Richard twiddled his thumbs, his head tilted slightly as he watched Darcy, finally, he spoke, “But how are you certain that she does not like you?”
“I am not, at least not now. That night after the theater when we were gathered here, I went out into the garden for a breath of air. She and Mrs. Bingley were on the balcony, and I heard her opinion of my arrogance,” Darcy laughed without humor. “To think I thought she was flirting when all that time she was cutting me down with her wit. Could I be more arrogant?” Darcy shook his head. “At any rate, I have reason to believe her opinion has changed.”
“Great news, Cousin!”
“Yes, but I do not know yet if it is enough to proceed further, but I know she is no longer against me.” Darcy looked at Richard, “How serious is Saye?” he asked quietly.
Richard shrugged and threw up his hands. “I cannot say. He speaks of her admiringly and often. He is intrigued by her. He is adventurous, and the women of the ton bore him. I know he would like to further the acquaintance, but beyond that, I know nothing else.”
Darcy looked away, “Well, I am glad to have a few more days with her. I cannot leave yet to pursue Francesca. The men I have sent should speed up the process. Instruct your man to continue his search as well. I have pressing matters here.”
“Right then, and what shall you do about Mrs. Waters and the boy in the meantime?”
“I know not, Richard,” Darcy rubbed his hand down his face. “How could he have the look of a Darcy and not be my son? If the birth records are correct, I must conclude that he is indeed my son, then I shall do my duty and provide him a life worthy of being a Darcy.”
“Are you certain that there are no other relatives who could be responsible?”
Darcy shook his head, “No. I do have distant relatives in France, but they would not travel to England in this climate. No, there is nothing for it, Alexander is likely mine, and I will care for him, give him an education and see to his future.”
Richard shook his head slowly and exhaled, “I believe that Francesca wants more than just your provision, Darcy. I believe she wants your person.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Think about it. It is what she was after before. I am convinced, as Father is, that her being ‘stranded’ at your home was not a coincidence.”
Darcy hmphed and looked away. “Listen, she had been ill-used by her husband and left penniless. She wrangles an invitation from your neighbor, and then departs in a snowstorm, and ends up ensconced in the house of the most eligible bachelor in England, and then in his bed. I am convinced that she would have wrangled a marriage proposal from you had not Father stepped in. I also find it beyond coincidental that the one year my father was supposed to have gone to the continent, she resurfaces with a child.”
Darcy frowned, “But she could have no knowledge of Matlock’s whereabouts. Besides, surely, she must realize I am no callow youth, still depending on Uncle’s guidance.”
“Perhaps,” Richard shrugged, “but I am not convinced.”
Darcy leaned back, “When do your parents return?”
“Soon, perhaps by the week’s end.”
“So, Hardston is progressing?”
“Yes, Mother and Father are proud of him. Hardston was convinced that his dependence on laudanum was the culprit. Finding a doctor who agreed was challenging, but Father did. The doctor says he is coming on well. Father has decided to travel to the continent next year and so, has decided to return to town since Hardston is progressing better than expected. It is difficult for Father to be away from The House of Lords.”
“I can imagine. Well, I am happy for Hardston. I commend him. It could not have been easy.”
Darcy drummed his finger on the armrest of the chair. Finally, he sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “How can I deny my son his birthright? He is my firstborn, but because I was unable to keep myself under regulation, he will be denied his rightful heritage. How can I live with this once I have married and produced another son to give to him all the Darcy advantages that were denied to Alexander? How will I live with knowing what I have cost him?”
“Darce, many gentlemen would not even acknowledge a natural son and continue to be respected in society, while their offspring suffers poverty and blight.” Darcy opened his mouth to excoriate that behavior. Richard held up his hand, “I am not condoning the behavior. I am only pointing it out as common. You know this. You know you could elude ever acknowledging the boy, and yet, you are determined to care for him. That is commendable.”
Darcy shook his head, “I think not, Richard, for no matter what I do, he will be cheated out of dignity, wealth, and opportunities as my firstborn, through no fault of his own.”
