Page 13 of Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man

Pemberley

Richard Fitzwilliam walked into the dining room very early, hoping to find his cousin available for a private conversation. Instead, he found no one, save a servant arranging copious amounts of food on every available surface of the sideboard. The smell of freshly baked sweet rolls permeated the air, and unable to resist the temptation, he followed his nose until he stood directly in front of the delicious creations.

A half-hour later, he was uncomfortably full, and he groaned as he stood and loosened some buttons on his waistcoat. I shall not be able to mount my horse if I tarry in this idle luxury much longer.

Since Darcy had never appeared, Richard quit the room and immediately encountered the butler, who was instructing two footmen in the foyer. Mr. Walker straightaway dismissed the men to acknowledge his favourite Fitzwilliam relation.

“Colonel, may I say how pleased I am that you are at Pemberley once more.”

“Thank you, Walker. You are most kind. Has my taciturn cousin taken to lying abed until the late hours of the morning?”

“No, I can assure you that the master arises quite early, sir. He is already out and about this morning.”

It was evident from his expression that Mr. Walker was withholding some pertinent information, and Richard wondered if Darcy had gotten in the habit of accompanying a certain young lady who loved morning walks. Not wishing to interfere, he made his decision.

“I see,” he stated. “Then I believe I shall just change into my riding clothes and go out without him.”

