Men of Consequence

by Francine Rainey

  “Tonight has been pleasant, has it not? The theater was excellent, and it was kind of Mr. Darcy to allow us to view it from his box and to invite us back here to enjoy refreshments.”

  “Yes, I suppose it was.”

  “What is it, Lizzy?”

  “Tis nothing. It is just that Mr. Darcy puzzles me exceedingly.”

  “What do you mean? Still attempting to sketch his character?”

  “Yes, Jane! In Hertfordshire, he was horrid proud and disagreeable, like a god condemned to cavort with the mortals.”

  “Lizzy!” Jane hissed.

  “Well, he was, Jane, offending one and all. All our friends, I know they are not wealthy, but you know they are all good and kind if a little silly. And not to mention how he behaved with Miss Bingley, sneering and denigrating our marriage possibilities. And now, Jane, he is all politeness and amiability! I do not know how to make him out.”

  There had been silence and Darcy had strained to hear more.

  “Why are you looking about, Jane?”

  “Lizzy, we are in his home; we should not discuss this now.”

  “Jane, no one is about; we can see them making merry through the glass.”

  Darcy had heard Jane sigh.

  “Lizzy, I think you misunderstand him. He is Charles’ best friend!”

  “Jane, neither you, nor your dear husband is capable of finding fault! Also, dear Sister, you are disposed to like him as you were ‘the only handsome girl in the room’ while I was merely ‘tolerable.’”

  “Lizzy! Such a face you make!”

  Again, Darcy had held his breath during the silence. Finally, Jane spoke in a soothing voice.

  “Lizzy, he should not have said such a thing. It was as unkind as it is untrue. No, no Lizzy, I know what Mama says, and to have heard it all these years! Well, it just is not true, you are beautiful within and without, and you sparkle like a candle.”

  “No, Lizzy, do not make a joke about it. Just look at how Colonel Saye and Mr. Lancaster have been flitting around you like honeybees to clover.”

  Elizabeth laughed, “Jane, you are too good. Yes, please divert me from my unpleasant thoughts about a certain unpleasant gentleman. I shall think no more on it, for I have far more pleasant prospects to dwell upon! Come, Sister, I have been soothed. Let us return to the party.”

  “His sister is charming, is she not?”

  “Yes, very. I think…”

  The voices faded and Darcy released the trunk and rubbed his hands now irritated from the bark.

  Darcy shook his head from the memory. That night had been a gift. He shuddered to think what might have happened if he had arrogantly and ignorantly implemented his plans. Now, it would be more difficult to win her, but he had a greater chance then if he had not known. Darcy straightened and pulled the cord to have Georgiana summoned. He had not wanted to discuss the possibility of Elizabeth’s coming with her in the carriage ride home, but now, Georgiana had an invitation to extend.

  Two days later, Darcy lay on his back, gazing at the ceiling, his hands drumming an impatient beat upon his chest. He had been awake most of the night. The few times he had fallen asleep, he had been awakened by vivid dreams of Elizabeth in his home, in his life, in his arms. He would collect her today. His mind and body struggled to relax: this was momentous. Winning her good opinion would be the fight of his life thus far – his future would be shaped by the path. It would either lead to fulfillment and indescribable joy, a life well lived, expressed in color and textures like a painter’s masterpiece, or it would be a life endured in duty and restraint, grey, flat and dull. He knew that now. His love for Elizabeth had altered him. Ever a man of responsibility, he now understood what it meant to wake with joy and expectation. He felt like a parched man with the first taste of water from a cool stream, and there was no way he could give it up without a fight.

  Darcy leapt from the bed and pulled the cord for his valet. It was just before dawn, a little earlier than usual, but he was a man on a mission. He dressed quickly and proceeded to the breakfast room.

  “Good Morning, Brother!” Georgiana greeted Darcy as she entered the breakfast room. “I am so excited; I could hardly sleep!” she continued, not even giving her brother a chance to return her greeting.

  Darcy laid down the paper and smiled. “Why are you so excited?” Darcy asked with a twinkle in his eye.

