Forever, Darcy
Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t. But not when Miss Bingley is involved.
Darcy knows he must marry, and very soon.
But what sort of lady would agree to marry a man at first meeting?
Elizabeth Bennet is struggling to support her family at a time when governess situations are hard to keep and harder to find.
A way out is offered.
But what sort of man is willing to make an offer of marriage to a lady chosen by his family — especially to a lady whose sister has ruined them all?
And can love ever bloom from mere expediency?
Forever, Darcy is a sweet and clean quick read Regency novella of around 32,000 words.
Forever, Darcy
Harriet Knowles
Georgina Peel
Copyright © 2018 by Harriet Knowles
All rights reserved.
This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
The characters are all productions of the author’s imagination, apart from those characters and locations so famously bequeathed to us by Jane Austen. Thank you, Jane Austen.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Afterword
1
Elizabeth sat forward on the edge of the chair. She sipped at her tea, and smiled faintly at her aunt.
“Thank you, Aunt Gardiner. I’m so sorry to burden you with my troubles.”
Her aunt patted her arm briskly. “You know you’re always welcome here, Lizzy. And everyone needs to share their troubles sometimes.” She looked sad. “And the problems seem to be affecting everyone.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I shouldn’t have told you. You have enough troubles of your own.” Her voice shook a little. “Is Uncle’s business very bad?”
“We will be all right.” Aunt Gardiner spoke firmly. “I will not have you concerned about us.” She hesitated. “Business is difficult for many people just now, but things will improve soon. They must.”
Elizabeth knew that her uncle was determined to make sure his children were as secure as he possibly could. He had invested much of his profit in Trustee stocks. They would provide an income for his estate, but the capital couldn’t be touched. And it was needed now.
She had been startled when her aunt had carried in the tray of tea. She’d laughed at Elizabeth’s face. “I would far rather carry tea than entertain the children,” she smiled, as she placed the tray on the table. “So I have sent the maid up to the nursery.”
“You are so brave, Aunt Gardiner.” Elizabeth sat back. She didn’t know what to do, she knew her uncle’s support for Mama and her sisters could not be extended further.
“So, tell me what the problems are with your employers.” Aunt Gardiner poured herself another cup of tea. She looked tired and strained, Elizabeth thought.
She mustn’t burden her, or her uncle, with all her own troubles.
“Oh, it’s nothing, really, Aunt Gardiner. And I am so fortunate that I am living close to you,” Elizabeth sighed. “But it is like you’ve said, everyone is finding things difficult. Mrs. Adamson told me yesterday that they have let two more of the housemaids go. I’m beginning to feel unsure of my security there.”
“But that’s not the whole problem, is it?” Aunt Gardiner’s eyes were on her.
Elizabeth made a face. “I had a letter from Jane yesterday, too.”
“And …?”
“She’s back in Meryton with Mama and the others. Aunt, I hadn’t realised — although Jane has been let go, she’s happy. I didn’t realise she’d found Mr. Preston such an unpleasant man.” She shivered. “In a way, I’m glad she’s away from it all.” She looked her aunt in the eye. “Jane is relieved to be away from him, too. But of course, she’s mortified that the family is now reliant on me to supplement Mama’s income.”
Aunt Gardiner’s lips tightened. “I don’t see how you can be expected to manage to do that, Lizzy. Your mother’s fortune is enough to keep her in a simple way, if she only did not pander to Lydia’s wants so much.”
Elizabeth nodded gloomily. “Mary brings in a few pennies here and there, from her research for the vicar’s sermons. She saves them up for her own pin money. And Kitty is away, working for just her board and lodging. It has always been Lydia. And now she has ruined us all.” She felt tears starting to her eyes and turned to her aunt. “Just imagine, she can’t even think which officer might be the father of the baby!” She jumped to her feet in agitation and went to the window.
“And Mama lets her just sit around and complain that the officers won’t talk to her now, and that her life is so boring!”
Aunt Gardiner rose and joined Elizabeth by the window. “It’s very hard for you, Lizzy, I know that. Your mother ought really to have sent her away, so that you girls had a better chance of marrying. But we know she won’t do that, even your uncle was unable to make her see sense.”
Elizabeth finally gave way to tears. “What is going to become of us, Aunt? And how will you manage? You have the children to think of, and their education, too.”
Aunt Gardiner patted her comfortingly on the back. “Do not fret, Lizzy. I’m sure that everything will work out in the end. It’s hard for you, because you have such a strong sense of duty and feel so responsible for your family.” She drew Elizabeth back to the sofa.
“Perhaps I shouldn’t say anything until I have spoken to your uncle, but I don’t want to leave you feeling so unhappy.”
Elizabeth turned to her, a sudden hope in her heart, although she couldn’t imagine what idea her aunt could have had.