“Very good, sir!”

~~~*~~~

A while later, Richard sat astride his horse, letting the animal make its way slowly back down the path that led to the paddocks and stables. Having ridden for quite some time, he had not encountered anyone, save some guards, so he assumed he had been right about the morning walks. Unexpectedly, he caught sight of a patch of light blue and pulled his horse up short. In a nearby copse of elms a woman sat perfectly still atop her horse, almost entirely hidden from sight by the foliage. It was obvious that she was involved in studying something, as her attention was so focused that she had not heard or seen him. Richard followed her gaze to two figures in the distance, walking around the lake.

Ah! She is spying on Darcy and Miss Elizabeth!

As he looked back to the woman, she turned slightly, and he recognised Lady Waltham. A strange feeling invaded his stomach. From what Richard remembered, she could be a formidable foe.

Years before, he had overheard his father and George Darcy discussing her relentless pursuit of Fitzwilliam. It seemed she had been determined to have his cousin in spite of the objections of his family. He could still hear the concern in his uncle’s voice as he related the tale of hiring private investigators to peruse every area of her life and his relief at having found damning information, which Mr. Darcy used to end her designs on his son. It was most unfortunate that she still owned Ravenbrook, her first husband’s estate, only miles from Pemberley.

Richard’s contemplation was interrupted by the lady, who edged her mount forward, ostensibly to get a better view. He waited to see if she had intentions of riding towards his cousin or would leave unobserved. When it was obvious she had no plans to make her presence known, he kicked his horse into a trot, coming to rest beside her.

“Spying does not become you, my lady.”

Lady Waltham’s head swung around, but seeing Richard, the tight line of her mouth relaxed into a catlike grin, and her blue eyes softened.

“ Colonel Fitzwilliam ,” she purred in an exaggerated manner, “I should have known you would be lurking somewhere nearby. You always had a gift for stealth, uncovering Fitzwilliam and me in ... shall we say ... delightfully compromising positions.” She smirked at his frown, pleased to have reminded him of her indiscretions with his cousin. “What is the matter, Colonel? Have you nothing to say?”

“As I am an invited guest here, it appears you are the one lurking,” Richard retorted. To his delight, Lady Waltham’s smile evaporated.

“Do not be so distrustful,” Lady Waltham challenged. “It does not become you.” Her eyes sought and found William again while she explained. “I accompanied Lord Greenwich, who is here to examine the colt he wants to purchase.”

“I understood that he was to come tomorrow.”

“That was his intention until I mentioned how much I would love to accompany him to Pemberley—but it had to be today.”

Richard looked towards the stable to see the earl conversing with the head liveryman. “But you are not with Greenwich,” Richard stated matter-of-factly. “You are hidden in this copse.”

“You are correct. When I saw that Fitzwilliam was not alone, I moved into these trees.” Her eyes stayed locked on the two at the lake. “As I sat here trying to decide whether to interrupt, I was reminded of just how rewarding it is to renew old friendships .”

“What a coincidence! I was just thinking that my cousin is no longer the smooth-faced boy you manipulated, but rather a man who has strong feelings regarding those who would try to steer him one way or another.”

She threw him her most seductive look as she cooed, “I love men with strong feelings.”

Richard’s eyes narrowed, and he hissed, “That does not surprise me at all, madam. But I can assure you that you will have no success with my cousin this time.”

“And what makes you so sure? I know Fitzwilliam to be a very passionate man. I was surprised to learn on my return to England that he never married.” She smirked. “Such a waste!”

“As he matured, he learned not to let his emotions rule him. He is an honourable man, not a curious boy.”

“Oh, but I believe I could pique his curiosity again.”

“Then you are deceiving yourself.”

Gwendolyn Waltham squared her shoulders. She was not one to give up easily. “I was going to see if Fitzwilliam wanted to ride out with me, but it seems he is occupied with that sickly cousin of his,” she uttered scornfully. “Miss Lawrence, I believe Cecile called her. I have to wonder why she chose Pemberley as the place to regain her health.”

“Her physician prescribed quiet and rest. Our dear cousin’s family suggested Pemberley, and Fitzwilliam was kind enough to consent.”

Richard’s reply caused her to regard him, and her eyes travelled up and down his body admiringly. “Perhaps you would care to accompany me on a ride instead?”

Richard stiffened. “One lesson I have learned well in the service of His Majesty, Lady Waltham, is to avoid fraternizing with the enemy. Besides, you shall have to go home if you want to ride. Pemberley’s guards have been instructed to stop anyone who trespasses.” At that precise moment, one of the guards rode across a nearby pasture, and Richard pointed him out. “You would not have gotten very far.”

She laughed. “My, my, Colonel! I would never have dreamt that you or your cousin would be afraid of a mere woman.”

“Not afraid, madam, just wise enough to see you for what you are—trouble. Why do you not leave my cousin alone? Target another man with wealth and connections.”