  “Brother, you must not tease me so! You know Elizabeth will come today! I have so many plans! We will practice together and have a picnic in the garden and walk in Hyde Park.” Georgiana looked up with wide eyes, “Do you think she will enjoy being here?” Georgiana bit her lip. “You did say that she loves the out of doors, that is why I planned the picnic and the walks in Hyde Park, but you also said she loved to read,” Georgiana stopped and inhaled sharply, “I did not plan any reading!” She sat upright, her voice rising as she spoke, “We must go to Hatchard and buy all the latest novels…”

  “Georgiana,” Darcy called with laughter in his voice, but she seemed not to hear. “Georgiana,” he reached across the table to touch her hands. “Dearest,” he laughed slightly, “do not fret so. Miss Elizabeth is the kindest, most generous woman of my acquaintance. She will love whatever you plan because you, her new friend, has planned it.”

  Georgiana stared, then exhaled, and relaxed into her seat. “You must think me a simpleton.”

  “No. I think you are excited to get to know your new friend.” He of all people could not censure her. In fact, the only difference between them was his years of practice in schooling his emotions. However, he felt the excitement as she did, and perhaps more. He was akin to a duck gliding over the water, but with feet paddling furiously below it.

  In the Bingley home, Lizzy looked in the mirror. It was the day she was to move to Mr. Darcy’s house. She tucked a few errant curls and looked at her reflection. “What are you doing, Lizzy? How is it that you are to pass more than a fortnight in the home of Mr. High and Mighty Fitzwilliam Darcy! Have you gone mad?” She creased her brow and stared as if clarity would be obtained through her reflected self. After a moment, Elizabeth sighed, “You are useless!” she said to her reflection and then giggled at her absurdity and turned to meet Jane in the drawing room to await the Darcys.

  Later that morning, Darcy and Georgiana arrived to collect Elizabeth. Darcy handed Georgiana into the carriage and turned with a half-smile toward Elizabeth.

  “Miss Bennet,” he said as he offered his hand.

  Elizabeth placed her hand into his and looked up into his eyes. She stood just inches from him, so close. Elizabeth smiled, and Darcy, tense from her nearness, swallowed hard and closed his eyes. With a slight shake of his head, he slid his long frame into the seat opposite them. Georgiana grinned widely, and Darcy indulged her with a slight upturn of his lips that grew into a soft smile as he watched the women he adored sitting close, smiling, and talking. She is so lovely, Darcy thought as he looked at Elizabeth. Her was mind sharp, her mannerisms open, her eyes expressive, her body lithe. Darcy shifted in the seat and tugged his cravat as he turned to gaze out the window.

  They were passing now into London’s most fashionable neighborhood, and the smaller homes of modestly wealthy gentlemen and tradesmen morphed into the opulent homes of the flushed and well connected. Narrow streets widened, and beauty abounded through intricate craftsmanship and colorful gardens. Darcy sighed, once, this was all a source of pride – now it seemed inconsequential when weighed against what really mattered: her. A life with her. Giving and receiving, growing and building, loving, and being loved. Every earthly thing that mattered was ensconced within his well-sprung carriage that suddenly seemed impossibly small.

  Darcy shifted in his seat and tapped his finger rapidly against his walking stick in time with his pounding heart. He felt a heat invade his body that had nothing to do with the warm Spring day but everything to do with the importance of the challenge before him – securing Elizabeth’s affec
tions. It was a daunting task, and his life depended upon it.

  “Brother,” Darcy turned to Georgiana, his expression unintentionally hard from the weight of his reflections.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Certainly. Why do you ask?”

  “Because you were worrying your walking stick and did not answer Miss Bennet.”

  Darcy flinched and glanced at Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, my apologies, my thoughts had drifted.”

  “My, my, Mr. Darcy, have you grown bored with my presence so soon?”

  Darcy shook his head and smiled, “Impossible, Miss Bennet. Now, please, what may I do for you?”

  “No, Mr. Darcy, it is not what you may do for me, but what we may do for you?” Elizabeth raised one brow and smiled. Darcy swallowed – hard.

  “I see you were unaware that your sister has been plying me with the delights that have been planned for my pleasure during my stay at Darcy house. Such indulgences are truly generous, and as I have been informed that you shall be our escort, I thought it only right to inquire that for your sacrifice, if any of your particular pleasures have been included?”