Aunt Gardiner smiled. “It might not work, I know that, but your uncle and I have been talking of returning to the country. London is so expensive now, and if the business is not paying its way, we could find a better life back in Derbyshire, where I lived as a child.”
“That might be better for the children,” Elizabeth said quietly. It would be a terrible blow to lose her aunt and uncle from London while she was working here.
Her aunt knew what she was thinking. “I have asked your uncle to look out for more congenial and secure employment for you, Lizzy. I hope it will not be long before he has something to suggest to you.” She frowned slightly. “And what you have said about Jane — I wonder if she might like to live with us and help me with the children? It will be a long way from home, and we could not afford to pay her just at first. But she would be better away from Lydia and your mother, I think.”
Elizabeth pushed back a sudden feeling of envy. “Aunt Gardiner! That is a wonderful idea! I know Jane loves the children dearly, and they love her, too.”
Aunt Gardiner took her hand. “You’d have to be very strong, Lizzy. And I hope you’d join us if you get a little holiday now and again, instead of going home.”
Elizabeth forced a smile. “Of course I will, you know that.” But she thought of her mother, totally unfitted for life without Papa, completely unable and unwilling to make Lydia pay the price of her foolishness, and her heart sank. She would never be able to
save the cost of the post coach to Derbyshire.
She sighed. “I miss Papa. It’s nearly two years now, and I can’t imagine how I’ll ever miss him less.”
“You and he were very close, I know.” Aunt Gardiner sounded sympathetic, and Elizabeth blinked away the tears again. She glanced at the clock.
“I must go, or I will be late for Peter’s tea.” She stood up. “Dear Aunt, I will write next week, and see if I can walk out here to deliver it.”
“If you can’t, do send it to me anyway. I will willingly pay the cost.” Her aunt kissed her briskly. “Please don’t say anything to Jane just yet. I must speak to your uncle first.”
Elizabeth walked quickly along the road back towards the Adamson’s small, but genteel home. She felt better for having spent the afternoon with her aunt.
She had a half-day off every other Wednesday, and it already seemed a long time until the next. Still, she had another half an hour to walk, and she breathed deeply. She didn’t get the chance to walk out at a reasonable pace when she walked out with Peter. The weather was warm and there were no fires, so the air was clear and she looked around with lively interest.
There was something to be said for being just another governess — nobody looked twice at her in her drab dress and bonnet. As a gentleman’s daughter, she’d have been accompanied by a maid — and would not have been permitted to walk so far in town.
She smiled sadly. She did miss Longbourn and the countryside. She swung round the corner to walk across the small park rather than on the road. She could have kept Longbourn — been its mistress, no less, had she been willing to pay the price.
Mr. Collins had inherited Longbourn under the entail and had puffed importantly round as he looked through his new estate. Gravely he had said to Mama that he was minded to right the wrong that had resulted in five daughters and the loss of her home and he had made Elizabeth an offer of marriage the very next day, Jane being in London.
Elizabeth shuddered as she remembered her mother’s anger when she discovered Elizabeth had vehemently refused to consider the offer, and that very evening, Mr. Collins had overheard talk between Lydia and Kitty and been too shocked and horrified to feel magnanimous any longer.
In less than a week, they were out. It was sooner than that for Elizabeth. Her mother’s anger was indescribable, and Elizabeth had spent two nights at Lucas Lodge before going back to Longbourn and packing a bag. Charlotte had been kind enough to loan her the fare to catch the post to London and Elizabeth had embraced her gratefully.
But now Charlotte was mistress of Longbourn and Mama would never forget her second daughter’s perfidy.
Elizabeth reached the neat little house and glanced up at the nursery window. She was fond of Peter, and after Jane’s letter, realised that she was fortunate in her employers, Mr. Adamson being scrupulously proper.
She wondered what her uncle might come up with in the way of employment if she lost her position here. Many were better qualified than she, yet could not obtain work. She pasted a big smile on her face, ready to enter the house — no one could work harder than she at making herself useful and pleasant company.
2
Darcy scowled. He was hiding in Bingley’s library at Netherfield, waiting for his friend to join him.
He was not enjoying this stay at his Bingley’s new home. He turned and paced the length of the room again. He would tell Bingley that he was going back to London.
Not that he disliked his friend, indeed, he was very good company. But his sisters were intolerable. Miss Caroline Bingley, in particular, was the reason he was sequestered in here. She was pursuing him relentlessly, and Darcy had no confidence that she would not try to place him in a compromising situation. He shuddered at the thought. He was a gentleman, and Bingley was his friend. But he would never marry her, never.
He could hear her complaining tones in the hall and the high, false laugh of her infernal sister and shuddered again. Then Bingley was there with him, without his usual good-natured beam.
“I thought I’d find you in here, Darcy!” He rang the bell vigorously. “Coffee?”
“Thank you.” Darcy nodded.
