by Wells, Linda
Matlock
Darcy knit his brow and setting aside his uncle’s cryptic note, turned to the numbered opened letters. He picked up the first, Collins? And began to read. He was on his feet instantly and swore loud enough to attract Layton’s attention from the library. He came running in time to open the study door and see Darcy throw down Lady Catherine’s letter before reaching for the one from Mrs. Jenkinson. Noticing his father’s handwriting, Layton began reading the letters as well. Darcy finally came to the second letter from his uncle which described Rosings, Elizabeth’s shopping with the ladies, and finally the suspicions that gossip will soon be spreading.
“Elizabeth.” He whispered. “My love, what are you feeling?” Darcy fell back into his chair, barely acknowledging Layton’s expletives as the vision of Elizabeth reading these letters and the pain she must have felt filled his mind. “And you wrote me a love letter.” He murmured.
“Darcy.” Layton said again. “DARCY!”
“Forgive me.” He sat up and noticed that Layton held a letter in his hands. “I did not see that letter, did I?”
“No, this is mine, from Alicia. I suppose in your haste you forgot to send my post to me?” He said with a slight smile. He had picked up Elizabeth’s letter and immediately dropped it when he saw the contents. “She says that Elizabeth is well.”
“How can she be well? She had this fool parson telling her I was married! A parson!” He stood and paced. “I should be there.” Holding up the singed letter from Lady Catherine he shook it at Layton. “I should have opened this instead of ignoring it. I should have gone to Rosings and …”
“And what, Darcy? You appearing at Rosings would have cemented this fabrication in the minds of every person who saw you, not to mention Anne. The servants, this idiot Collins, and especially Aunt Catherine, she would have had you two married; you would have done your duty as you saw it, to protect Anne.”
“No, I would not have abandoned Elizabeth.” He stated positively.
“I do not know, Darcy. You cannot imagine the pressure of being there in person. It is best that the situation was handled without you.” He took a seat and crossed his legs, then noticed that his cousin was focussing an intense glare upon him. “I am sorry if I have angered you by questioning your dedication to Elizabeth. You cannot predict how you would have reacted had you been there anymore than you can fully imagine the panic Elizabeth felt when she was faced with these letters without you nearby. However, without a doubt the gossip will be spreading quickly. Alicia writes that they have been taking Elizabeth out very publicly, and making a great show of their acceptance and her preparations for the wedding.”
“Yes, Elizabeth referred to it. She did not elaborate.” He said softly, picking up her letter to see her barely mention the events. “I am sure that she hates it. No wonder returning to Longbourn seemed as if it were the best solution.”
“Alicia referred to that as well.” Layton looked at Darcy who was lost in thought. “Mother is correct, for Elizabeth to leave town now would be seen as confirmation that something is amiss between you.”
“Where there is smoke there is fire.” He murmured. “Speaking of which, there is nothing more that I can do here. I must return to London.”
“Are you certain? There is still much to be accomplished.” He smiled at the incredulous expression. “I am here to be your sounding board, Cousin. I do not question your desire to return to her.”
“As you pointed out, I am not doing the cleaning, my very capable staff will do that, and I have given Mrs. Reynolds the funds to reward them all handsomely when they are finished. The new roof over the kitchen will be up within a few more days, and that builder Singleton found for us has promised a completely outfitted and modern efficient kitchen to be in place within the month. My presence here might spur the work on, but otherwise, my place is with Elizabeth. Her letter begged me to return, and now I truly understand why.” He looked up to see his cousin nodding. “You agree?”
“Yes. When shall we go? Unless you would like me to remain?”
“I appreciate your offer, but as you are at last mending your marriage, I would not wish for my troubles to stand in the way. Return with me. I trust my people.” He reached for a sheet and his pen. “I will send an express today stating our intentions, and we will leave in the morning.”
“I will notify my valet.” Layton rose and watched as Darcy’s mask fell into place, and he concentrated on the note. “Darcy, she is well.”
“I will believe that only when I see her.” He said shortly without looking up, and heard the door latch shut when his cousin departed. Sighing, he sealed the note to his uncle, wrote another letter to Elizabeth, and summoned a footman to engage an express rider immediately. He picked up all of the scattered letters, read them through again, and folded them to place in his desk. Elizabeth’s he kept out and reaching behind him, found his old journal. It fell open to that one special page. “Lizzy, Longbourn, Gracechurch Street, Gardiner.” He repeated the mantra. Rising to his feet he opened the hidden safe and found the velvet bag that he remembered from the day months ago when he entertained Georgiana by examining the family jewels. At the time he noted this particular piece, and how he wondered it would look upon Elizabeth. He dared not imagine it would ever truly be hers, but now … “Elizabeth, Park Lane, Pemberley, Darcy.” Clutching it in his hand he closed his eyes. “I will be with you soon, my love.”
“COLONEL FITZWILLIAM.” The footman announced.
Evangeline stood and smiled, “Please come in sir, and take a seat.”
Fitzwilliam advanced, feeling unusually nervous and carefully arranging his sword, accepted the chair. He smiled a little, and seeing her waiting expectantly finally burst out with some nonsense. “This is a very fine room.”
