Men of Consequence

by Francine Rainey

  “I will leave immediately,” Darcy said, moving to the door.

  “Wait!” Matlock called, rising to his feet, “You cannot go alone. The vicar will have no reason to give you different information than he gave Richard’s man.” Matlock raised his hands to halt Darcy’s protest. “And no, we cannot rely upon your money, for a dishonest man may take your money and still disseminate falsehood.” Matlock sighed and watched as Darcy’s half-turned body portrayed his skepticism. “Sit, Darcy, and let us speak rationally.”

  Darcy huffed, and the men resumed their seats. “Darcy, you are right to be impatient, but you must find reliable answers. You are just a gentleman, though a wealthy and respected one, but if you go and wave money at a dishonest man, he may tell another lie out of avarice. I, on the other hand, am a peer with powerful connections to the Bishop. This vicar is more likely to be truthful to me, especially if I can promise him security. Though if he has falsified records, he will be removed, but I can prevent him from going before the magistrate.”

  Darcy rubbed the back of his neck. Uncle’s power would be keen, but the travel will be slowed by many days, and I must return to Elizabeth! Darcy tugged on his cravat.

  “I can see you are impatient, but we must do this correctly. I cannot like the scheme of Francesca and Hayden. Trust me, they mean harm to you and Pemberley. If they succeed, there could be grave consequences.”

  Darcy released a long breath, “When can you leave.”

  “I have a few business matters to clear up; however, it should take no more than three or four days before we can depart.”

  Darcy lurched from his chair, causing a loud sound as it scraped against the floor. Matlock looked up with a frown. “No. I am sorry Uncle, your help would indeed smooth the process, but I cannot; I dare not wait that long.”

  “What has gotten into you, Darcy? I know that you are anxious, but you must calm yourself! A few days delay will not have any undue consequences since you have not made any rash decisions nor publicly claimed the boy. There can be no reason for this unless there is something you have not told me!”

  Darcy faced the door as if prepared to bolt through it. Matlock looked at Richard and threw up his hands.

  “He has a reason, with chestnut curls, emerald green eyes and a very delectable…”

  “Richard!” Darcy scowled.

  “Smile,” Richard finished with a smirk.

  “A woman? Your reason for being precipitous is a woman?”

  Darcy tensed at his uncle’s censor. Matlock looked back and forth between his son and his nephew. Richard’s face had transformed from teasing to empathy as he watched Darcy, who stood with his faced turned toward the door.

  Matlock exhaled, “Who is she?”

  “Dearest Lizzy, I am so happy to finally be home and to spend time with you,” Jane took Elizabeth’s hands.

  Elizabeth returned Jane’s smile and squeezed her hand, “Dear Jane, how I missed you! You must tell me of your travels. Did Bingley have any relations with warts and a leer?” In addition to Caroline Elizabeth thought as she remembered the park and Caroline’s deviousness.

  “Lizzy!” Jane’s reprimand was chased by a small chuckle. “Charles’s relations were perfectly amiable. They received me quite well.”

  “How could they not? They would have to be boorish to reject someone as perfect as you.”

  Jane shook her head at Elizabeth’s antics, “What of you? Did you enjoy your time with the Darcys?”

  Elizabeth flinched, and her smile wavered before she answered brightly, “I did, Jane. Georgiana was a wonderful host, and now a dear friend.”

  “And Mr. Darcy?” Jane asked, tilting her head to the side and gazing at Elizabeth. Elizabeth cleared her throat, and sat back, withdrawing her hands from Jane’s. Jane leaned in closer and regarded Elizabeth intently, “It is just that I know you had not previously got on well with him, and I would hope that you were not uncomfortable in his home.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “No, dear sister. Have no concerns. Mr. Darcy improves upon acquaintance.” She cleared her throat again and rose. “If you do not mind, Jane. I thought to take a walk in the park.”

  “Of course, I will get the footman to accompany you,” Jane watched Elizabeth with a slightly creased brow, then she rose and instructed the footman.

  After Elizabeth returned from her walk, Georgiana came. “Georgiana! I am so glad you are here!” Georgiana had earlier requested to stay as Mrs. Annesley had been called away to visit her ill sister.