“There are men of my sphere who are available, but none as pleasing to the eye as Fitzwilliam. I want him.” She kicked her horse to move beside Richard and looked him squarely in the eye. “And I always get what I want. Now, if you will excuse me, I shall rejoin my friend.”

With those words, she laughed haughtily and kicked her horse into a trot in the direction of the stables where Lord Greenwich was mounting his own horse. As she left, he let go of the breath he had unconsciously been holding.

Then you had better prepare to be disappointed, milady!

At the Lake

William’s melodious baritone could be heard clearly near the lake. “And just as soon as the kitten is weaned, you may bring him into your room. Would you like that?”

Elizabeth held the orange striped kitten to her chest and closed her eyes, a small upturn of her lips the only reaction. William smiled at the scene. It had been his idea to bring the kitten before they began their walk, as she seemed to care for it very much. Continuing to guide her with a hand on her elbow, he kept up his part of the one-sided conversation.

“Old Man Turtle was out yesterday when I rode around the water, so perhaps he shall be lying on that same rock when we get to the other side. Have you thought about sketching his likeness? I am sure we have plenty of art supplies, as Gigi leaves supplies here so that she can draw anything that catches her fancy. Have you ever had opportunity to draw, Elizabeth?”

Stopping, he turned towards her to find she was staring wide-eyed at him. The look reminded so much of the young woman he had met at Netherfield that tears involuntarily welled up. Forcing a smile, he rubbed the kitten’s head, making its eyes close as it began to purr. “Perhaps you would like to draw your friend here.”

Elizabeth did not answer, though her eyes returned to the kitten, and she immediately brought it to her lips, bestowing several kisses on its soft head, then nuzzling its soft fur. This gesture made William’s heart ache. Would there come a time when she would bestow her kisses on him as willingly?

A horse whinnied in the distance, and William’s attention was drawn to a couple on horseback near the stables. He recognised Richard, but it took a moment for him to ascertain that Lady Waltham was the woman beside him. Fury washed over him, and his first thought was to go directly to the stables and demand to know what she was doing on his property.

However, a sudden nudge by Elizabeth drew his attention back to her. She was holding the kitten up as though she wanted him to take it. Without a second thought, he knew that she was his first priority. This day would not be ruined, as Richard could be trusted to handle the matter with Gwendolyn. With all his love shining in his eyes, he reached for the small, furry creature and held it to his chest. With his other hand he took her elbow, and they began their walk again.

“Look over there, darling. See that red mare with a white blaze on her head? I thought she might be a good mount for you, as she is very gentle. That is, only if you decide to ride with me when you begin to feel better. I would dearly love to show you parts of the estate that can only be seen on horseback.”

Thus, the conversation continued all the way around the lake.

Later in William’s Study

After the unwanted visitors departed, Richard decided not to interrupt his cousin but to return to the house and await him there. Less than an hour later, Richard was relating the news of Lord Greenwich’s unexpected appearance and Gwendolyn’s manipulation to William in his study. Angrily throwing his gloves on the desk, William caused the papers lying there to flutter about and land on the floor. He seemed unconcerned at their fate, as he relentlessly paced back and forth, rubbing his forehead as another headache loomed.

“What possessed Greenwich to change our plans! And for God’s sake, why did he bring her?” William hissed. “The guards were alerted that Greenwich would be coming to see the colt, but he was due tomorrow!”

Picking up his unfinished brandy, William downed it in one swallow and threw the empty glass into the fireplace. “For her to have come along is outrageous!”

“Calm down, Cousin! Do not work yourself into a frenzy! Gwendolyn would love that!”

“I placed ten extra guards around the grounds in addition to the twenty that normally patrol! Still I am invaded! Greenwich was the last person with unfinished business here, and I shall bloody well see to it that NO ONE else comes through those gates unless they are on the list I post! Even Lady Greenwich will not be able to accompany her husband without an explicit invitation!”

“You can bar the whole world if you wish, but that will not stop everyone,” Richard protested. “You cannot monitor every acre of Pemberley—it is too extensive. And, unfortunately, Gwendolyn Waltham is an excellent rider, skilled enough to take her mount over the fences and hedges that surround the outermost property lines. The most you can hope for is to secure the house.”

“I have posted guards at every door—two on the front! I wish I had never laid eyes on the woman. Why did I ever succumb to her schemes?”

“You were an innocent, Darce. Before you met her, your father had managed to protect you from such predators by keeping you at Pemberley and instilling in you that damn sense of duty!” Richard grinned as William’s scowled. “You know it is the truth. You always abided by your father’s wishes and tried to live up to the standards he set before...”

“Go ahead and say it! Before Gwendolyn! If I had had any sense at all, I would never have gone to her estate alone, even if it was with the best of intentions.”