“Yes, it is.” Taking pity on him she laughed. “Colonel are you this nervous on the battlefield?”
He relaxed and shook his head. “No Mrs. Carter, I am not. In fact I cannot remember feeling this nervous since I received my last reprimand from my father.”
“And when was that?”
“Last Tuesday, as I recall.” He smiled and she smiled in return. “Forgive me; I am very unaccustomed to this whole courtship ritual.”
“Is that what it is?” She tilted her head.
“Mrs. Carter, I have espoused for some time that I truly dislike the dance that men and women must play, talking about the weather instead of getting down to the gist of the matter. Too much question hanging in the air when a simple statement can clear up so much hesitancy and confusion.”
“Such as what my brother experienced with Miss Bennet.”
“Precisely.” Fitzwilliam happily seized the example. “Undoubtedly being a man married, he knows exactly what he wants and needs, but Miss Bennet being a maiden can only play by the rules laid down in the etiquette manuals.”
“Or her mother.”
“I think that Miss Bennet’s manners are most certainly not inspired by her mother’s teachings, Mrs. Carter.”
“Well, I cannot argue entirely with that. So sir, what does all of this have to do with …”
“Us.”
“Us, sir?”
“Mrs. Carter, you were married, please do not leave me dangling here. Please acknowledge that you know of what I am speaking!”
“Very well sir, I do. And I also know that no woman in her right mind would wish to remarry having at last achieved financial independence with the death of her husband. She would be seen as quite wanton, would she not? Why would she give up her control to another man, especially after experiencing such a marriage as I have?”
Deflated, Fitzwilliam looked at his hands. “Because she did experience that terrible marriage and the man who is interested now is not the one she knew before. And he has had his share of terrible experiences and hopes that maybe he could try to live a quiet life and make some lady happy for the rest of hers.” His confession was met by silence and he looked up to see Evangeline with a hand
kerchief pressed to her mouth. Not knowing what to do he bent towards her. “Mrs. Carter, forgive me for speaking so plainly, I know that it is wrong of me. I just wished to make my intentions clear from the outset. I … I have always known that for me to marry at all, it would have to be to a woman of some means. I have never accepted support from my father, except for taking advantage of his hospitality, and I know that it pains my parents terribly to worry for my future. However, my injuries in the last battle were grave and I have for the most part recovered, but I will never return to war again.”
“I am happy to hear that, sir.” Evangeline said softly. “We have known each other but hours.”
“I am not proposing, Mrs. Carter … I am … well yes, I am proposing.” He drew himself up and looked her square in the eye. “I am proposing that we begin a courtship and … now that you know my thoughts and … motivation, you might consider them as we grow to know each other and weigh them against your own. I … I believe that we might have a very comfortable friendship and perhaps … it might be more.” He smiled and raised his brows. “What do you think?”
Evangeline smiled at this hopeful bear of a man. “I think that I would like very much to be your friend, colonel. But I am in no hurry to marry; I will have to think long and hard about taking such a step again. I must decide if my wish is to remain a doting aunt or if I wish to take the risk of motherhood.”
“Of course, your sister’s death is on your mind.” Fitzwilliam said softly. “Forgive me for thinking only of life as a couple. Marriage carries many more burdens for a woman than a man.”
She studied his downcast eyes. “I read that Mr. Darcy married your cousin.”
He stood and stalked to the window. “No, Mrs. Carter, he is not. She is ill and believes that to be so, the tongues of the uninformed have spread that rumour and our family is taking steps to counteract it. One solution was offered to me. I was given the opportunity to marry her to gain her estate, and I refused.”
“And why is that?” She watched his shoulders bend.
“I would never feel comfortable there. The marriage may have been legitimate from the standpoint of law and church, but to me …it would have been a false ceremony, done for gain and without feeling. My cousin never would have known, she is not cognizant of her environment, but I would have known, and that matters to me.”
Evangeline closed her eyes. This man was the absolute opposite of the one she had married, and somewhere in her heart, she felt some of her protective armour fall away. “So, what do we need to do next, Colonel? If we are to be friends … or more?”
Richard turned to see her smile, it was different, softer and perhaps a little shy. “I am not sure.” He laughed. “Does a widow need a chaperone?”
She laughed with him. “I do not know. I will have to consult an etiquette book!”
SINGLETON KICKED HIS HORSE and picked up the pace a little. “Come on Audrey, keep up.”
“This is not a race, Robert.”
“That would be difficult with this crowd.” He smiled and looked over to see her smile briefly then gaze ahead along the riding path through Hyde Park. Trying again, he chose another safe subject. “Is that a new riding habit? It is very becoming.”
“It is the same habit I had last Season, you have just not ridden with me for a long time.”
“I am trying Audrey.” He said quietly.
She relented from her caution. “I know, I am sorry. Thank you.”
“Singleton! Where have you been? We have not seen you at the table in weeks; I want a chance to win my purse back!” Singleton closed his eyes then turned to the man.
“I have been occupied with more pressing matters, and I think that my days at the tables are over.”
Glancing at his companion the man laughed loudly. “What, are you afraid that your wife will hear? Come on, you are not changing your ways for her, are you? Be a man!”