When they were seated in the high-backed leather chairs with their coffee, Bingley glanced at him.
“I think you’re not enjoying your stay here. I’m sorry.”
Darcy shrugged helplessly. “I’m sorry, too. But I am sure you understand why I need to leave here.”
Bingley nodded, frowning. Then he looked up. “I trust you absolutely, Darcy. You know that. Can I ask you — is what Caroline says true?”
Darcy blinked. “What does she say?” His heart constricted.
“She is beside herself with glee, Darcy.” Bingley was very serious. “She says you went to her bedchamber last night — that she is compromised and that you will marry her.”
Darcy sprang to his feet, the cup shattering at his feet. “I did not! It is a lie!” A cold hand squeezed his chest. He was too late, he should have gone yesterday — should never have come here.
Bingley stood up and came and shook Darcy’s hand. “I believe you, Darcy. I know you would never do that. Please come and sit down with me.”
A cold fog filled the room, suffocating him. Darcy shook his head, trying to clear it. He remained standing by the window.
Bingley took a deep breath. “Darcy. I will never let you marry her. Darcy. Tell me you have heard me say this.”
“What?” Darcy shook his head again. He looked at Bingley. “She will spread the rumour to all society. But …”
“I will never permit her to marry you. Never.” Bingley’s jaw was clenched.
“But my good name will be lost.” Anger was rising within him and he knew that even if he lost his good name, he would still never marry Miss Caroline Bingley.
Then he thought of his sister. It would ruin her reputation, too. His heart sank, Georgiana would hate it if he married Miss Bingley, she was frightened of her.
“Darcy,” Bingley said slowly and with an effort, he pulled his thoughts away from his sister.
“Yes?”
“I wonder if I may make a suggestion of how we need to deal with this?”
“I do not see how we can, Bingley.” Darcy turned away grimly.
“You have not heard what I wish to propose.” Bingley sounded quite assured and Darcy looked round.
“Well?”
“I will call her in. You will be standing back at the window.” Bingley sounded confident.
As he explained his plan, Darcy felt a small flare of hope.
“I am most grateful that you believe me, Bingley. I value your friendship, and if you are willing to do as you suggest, I will be very grateful.” He hesitated.
“But you know I am not engaged to another. It would be a lie.”
Bingley smiled. “A lie is not gentlemanly, I know. But Caroline has told a lie which is much more serious. I am prepared to do this, so you do not need to say it.” He wrung his friend’s hand. “I know you will leave Netherfield, and I will be sorry to see you go. I just pray we can remain friends.”
Darcy returned the handshake. “Always,” he said thickly, and turned to the window. His heart was cold. He did not want to face Miss Bingley, but he knew he must hear what she was told.
He schooled his face to granite as Bingley went to the door.
“Caroline. I wish to see you in here.”
Darcy watched as she swept triumphantly into the room, giving him a winning smile. He ignored it and stared straight ahead. Her smile faltered and she turned to her brother.
“I expect you have begun the settlement arrangements, Charles.” She turned towards the chair. “I must say, I think we should marry in town. The church here is so small and provincial.”
“No. Do not sit down, Caroline. I am very angry.” Bingley’s voice was colder than Darcy had ever heard it, and he saw Miss Bingley hesitate again.
Her chin in the air, she looked at her brother. “Do not try to frighten me
, Charles!”
“I am not trying to frighten you, Caroline. I am here to tell you a few truths which you would do well to heed.” Bingley glowered at his sister.
Darcy barely breathed as he watched.
“I have known you all my life, Caroline — obviously. I have known Darcy for five years.” Bingley turned away from her and walked to the mantel, where he leaned against it and looked at his sister.
Darcy almost smiled, Bingley was copying Darcy’s own mannerisms, almost exactly.
“I have to say that I know you to be an inveterate liar, whereas I have never known Darcy to lie, to be less than gentlemanly.”
As Bingley spoke, two little spots of angry colour appeared on her cheekbones. Darcy watched her carefully as Bingley continued.
“I believe him absolutely — that he has done nothing whatsoever wrong, and I think you have behaved abominably. I will not permit him to make you an offer, and I would not consent to your marriage, either.” Bingley stepped forward, closer to his sister. “I am the head of this household, I care not that you are older than me, what I say is what happens.”
He looked her in the eye. “If you continue to lie and shout about Darcy compromising you, then you will be ruined in the eyes of society, and there will be no recourse for you. Ever. Darcy is already betrothed to be married to another young lady, and you will never marry him.” He spun on his heel and walked away from her.
She looked utterly deflated. Then she drew herself up. “I don’t believe it. Who is it?”
Bingley turned again and stepped between her and Darcy. “That is nothing to do with you. Now go to your chambers for the next hour and think on whether you are prepared to ruin your own good name forever by repeating this lie.”
Forever, Darcy Page 1