  Georgiana beamed. “I am so happy to be here, Lizzy. I have just thanked Mrs. Bingley for having me. The house has been so dull since you and Brother left. Of course, Mrs. Annesley is a dear, but I have no one to giggle with or to make me laugh when I become lachrymose.”

  Jane’s housekeeper, Mrs. Wheatley entered, “Colonel Saye, ma’am.”

  When Saye entered, all three ladies stared at the handsome gentleman with the gleaming smile, who seemed to immediately fill the room with his magnetism.

  “Colonel Saye, welcome to my home. I am afraid my husband is out on business, but we would be pleased to receive you.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Bingley. I am sorry to have missed Bingley, but I have been more than compensated with the company of such lovely ladies,” Saye said, his intense gaze resting on Elizabeth. And Elizabeth was transported back to the night of the ball.

  “It has been a long time, Colonel. I hope you have been well?” Jane asked.

  “Yes, I have been very well, and it has been since the night of the theater that we have all been together. I remember that night with great fondness,” Saye said glancing at Elizabeth whose eyes darted away.

  While they spoke of the theater, Saye leaned toward Elizabeth, “Miss Bennet.” Elizabeth looked up. “I have particularly missed our conversations. I have been quite distraught, barely able to eat a meal larger than four courses.”

  Elizabeth gave an unladylike snort at the unexpected tease, and all eyes momentarily glanced her way. She pressed her mouth with her hands to control her laughter, then answered, still smiling, “Well, that is quite negligent of me to place your life in such peril.”

  “It is, madam. It is unforgivable that you have hidden away from me these many weeks, but I believe I could be persuaded to forgive you, if,” Saye said with a ghost of a smile.

  “If?”

  “Yes, if I am granted the pleasure of your presence for a walk tomorrow,” Saye raised his brow.

  Elizabeth bit her lip. Her heart felt like a stone. She did not know if she wanted to keep company with Saye. She needed to run in the fields of Hertfordshire until her lungs burned, and her mind cleared. But she could not, she was here in the drawing of London, and Darcy loved another. Glancing up again, she caught the determined look in his eyes and answered, “It would be my pleasure.”

  Saye smiled, and Elizabeth relaxed as Saye recounted amusing anecdotes about his life and travels. He really was exciting and dynamic, Elizabeth thought as she laughed at his adventures.

  As they chatted, Georgiana’s eyes darted back and forth between Elizabeth and Saye, and a knot formed in the pit of her stomach. Oh dear, hurry back, Brother.

  “Her name is Elizabeth Bennet. She is extraordinary, and Darcy is in love,” Richard answered with no trace of teasing.

  Matlock looked at Darcy who stood wide-legged as if ready for battle. He rose and laid his hand gently on Darcy’s shoulder. “She must be extraordinary, indeed. Sit, and tell me of her.”

  Darcy’s love and anxiety concerning Elizabeth, the days of hard travel, the realization that he had a brother, the gravity of the situation with Alexander and Francesca, and his uncle’s kindness caused Darcy to sag and drop into the chair.

  The ticking clock, marking their lives in seconds, was the only sound heard. Finally, Darcy leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. Slowly, he began to speak. “She shines from within. She is as intriguing as a ridd
le and as beautiful as a starlit night. I tried to fight my attraction.” Darcy sat back and looked into Matlock’s eyes. “It was futile. I am irrevocably drawn to her, and I intend to make her my wife,” Darcy paused, “if she will accept me.”

  Matlock raised his brow in disbelief, and Darcy chuckled. “I know what you are thinking, Uncle. ‘What woman would reject the master of Pemberley.’ But that is the thing, Elizabeth would. She has already…in a way.” Darcy shook his head at Matlock’s panic look, “No, Uncle, I have not yet offered for her because she would not have accepted. She was disgusted with the pride I displayed when I first met her. We met at an assembly in the town where Bingley has leased an estate. She is the second daughter of a minor country gentleman with five daughters and an estate entailed away from the female line.”