  My pleasure. Silence reigned as Darcy’s heart pounded, and his blood warmed to a boiling point. You are my pleasure.

  Georgiana smiled at her brother and nodded at Elizabeth’s comments. Darcy looked at Elizabeth with such intensity that Georgiana raised a brow, and her eyes darted back and forth between her two companions whose gazes were locked. Georgiana creased her brow and cleared her throat, staring at Darcy.

  Elizabeth blinked, blushed, and looked away. Darcy unknowingly scowled at the intruding sound. Then shaking his head slightly, he cleared his throat and trained his intense blue gaze upon her once again, “Miss Bennet,” Darcy’s voice was rough despite having cleared his throat, “your pleasure is mine’s.”

  Elizabeth glanced up and encountered his gaze. She lowered her eyes and smiled; however, gone was her teasing manner, evaporated like liquid in the heat of the sun.

  “There, Elizabeth, did I not tell you that it would be my brother’s pleasure?”

  My pleasure. It was now Darcy’s turn to look away.

  Elizabeth chuckled and smoothed her pelisse, “Indeed, you did.” Then arching her brow, her courage restored, she teased, “Then far be it from me to suspend any pleasure of yours, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth spoke with laughter in her voice.

  Darcy looked up suddenly and stared, remembering the words he had spoken during their one dance at the Netherfield ball, the dance where he thought he was still in control, the dance where he thought his heart was his to command. Darcy smiled and looked away. Such foolishness, he was utterly at her mercy.

  Chapter Eleven

  Darcy house was a grand and elegant home of four stories, situated on a large parcel of land with a pleasant front lawn and a beautiful garden that bloomed with a plethora of Spring colors. Mr. Darcy stepped from the carriage and turned eager eyes upon Elizabeth. As the trio ascended the steps, Darcy’s imposing butler opened the door. As they were divested of their outwear, Elizabeth gazed upon the splendor.

  “Welcome to Darcy house, Miss Bennet,” Darcy said.

  “Yes, Elizabeth, it is such a pleasure to have you here,” Georgiana echoed.

  “Thank you both. It is an honor to be invited. Your home is lovely. I am overwhelmed by its elegance, just as I was the night of the theater.” The Darcys thanked her with warm smiles. As they spoke, an elderly lady with white hair and warm brown eyes framed with laugh lines stood just inside the foyer.

  “This is our housekeeper, Mrs. Pennington. She will show you to your rooms, and if there is anything that you require, you need only ask,” Darcy smiled into her eyes. Elizabeth thanked him and followed the housekeeper up a beautiful, gleaming mahogany staircase with intricately carved spindles, and down a few massive corridors to her chambers.

  Elizabeth’s eyes widened as she entered what would be her home for a few weeks. Her room was larger than the mistress’ chamber at Longbourn. It consisted of a massive canopy bed with counterpane in blue and yellow flowers that matched the blue and yellow walls. The furniture was large, elegant, and beautifully carved. The room may have been imposing if not for the warmth and cheer borrowed from the colors and the feminine touches of lace that softened it. It was the most elegant room Elizabeth had ever seen.

  “Miss Bennet, this is Lucy, she will serve as your lady’s maid,” Mrs. Pennington said, indicating a petite young woman with a pleasant smile. “Lucy will see to your needs, and if there is anything you require, you need only ask.”

  Lucy curtsied, “Good Morning, ma’am, shall you like a bath?”

  “Thank you, Lucy, but only a basin of water to refresh myself will be fine.” Elizabeth smiled at the young woman then turned to Mrs. Pennington, “Thank you, Mrs. Pennington, I shall be quite content.”

  Having dismissed Lucy, Elizabeth stood at the window admiring the garden. It was larger than most gardens in the fashionable neighborhood and perfectly groomed with complementary flora grouped with verdant trees and bushes, and a small path leading to a covered bench that looked perfect for reading on a quiet afternoon. Elizabeth smiled in anticipation, then she turned and exited to join Georgiana.