“That is precisely what I plan to be.” Singleton kicked his horse again and moved ahead, then regaining control of his anger he looked back to where Audrey was following him. “Audrey, I …”
“Thank you.”
“I do not wish to end as Carter did, dead on a field of honour for no honourable reason.” He spoke looking straight ahead. “Your brothers have made it clear that they will hound me forever if I misstep again, and perhaps that is a good thing, to be afraid.”
“If that is what is required for you to change, then I am grateful for it. I can only hope that it lasts.”
“You are a beautiful girl Audrey, when I see you around nearly anyone else you are joyful and so happy, but when you are near me, you become silent, your resentment is difficult to bear.”
“I am trying as well.” She blinked back the threatening tears. “I am afraid to give you more should you revert back, that you might drive me away.”
“Into the arms of another?” He asked in a strained voice.
“I hope not.” She stared ahead the same way he was.
“If your brother can change, so can I. I am not foolish enough to demand that you trust me. I know that it must be earned.” He reined in his horse and at last looked her in the eye. “All I ask is that you tell me if I disappoint you, no matter the reason.”
“You would care for my opinion?”
“I would.”
“Singleton!” He glanced up to see another old gambling partner.
“Shall we return home?” He smiled shyly.
Audrey nodded and smiled in return. “That sounds wonderful to me.”
“Singleton!”
“You are popular.” She observed.
“Losers always are.”
15 JUNE 1809
Pemberley
Dearest Elizabeth,
I received the gift of your letter and the horror of my Uncle’s. I will leave at daybreak. All is in hand here, my place is with you. I should arrive the afternoon the day after you receive this. Stay where you are my love, I will have you in my arms very soon.
Yours always,
Fitzwilliam
“Thank you.” Elizabeth whispered.
15 June 1809
Pemberley
Dear Uncle,
What the devil has happened? Is it possible that my cousin’s addled mind is not a product of her illness but something from her mother? She allowed this delusion to continue? What did she think I would do, fly down to Rosings to marry Anne? I am unconcerned about the reasons; the unmitigated gall of the woman astounds me! I regret that I was not with you to confront her! I know my Elizabeth, she is a strong woman but she is also so afraid of something happening to end our engagement. I will never forgive my aunt for this. At least she is gone from Rosings. I heartily suggest that you speak to our lost cousin de Bourgh and recommend that Collins be sent on his way post-haste, and if Mrs. Jenkinson requires a new position, I will be glad to find her one. I am incensed, Uncle! We leave at daybreak. I know what I must do.
Sincerely,
Darcy
“What does that mean; he knows what he must do? He said that before when he nearly began to court Miss Gannon. I hope that he will not do anything rash.” Lady Matlock asked when she took the letter from her husband’s grasp.
“I believe that it means the master of Pemberley is not going to play by anyone’s rules but his own.” He shook his head and smiled. “We have done all that we can now, Helen. It is in his hands.”
Chapter 26
“Come inside Darcy, Father will want to speak to you.”“I am going to Elizabeth.” Darcy said stubbornly. “I will speak to your father tomorrow.”
“It is very possible that she may be inside.” Layton stood by the carriage door and watched his cousin struggle with a decision, then heard him swear as he climbed out. “I knew that would work.”
“If she is not here, I will be gone in fifteen minutes.” Darcy growled then looked up to his driver. “Wait here, I will send out word if I am to stay.” The man nodded and watched the cousins enter Matlock House.
“I did Uncle, and they will be well-rested before they go out again. Is Elizabeth here?”
“No, she is with the Gardiners, I suppose.” He saw Darcy turn to leave. “Where are you going?”
“To my Elizabeth.”
“We have much to discuss, please stay, take some refreshment …” Lord Matlock’s eyes widened to receive a cold hard glare. “Now that is an interesting talent, Son.”
“I will see you tomorrow.” He began to walk and stopped. “Thank you for all you have done in my absence.” In a moment he was gone.
“Harrowing trip home?” Lord Matlock asked Layton.
He sank into a chair and sighed. “Ruthless. He was determined to get to her side. How has it been?”
Lord Matlock resumed his seat and folded his hands. “What you would expect. The gossip is so ripe. Darcy is hardly a renowned public figure, but the idea of an extremely rich young man engaged to a girl with nothing then jilting her for his cousin is just too enticing to die off quickly. We could parade Elizabeth around for weeks and talk until we were blue in the face, but with him absent, the talk was free to grow. Do you know his plans? We discussed a large wedding breakfast to be held here.”
“Oh he would love that.” Layton said sarcastically.
“Well inviting the world to the church is vulgar, as your mother has proclaimed.”
Layton laughed. “Well, he has not divulged his plans. I could barely get a word out of him the entire way back. He just stared out of the window and twisted that ring he has.” He stood up and walked to the study door. “Let him see her and be reassured that she is well. There is time to fix this. Any news from Rosings?”
“Anne’s fever broke, but the damage is done, I think. She is very weak.” Lord Matlock pushed back from his desk and crossed his arms. “Catherine refuses to leave Rosings, claiming that her daughter needs her.”