Richard could say nothing. He only shook his head in compassion.
“There is also the matter of Elizabeth,” Darcy said softly, slipping into the appellation he used for her in his mind. “How will she react to my having a son? Will she despise me for my weakness?”
“Darcy, you were taken in by a seductress. Give Miss Bennet some credit; she will understand.”
Darcy looked beyond Richard, “She must. I will not lose her.”
As it was Georgiana’s birthday, Richard stayed for the elaborate meal with all of Georgiana’s favorites. They were now seated in the drawing room while Georgiana opened her gifts. From Mrs. Annesley, she had received beautifully embroidered silk handkerchiefs. “Thank you, Mrs. Annesley! I love them!”
Next, she opened her gift from Darcy. “Brother! How exquisite! You should not have!” Georgiana exclaimed over a diamond and sapphire bracelet.
“They pale in comparison to you, Sweetling,” Darcy smiled and returned her embrace.
“Brother! You say the kindest things,” Georgiana looked up at him with shining eyes.
“Enough of that! Open mine,” Richard teased.
Georgiana opened the box to reveal a pair of white silk ballroom gloves. “Richard! How beautiful!” Georgiana hurled herself into his arms. “Thank you, Cousin!”
“You are welcome, Poppet.”
“Richard! Such a silly name!” Georgiana drew back and pouted. Richard smiled and tapped her nose as he did when she was a child.
“And here is mine, Georgiana,” Elizabeth handed her the gift.
Georgiana lifted out the music box. She wound it up, and it played the Mozart minuet her mother had loved. Georgiana sat still, staring at the box. “Georgiana,” Elizabeth asked softly, “do you like it?”
Georgiana looked up with watery eyes. “Elizabeth, it is wonderful! I love it! Thank you, thank you!” She flung her arms around Elizabeth’s neck.
“It is my pleasure, my friend.” Elizabeth patted her back as Georgiana clung to her. “Come now,” Georgiana continued to cling to her, “Come now – Poppet!”
Georgiana pulled back. “Lizzy!” Both girls burst out laughing, and Georgiana wiped her eyes.
Darcy smiled. Georgiana was much happier now. She had been teased out of her gloom and encouraged out of her shyness by Elizabeth’s friendship. Just when he thought his admiration for Elizabeth could not possibly grow, she amazed him again.
“What shall you like to do now, Pop… I mean, Georgiana?” Richard asked.
“Elizabeth, would you play for me?” Georgiana asked. “You know, the one you have been practicing?”
“Since it is your birthday, your wish is my command.”
Elizabeth took her seat at the piano, and Richard leapt to turn the pages, sending Darcy a smirk over his shoulder. Elizabeth cleared her throat, flexed her fingers, and began to play. The music seemed to float from the piano, delicate, ethereal as Elizabeth closed her eyes and allowed the music to flow through her. Darcy sat on the couch before the piano, transfixed. When she began to sing, Darcy closed his eyes and barely suppressed a moan as her beautiful soprano floated through the air. She was always a delightful pianist, but tonight, her playing was exquisite and transported him t
o another place. “If music brings you peace, Mr. Darcy, I shall endeavor to practice more.” Suddenly, he remembered Elizabeth’s promise from the library. Darcy gasped, and his eyes flew opened only to find her gaze flit up to him and slide quickly away. She did this for me. While Darcy’s heart leapt for joy – his body caught fire. She did this for me! So that she could bring me peace. Darcy leaned forward, his eyes intense, waiting to catch her gaze again. She glanced at him and looked away. Then as if pulled by a magnet, her eyes sought his again and held, for a moment – just a moment that seemed filled with forever.
“Elizabeth! That was superb! What a wonderful gift!” Georgiana clapped when the performance ended. The gentlemen enthusiastically joined in.
“Indeed, it was Miss Bennet,” Richard said.