  As Elizabeth neared the music room, beautiful music filled the corridor. Elizabeth paused at the threshold and listened as Georgiana’s fingers flew over the keys. At least in this Caroline had not exaggerated; Georgiana was a true proficient. Elizabeth applauded when the music stopped, and Georgiana whipped around with wide eyes.

  “How marvelous, Georgiana! You are a true proficient.”

  Georgiana flushed and looked down. “My brother says you play so well.”

  “Your brother teases you for some nefarious purpose! I do not play half so well as you!”

  Georgiana glanced up with wide eyes. “No, that cannot be! My brother always speaks the truth.”

  Elizabeth nearly laughed at Georgiana’s startled and disbelieving expression. “Well, your brother must have a different idea of proficiency,” she said with a smile and quickly changed the subject. “What a beautiful instrument!”

  Georgiana slid over, “Thank you. Would you like to play, Elizabeth?”

  “Yes, thank you, I would.” Elizabeth found a simple piece that she knew well. Initially, tentative fingers touched the keys, but soon, Elizabeth relaxed and allowed the music to absorb her.

  When she finished, Georgiana applauded. “Elizabeth! That was lovely!”

  “Thank you, but I am not technically perfect. I cannot compare to you, Georgiana.”

  “But you play with such feeling. How do you do that? I mean, play with such abandon?”

  “Well, I guess that once I have learned the notes, I,” Elizabeth shrugged, “I stop thinking as much and feel the music instead.”

  “Feel the music?”

  “Yes, music can make one feel happy, mischievous, peaceful, or even a little sad. I feel that, and I try to express that feeling when I play.”

  Georgiana stood still, eyes blinking as she played with the lace on her dress. “I could never have the courage to do that,” Georgiana said quietly.

  Elizabeth’s heart went out to the shy girl, so young and uncertain, despite her height and social standing.

  “Come,” Elizabeth said, holding her hand out to Georgiana. As Georgiana settled onto the piano bench, Elizabeth continued, “Let me tell you a little about courage. Courage just means one is willing to do something even though still afraid. And once you do it, you realize that most of the time, the fear was for naught. And that, my friend, is called being triumphant,” Georgiana stared, her breathing erratic as if something monumental had been said.

  “Are you alright, Georgiana?”

  Georgiana blinked and nodded quickly. “Yes, yes, I am well.”

  Elizabeth peered at her and Georgiana took a deep breath and smiled. “I would like to try courage.” Georgiana blushed. “I mean, I would like to
try to play with courage.”

  “Perfect.” And an afternoon of trial and error, encouragement and triumphs, laughter and sharing ensued; it transformed them from acquaintances to friends.

  The sun was setting, and Darcy’s steps thundered up the stairs. He was late! The issue with his latest holding was more complex, and it had kept him at his solicitor’s office longer than he imagined. Blasted Harrison and his meticulousness! Darcy scowled and then shook his head, Harrison’s meticulousness was the reason he had been the Darcy solicitor for more than twenty years. But today was the worst possible moment for the man’s droning and searching. Not only had he been unable to spend any time with Elizabeth, but now he ran the risk of being late for dinner. They will wait, Darcy thought, but I do not want to wait another minute to see her. Oh, the joy! Darcy’s rapid breathing had little to do with his quick pace.

  “Samuels!” Darcy yelled as he threw open the doors to his chambers.

  Darcy’s valet burst wide-eyed through the dressing room door.

  “Hurry, man! Dinner is upon us.”

  Samuels stopped abruptly, his forehead in a deep crease, “Dinner, sir?”

  “Yes! Dinner! Now help me out of this dratted jacket!”

  Samuels snapped from his stupor and stepped quickly, “As you wish, sir.” Samuels’ brow rose and descended quickly as he watched Darcy attempt to shake, pull, and tug off his clothing faster than they could realistically be removed. It reminded Samuels of one with a bee up his trousers! Rushing to Darcy, Samuels grabbed the collar and pulled a spastic Darcy free.

  Thirty minutes later, a harried Samuels watched his clean and impeccably dressed master nearly run down the corridor. Samuels huffed, “Dinner Sir? Humph, in my day, we called them lasses. Dinner indeed!”