  She is impoverished. Must I rescue you from another fortune hunter? I hope you know what you are about! Matlock listened politely but was determined to talk sense into Darcy as soon as he finished his tale. However, as Matlock listened, he noted the different emotions Darcy displayed, from passion to chagrin, to humor, to determination, to wonder, to desire, to joy. When Darcy was finished, Matlock released his steepled hands and sat straighter in his chair.

  “Well, that is quite a tale. If she is as you say, she seems extraordinary.” Darcy did not miss the “if,” but chose to hold his peace. “But why must you return so urgently, one such as she could not be fickle, could she?”

  “No!” Darcy answered loudly, not being able to bear even a hint of criticism of Elizabeth. “It is another long story, and I will spare you the details, but Elizabeth happened upon Francesca, Alexander, and me in the park.” Darcy rose and walked to the window; the anguish of the moment still fresh. “When I returned home, she did not come down to dinner nor breakfast. I had to leave without speaking to her,” Darcy hung his head, but snapped it up suddenly and turned quickly at Matlock’s booming voice.

  “She is in your home, too! This is just as it was with Francesca!” The two men faced each other with similar scowls as Matlock had risen from his chair. “Is she in your bed, as well? Have you learned nothing?”

  “Uncle! I am no callow youth! I will not be spoken to in this manner!”

  “Wait! Wait! Father! Darcy! Calm yourselves,” Richard stood between them. “Father, I understand your distress, but it is not as you think. Miss Elizabeth is Bingley’s sister-in-law and Georgiana’s particular friend. She did not invade Darcy’s home but was invited by Georgiana to stay a few weeks while the Bingleys traveled.”

  The Earl’s scowl softened, and he released a long breath. He shook his head and sat, nodding at Darcy to do the same. “I apologize. I should not have jumped to conclusions.”

  Darcy stared. “Uncle, I have successfully navigated the matchmaking mothers and the compromising daughters of the ton for nearly a decade. I am ashamed of my weakness with Mrs. Waters, but I was a boy then. I am a boy no longer.”

  “I know, Darcy. You are indeed a man with great strength and integrity. But do you not think it improper for this woman to stay at your house, even if she is Georgiana’s friend?”

  Darcy shook his head. “I do not. She is not only Georgiana’s friend, but sister to one of my best friends, and besides, Mrs. Annesley provided adequate supervision.”

  The Earl shook his head slightly, still wary, but determined not to argue with Darcy.

  “And she is not in my bed,” Darcy continued, determined that there would be no stain on Elizabeth’s character. “She would not dishonor herself, and she means too much to me for me to sully her so.”

  Matlock nodded, then addressed Richard. “What do you say, Son.”

  Richard shrugged. “She is as Darcy described. Lively and lovely and with wit and sense not commonly seen. She is a jewel, and I stand with Darcy in his decision. He could not have chosen better.” Darcy nodded his thanks.

  “Well,” Matlock spoke after a time, “it seems we must hasten. I may be able to wrap up my business in two days, but no less.”

  Darcy sighed, then nodded curtly.

  “Do not fret, old boy. If she is as you described, I have no doubt she will be awaiting you when you return. Now, I find that all this planning has increased my appetite. Let us proceed to the dining room.”

  In survival mode, Francesca walked rapidly to Hayden’s chambers. She looked quickly about, turned the knob slowly, and cautiously peered inside. She knew he had not yet arrived, out carousing all night again, but she was desperate not to encounter him. Certain that the room was empty, she entered carefully nevertheless and closed the door softly. She had to act fast. She scurried to his wardrobe, yanked it open, and frantically sifted through his items. Finally, she located the bag where he kept his money. She quickly emptied the coins into a pouch she had brought and placed it in her décolletage.

  She returned Hayden’s bag to its place, filled with pebbles she had pilfered from the garden. She hoped that in his drunken state, he would not initially notice the difference. She then rose quickly and entered his sitting room. She had found no papers in his study when last she searched; therefore, they must be here, she surmised. The top of his writing desk was empty. No notes to cousin Lilly, she thought sarcastically. She moved to the drawers. The first drawer squeaked noisily, and she jumped, her heart pounding loudly, but it was empty. Breathing rapidly, she opened another slowly to muffle the noise, and there in the bottom of the drawer was a file. Francesca’s hands trembled as she rifled through it. Yes! Exactly what she needed, a letter from the vicar about a recent inquiry into the birth registry, numerous notes from others written in broken English about Darcy’s interests and Matlock’s whereabouts, compiled over the years, proof that someone had been watching them.