Elizabeth’s eyes slid again to Darcy, and that was it! He was done waiting. He would ascertain the truth of Francesca’s claims, and then he would beg Elizabeth to marry him as soon as may be. That she had put forth such effort to please him and give him peace (although peace was the last thing he felt!) set his heart to pounding. And that look in her eye when she held his gaze, it sent such delicious sensations throughout his body he could barely contain himself. She was not indifferent. Clearly. His heart rejoiced, and his body was set aflame. The tenderness and the care in her gift soothed an ache he did not know he carried. He walked slowly to the piano and bowed. “It was exquisite, Miss Bennet.” He reached for Elizabeth’s hand and escorted her to the couch and turned and stood looking out at the night through the glass doors.
Eventually, he returned, and Elizabeth felt his weight on the couch next to her. Elizabeth’s breathing elevated, and she lowered her eyes. Guard your heart, Elizabeth, she thought. She could feel the heat of his gaze, and her eyes flitted about the room, looking at everything and seeing nothing. Soon, Georgiana desired to retire from the day’s excitement. All the ladies rose. Darcy embraced his sister and bowed to Mrs. Annesley. When Elizabeth curtsied before him, he took her hand and raised it to his lips. She wore no gloves, and he closed his eyes to savor the contact. “Goodnight – Elizabeth,” he whispered. Elizabeth inhaled and walked as steadily as possible to her chambers, a chattering Georgiana beside her.
The next day, Georgiana and Elizabeth sat giggling at some outlandish gown in a fashion magazine. Georgiana looked at Elizabeth, “Are you enjoying your stay here, Lizzy?”
“Very much so, Georgiana. Do you know the best part?” Georgiana shook her head. “My friendship with you, dearest.”
Georgiana looked happier than a lad let loose in the confectioner’s shop. “Lizzy, I feel the same!” Then she sighed, “I wish you were my sister.” After a while, she said quietly, “Fitzwilliam is the best of brothers, do not you think?”
“Yes, Mr. Darcy is the ideal brother,” Elizabeth answered, returning her gaze quickly to the magazine.
“He is very caring, and, Lizzy, do you think him handsome, too?” Georgiana asked with wide eyes.
Elizabeth chuckled, “Undoubtedly, he is handsome.”
Georgiana nodded, “He will make an excellent husband. He would surely dote on his wife. When I was younger, he would entertain me for hours. I know he would make an excellent father, too. What do you think, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth turned to Georgiana who sat with wide, eager eyes. Elizabeth smiled. “I am certain that a man of Mr. Darcy’s character would indeed make an excellent husband and father. But Georgiana, why are you asking me these questions?”
Georgiana sighed and twisted the trim on her sleeve, “Because Fitzwilliam would make an excellent husband, and you would make an excellent sister.” She looked up and quickly grabbed Elizabeth’s hands, “I know that if you gave him some encouragement, he would offer for you!”
“Georgiana!” Elizabeth and Mrs. Annesley spoke simultaneously.
“That is not proper, young lady,” Mrs. Annesley continued sternly. “You must apologize to Miss Bennet for making her uncomfortable,” Georgiana released Elizabeth’s hands and turned away, her eyes watery.
“Mrs. Annesley, I am well and would like to answer Georgiana. Georgiana,” Elizabeth said, gathering Georgiana’s hands, and coaxing her to turn around, “your brother is a great man, and any woman would be fortunate to be his bride, but dearest, he can have his pick of heiresses, and I am certainly not an heiress. I may not be your sister, but I will always be your friend. And you must not worry that he would pick someone objectional to you. He holds your concerns as his highest priority. You must trust him.”
“But…”
“Pardon me,” three sets of eyes turned to the butler standing in the doorway, his usually straight forward gaze shifting about. He cleared his throat, “There is a Mrs. Francesca Waters here to see Miss Bennet.”
“For me?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Georgiana turned to Elizabeth with a quizzical brow, “Who is she?” The name sounded vaguely familiar.
Elizabeth shook her head, “Someone Mr. Darcy introduced to me yesterday.”
“What does she want?”
