a pocket watch. “Here, this is worth a hundred pounds, a gift upon graduation from my godfather.”
Scott picked it up and studied it, saw that it was not running and tossed it on the table. “Five.”
Wickham snatched it back. “Are you out of your mind?”
He shrugged and started counting the money before him, turning the pile into neat columns. Wickham eyed it enviously. “I’ll sell it and return to win my money back.”
“As you like. I think you should find a new source of income. Cards are not your talent. What happened to that widow you were entertaining?”
“Hmm? Oh, she found a husband.” He rubbed his jaw and picked up a paper that was abandoned nearby. “I suppose a new widow would be easy to find.” He ignored the war news and turned to the society page, and began searching the gossip for likely victims when a thought struck him. “Darcy.”
“Who?”
Wickham looked up and folded the paper under his arm. “Nothing.” He stood and lunging forward, knocked over the stacks of coins and disappeared in a second, leaving Scott standing and shaking his fist in his wake.
Chapter 17
“DO not slouch, Georgiana.” Lady Matlock watched her niece with a critical eye. “It is an honour to be at the table with the adults, and you must behave as one.”“But I have always sat with Fitzwilliam at dinner.” She pointed out.
“He wanted the company. When you are married, your children will eat separately until they are at least fifteen.” She glanced at her son. “As Layton can support.”
“Yes Cousin, I was relegated to the nursery for a long time, and once allowed to eat with my parents, I found myself wishing to return.” He laughed and Georgiana giggled.
“How was your afternoon with Darcy and Miss Elizabeth?” Alicia asked.
“Oh, it was wonderful! Fitzwilliam is so happy! He smiled and laughed. Miss Elizabeth is so good for him.” She saw that everyone was listening, and looked down. “He bought her a beautiful locket, and then gave the jeweller a curl of her hair to be made into a ring. He had cut more than was necessary, so he had the rest bound with a gold clip, and purchased a little box made of mother-of-pearl. He said it will fit nicely in the pocket for his watch fob.” She sighed happily.
“Who knew that Darcy could be such a sentimental fool?” Layton laughed.
“I think that it is wonderful.” Alicia said softly, causing her husband to turn his eyes to her.
“So you approve of the match now? I thought that you were in agreement that Miss Elizabeth is wholly unsuitable.”
“If you look beyond her status, there is nothing that is wrong with her.” She saw Lady Matlock’s raised brows. “Oh, well yes she certainly requires refinement and a great deal of instruction for moving in society, but in essentials, she is a precisely what our cousin needs. No doubt she will quickly pick up what she needs to know, I understand that she is very quick
witted. The important point is that our unhappy cousin is at last happy.” She smiled to see Georgiana nod.
“I am surprised at you.” Layton studied her. “I have never known you to tolerate anyone below our circle.”
“No, that is you, Husband.” She glanced at him. “I allow room for individual achievement without dismissing the entire population.”
“So you are saying that if you had met Miss Elizabeth on her own, without her attachment to Darcy, you would have befriended her?” Lord Matlock asked with a small smile.
Alicia flushed. “No, I suppose not, I would have passed her over.”
“So you are a hypocrite!” Layton said triumphantly.
She spoke coldly. “At least I am willing to accept a family member’s choice. Audrey likes her and she has spent hours in her company. Do you not trust your own sister?”
“Audrey has stars in her eyes from what she perceives as love.” Lady Matlock said quietly.
“Is it not love?” Georgiana asked. The table grew silent and each member contemplated their own marriage and thought of what Darcy had found.
“It may very well be.” Lord Matlock said softly and looked at his wife. “Only time will tell.” Clearing his throat he added, “I saw the notice in the paper about the engagement. I expect that we will be hearing from Catherine soon.”
“Oh, that is right, well that should be interesting!” Layton rubbed his hands together. “I lay down odds she will arrive here within a week, breathing fire!”
“No doubt.” Lord Matlock said slowly. “She may cause trouble.”
“Darcy told her in no uncertain terms that marriage to Anne was not a possibility. Richard said that she was shocked and disappointed but seemed to accept that fact.”
“But did Anne? She has heard that she was to marry her cousin since birth, and has had no opportunity to meet anyone else. She is a bit old to be entering the marriage fray as a novice now.”