“What actually happened, if you do not mind telling me? I heard rumours, but all these years, I have wondered.”

William studied Richard for a moment before answering. “You must never repeat what I am going to say. I am heartily ashamed and never want Georgiana to hear of it.”

Richard sobered at the expression on William’s face. “You have my word.”

“Lord Milton, Lady Waltham’s first husband, had died the week before harvest. Father mentioned that at the funeral he had offered Gwendolyn his help in determining what must be done. By this point, I was handling these things at Pemberley, as Father was growing steadily weaker. He and I both knew he did not have the strength to handle her problems.” He paused for a moment, as if reliving the event. Richard waited silently.

“I ... I thought I would help Father by taking on this task; so one afternoon while he was resting, I rode over to offer my services.” He shook his head and smiled wanly before sobering. “Gwendolyn was very eager to take advantage of my services .”

“I can only imagine,” Richard interjected.

“In any event, she locked the door to the study and proceeded to undress. I had never before seen a naked woman, and she was very beautiful. I was mesmerized. Foolish youth that I was, I was flattered when Gwendolyn proclaimed that she had been in love with me for some time. Her husband had been at least thirty years her senior, so I suppose it was easy enough to believe.” William looked sheepish and refused to meet Richard’s gaze. “I suppose it was my sense of duty that brought me back to reality, because I tried to protest. I knew that Father would be very disappointed in me. I even confessed to her that I had never ... but Gwendolyn quieted my protestations very effectively.”

William’s gaze fell, and he shuddered. “It was not long after, that I realised I was not in love but only in lust. By that time, however, I felt obligated.”

“Obligated! My God, Darce, you were young, and she enticed you. You owed her nothing!”

“I know that now, but then ...” He stood and paced again. “It was Father who made me see reason. He was very upset, but he told me I was not the first young man to be entrapped by an older woman, nor would I be the last. He expressed confidence in my ability to do what was right.” William shook his head in awe. “Then he hugged me. I do not remember his hugging me often, but I will never forget that time.”

“Uncle George was a fine man.”

William blinked back tears. “Yes. Yes, he was.” He walked over to a side table and poured a glass of brandy and looked to see Richard’s nod. Pouring another, he handed one to his cousin before sitting down.

“Why would Gwendolyn assume I want to see her now? She must know that I am not the foolish boy she exploited years ago.”

“Vanity, my friend. She has not seen you since you were twenty. She wants to believe she can still turn your head and probably believes you to be like most men — eager for the thrill of illicit sexual encounters at a moment’s notice.”

William sneered. “Indeed! If she only knew how little ...” His voice trailed off as he realised what he was saying, and he glimpsed the beginning of a smile on Richard’s face.

Seeing Darcy’s discomfort, Richard felt sympathetic and changed the subject. “Well, now that you are sufficiently warned, let us talk of other more pleasant things. How is Miss Elizabeth faring this morning?”

William’s bearing sobered, and he looked away. When he finally spoke, his voice was so low that Richard had to strain to hear. “She does not respond as well as she did before Gigi confronted her. Today was only the second time she has agreed to walk out with me, and I believe it was only to escape the house. She does not seem to hear what I say anymore. I try to carry on a conversation as Mr. Towson suggested, though she hardly gives any indication that she understands me.”

“So what does Mr. Towson recommend if she does not improve?”

William sighed heavily. “He has suggested that I confront her with something or someone that might force her to remember what happened to induce her current state.”

“Could that not do more harm than good?”

“Possibly, but what other choice do I have?”

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. “Come!” William said loudly. The door opened, and Mr. Walker came in holding a silver salver, an envelope upon it.

“This express just arrived, sir.”

William reached for the post. “Thank you.” The elderly servant bowed and hastily left, closing the door.

A puzzled look accompanied William’s perusal of the address. “What could Bingley possibly need to send me in such a hurry?”

“I do not suppose you will know until you open it!” Richard declared, receiving a withering look for his attempt at a witty retort.

William broke the seal. His face remained blank, though his entire body tensed as he proceeded to read. Much to his companion’s chagrin, he did not share the contents.

Richard could stand it no longer. “What does he say, Darce?”

William’s eyes flicked to Richard and then back to the letter. Finally he replied, “It looks as though I will have the unexpected opportunity to find out what happened to Elizabeth.”

William resumed reading until he reached the end, then sitting up straighter, he blew out a long breath of air. “The housekeeper who initially contacted the Bingleys to come for Elizabeth has sent another letter begging them to come immediately. They cannot make the trip themselves because little Peter is ill, but Bingley sent word to her that I will come in their stead. After all, Sheffield is less than a day’s ride from here. I shall set out tomorrow.”

“If you are going, I am going with you.”