“I have no idea, but I should like to know. May I have use of the drawing room, Georgiana?”
“Of course, Lizzy. You need not ask. Shall I come with you?”
“Seeing that I know not what she wants, it is best I go alone. I will come back quickly. Mr. Johns, show her to the drawing room, and please have tea arranged.”
“As you wish.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
“Mrs. Waters, what a pleasant surprise,” the ladies smiled at one another.
“Miss Bennet, thank you for receiving me.”
“Of course. Please be seated.”
Once both ladies had been seated and tea served, Elizabeth asked, “To what do I owe the pleasure of your call, Mrs. Waters?”
Francesca sat aside her teacup and pasted a close-lipped smile upon her face. “I know this is highly irregular, for we have only recently been introduced. However, I have not been in town for many years. Let me see, it would have been just before my trip to Pemberley. Yes, that would have been about five years ago. Yes, that is about right, and I have been a horrid correspondent. Well, truth be told, I have little use for most of the antics of the ton. And when I met you, I could tell that you were open and amiable, and I dearly wanted to further our acquaintance. Please forgive me if it seems forward, but I have been massively bored without female companionship,” Francesca ended with a self-deprecating smile and allowed her hands to tremble a little as she reached for her tea.
“Think nothing of it, Mrs. Waters. I would be delighted to further our acquaintance,” Elizabeth smiled. “But tell me, how did you know to find me here?”
“Oh,” Francesca spilled her tea a little and dabbed her mouth. “I met a connection of yours, a Miss Bingley,” she looked up at Elizabeth with wide eyes. “She is your sister by marriage, yes?”
“My eldest sister is married to Miss Bingley’s brother, so I suppose that qualifies us as sisters of a sort. And you, Mrs. Waters, have you any siblings?” Elizabeth changed the subject.
“No, I am an only child. I would have liked to have had siblings. Tell me of yours.”
“I am the second of five daughters.”
“How delightful! Are they all as beautiful and lively as you, Miss Bennet?”
“All my sisters have their measure of charm, but I think what is most interesting about us is our personalities. We are such a mixture that life was never boring.”
“How charming. Fighting over ribbons, and bonnets, and giggling into the night is how I imagine sisters.”
“You are not far off the mark, Mrs. Waters. Add in a hair pull, a few pinches, and a door slam or two, and you need know nothing else!”
Francesca laughed, “Simply wonderful! Miss Bingley mentioned that your father’s estate borders her brother’s. Is that how you became acquainted with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy?”
“Yes. Mr. Darcy joined Mr. Bingley when he leased N
etherfield. We were often in company.”
“The Darcys are excellent people.” She paused and allowed a far-away look to enter her eyes. “I will never forget my months at Pemberley. It was the winter of 1806. The weather was frightful, cold and snowy, but I have never felt so warm in my life.” Francesca shook herself, “Pardon me, I was far away.”
“Not at all,” Elizabeth smiled. “I imagine Pemberley is lovely covered in snow.”
“Yes, although I did not pay much heed to the snow. Although it was a dreadful snowstorm that took us to Pemberley. My companion and I were traveling when the weather became treacherous. The sight of Pemberley was a haven, and Fitzwilliam and I came to know each other very well, very well, indeed,” Francesca said, and Elizabeth tensed. “He is such a dear, dear man. He and his gracious staff took care of all our needs.” Francesca suddenly looked up and smiled brightly, “But enough about me, how did you come to be enjoying the Darcy hospitality?”
Elizabeth sipped her tea then cleared her throat, “I was invited,” Elizabeth said, and Francesca’s smile dropped a degree. Elizabeth continued, “My brother Bingley and my sister Jane needed to attend business in his home county. Georgiana invited me to keep her company while they are away.”
“Of course, how kind.” Francesca paused over the brim of her teacup, “How long will your brother and sister be away? I am sure you are eager to see them again.”
“Yes, I miss Jane dearly. As to their return, I cannot say, but I am sure it will not be much longer.”
Men of Consequence Page 22