  Crash! Francesca jumped as glass broke somewhere in the corridor. The papers she held in her hands tumbled to the ground, like falling snow. Hayden had returned.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  She fell to her knees, then froze with one hand suspended in its outreach as she heard that voice that always sent chills up her spine.

  “Where is she!” Hayden yelled. Francesca could hear the muffled voice of the maid answering but could not discern the words. “Find her. Now!” His voice reverberated within the corridor, then Francesca heard feet scurry in the opposite direction.

  She snapped into action, frantically grabbing the papers as she heard the heavier, dragging tread of Hayden nearing his chamber door. If he found her in his sitting room, he might kill her. She rose with papers clutched to her chest and stood by the door that led from the sitting room into the corridor. She would open the door and exit as soon as she heard Hayden enter through his bedroom door. She stood trembling, sweat sliding down her forehead and stinging her eyes. Her heart pounded so loudly that she was afraid it would hinder her ability to hear Hayden’s entrance. She prayed that Hayden did not choose to enter through his sitting room door.

  Thump! Hayden uttered a slurred curse as he fell into his chamber door and fumbled with the knob. The door banged loudly against the wall as he stumbled into the room. Francesca waited to make certain he had fully entered his room and was not lingering halfway into the corridor. Bang! The bedroom door slammed, and she eased out, closed the sitting room door softly, and scurried in the opposite direction. She jumped and nearly screamed as she collided with Nurse who had been hiding around the corner.

  “Come, mistress,” the women clutched hands, rank and circumstance of no value amid this terror. Nurse pulled her along the corridor and into the nursery where Alexander slept. “You cannot stay here, mistress. You are not safe. I have never seen him like this!”

  “We cannot stay. Pack our trunks and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Here,” Francesca shoved the papers into Nurse’s chest, “hide these in Alexander’s trunk.” Nurse nodded as she gripped the papers and fled.

  “Ouch!” Hayden rubbed his shoulder and scowled at the doorframe as it were a misbehaving child. Francesca eyed him wa
rily from the fireplace where she stood.

  “Did you think you could hide from me?” Hayden sneered, swaying as he walked.

  “Not at all. If you recall, it was I that requested your presence.” Francesca had indeed requested his presence, knowing that the meeting was inevitable. She could not sneak away while he was awake, so she determined to meet anywhere but the closed doors of either of their chambers.

  “Humph,” Hayden fell into the chair and stared. Francesca fought to keep her hands from fiddling under his scrutiny. “How are the plans progressing?” he asked with a lazy smile.

  Francesca assessed him. She was accustomed to his mood swings, but something about the way he asked the question caused her survival skills to awaken. Hayden held her gaze with a placid expression. He knows something. If I lie, he will think me a traitor, and I have no idea what he might do.

  She pouted, “I called upon Miss Bennet today and found out that Fitzwilliam had business that took him from town.”

  “Hmm. Is that so? Well, let me tell you what I have discovered. Shall you like to hear it, Cousin?”

  Francesca felt a cold sweat run down her spine, and she stiffened to keep herself from fleeing. “Of course! Whatever you have learned can only be beneficial to our cause.”

  Hayden stared, and then he rose and stood within inches of her face. “I have found that Darcy has gone to see his uncle,” Hayden smiled and twisted one of her loose curls in his fingers. “Do you know which uncle, Cousin? Ah, but he only has the one, does he not?” Francesca tensed and held her breath for the onslaught she knew was coming. “WHICH MEANS YOU FAILED, AGAIN!” Hayden bellowed. Francesca turned her head, the alcohol on his breath stinging her eyes.

  Hayden stared at her and then laughed tenderly and ran his finger from her jaw to the top of her gown. “Do you know why I laugh, Cousin?” he asked, smiling. He leaned close and whispered in his ear, “Because I am going to kill him.” He leaned back slowly and smirked; his eyes never leaving hers.