“I appreciate your concern and your company, Cousin, as I am not sure what to expect. I hope I do not meet the count while I am there, as I believe I would kill him with my bare hands.”

“All the more reason for my company.”

On the road to Sheffield the following day

They were almost in Sheffield, and thus far, the trip had been uneventful. Darcy’s coach was very comfortable, and the weather had been unseasonably sunny, resulting in roads that were, for the most part, easily traversed. William glanced over to the corner of the carriage where Richard’s snores confirmed his deep repose. He shook his head in wonder. Being a true soldier, his cousin could fall asleep anywhere.

William, however, was too full of Elizabeth to sleep. He remembered how exquisite it felt to envelop her in his arms. Though he knew he had often crossed the bounds of propriety since finding her alive, he was determined to show her his deepest feelings. Long over the pride that declared her beneath his station, he needed her to remember a different man, a man who loved her. His greatest fear was that she might never recover. Almost as great was his fear that she might recover and recall only the cruel way they had parted at Hunsford and not the bond they had shared since he had brought her to Pemberley. Knowing Richard would not wake, he closed his eyes to relive once again the events of that morning.

Elizabeth was in the habit of waking before dawn with Mrs. Drury. As he wished to tell her in person that he would be away, William made his way to her sitting room immediately after dressing. She was already on the balcony, leaning against the rail and staring up into the heavens as the sunrise painted the grey skies with patches of purple, orange and red. A gentle wind blew about the wisps of hair which had escaped her braids.

Taking in her dishevelled appearance—curls blowing about, a silk dressing gown that the breeze occasionally parted to reveal a lace nightgown—he could resist no longer. Knowing he should not, William stepped behind her, slipping his arms around her waist. At his touch, she inhaled sharply; then recognizing his scent, she relaxed into his body, turning her head to lie against his chest. He was nearly undone. Willing his hands not to move up and cup her breasts, he closed his eyes and buried his face in her scented hair. They stood like that for a short while, and in those tender moments, William pretended she was his. It was only with great effort that he released her, turning her to face him.

“ Sweetheart, I must go away today, but I will return very soon. I leave in a few minutes and will be gone until the day after tomorrow. Mrs. Drury, Mrs. Reynolds and all my servants will care for you and protect you while I am away.”

He searched her dark chocolate orbs for some sign of recognition, some spark of the lively Elizabeth he had fallen hopelessly in love with at Netherfield. But there was nothing to indicate that that woman still existed.

He sighed heavily. “Do you understand?”

He held her hands, longing for her to squeeze his in reply as before, but she did nothing. So he gently cupped her face and leaned in to place a warm kiss on her forehead. She sighed at the touch of his lips and her long dark lashes fluttered down as she closed her eyes.

“ I shall return to you as quickly as possible.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mrs. Drury discreetly waiting inside the sitting room door and nodded for her to come. He addressed her even though his gaze never left his love.

“ Mrs. Drury, as I explained last night, I shall return Friday. If there is anything you or Miss Elizabeth have need of, you have only to ask Mrs. Reynolds or one of the other servants.”

She tried to hide her smile. “Thank you. I am sure we will be well taken care of by your kind staff.”

He gently drew the back of his fingers across Elizabeth’s cheek, and she focused on him. “Take care of her…please.”

“ You need not worry, sir. I will.”

He stilled, memorizing Elizabeth’s face, before leaving the balcony and heading out of the room. At the sitting room door, he looked back at her one last time before exiting.

Mrs. Reynolds and Mr. Walker waited in the foyer, as the master had requested. Seeing him descend the grand staircase, they exchanged glances and stood taller, awaiting his instructions. Looking between the two, William reiterated how to contact him should an emergency arise. In that event, they were to send a trusted footman on horseback to locate him in Sheffield and another servant to Rosewood Manor to fetch Evan and Georgiana. Days before, he had extracted a pledge from them to be available if Mrs. Reynolds needed any help if he was away.

Thus, it was with a heavy heart that he had left Elizabeth at Pemberley while he travelled to Sheffield.

“Are we close?” Richard’s enquiry abruptly ended William’s meditation. He tried to recover from his memories of Elizabeth while Richard rubbed his eyes, groaned and sat up straight. Groaning again as he flexed his back, Richard then settled his gaze on William, waiting for an answer.

William smiled at his cousin’s dishevelled appearance. “I believe we have only a few more miles to suffer.”

Richard guffawed. “Riding in this fine coach is not suffering, Darce. Travelling for days on horseback, only to sleep in tents every night—that is suffering.” He absent-mindedly scratched his chest. “Where are we staying?”

“The Rose and Crown. We are to wait there for further instructions.”

Richard nodded. “I suppose that it is best to be careful. No need to ride into trouble unknowingly.”

William nodded his assent. “To be sure.”

~~~*~~~