Page 18 of Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man

London

The Royal Academy of Art

Somerset House

The Summer Exhibition

George Wickham was thoroughly enjoying his stroll through the summer display in the Great Exhibition Room of the Royal Academy of Art. Having had the good fortune of being born to the steward at Pemberley, he was raised almost as a member of the illustrious Darcy family after his father’s death, so faking his suitability to be among this crowd was no hardship. He was an expert at parroting the manners of the ton.

It mattered little that he might not have the funds necessary for a room at an inn. The money that he did have went towards the purchase of clothes that mimicked those worn by Fitzwilliam Darcy—his coats, gloves, hats and even his boots were of the same style. A good first impression was essential to one’s livelihood when one lived by one’s wits. Even though there were times he had not eaten well, he had always cut a dashing figure. Fortunately, with his new partnership with the count, the lean times seemed to be in the past. A small smirk lifted the corners of Wickham’s mouth as he surveyed the unsuspecting throng.

Hobnobbing with the wealthy, well-connected, cream of society—this is where he belonged!

Truth be known, though he may have been a little awed by the display of hundreds of paintings hung on the walls at every conceivable level, he was more impressed by the sheer number of jewels conspicuously hung about the necks of the women perusing the art . If he played his cards right, perhaps he might be able to find his next victim—either someone whose jewellery would make a fine addition to his collection for the count or a vulnerable woman he could manipulate, as he had Mrs. Preston.

Suddenly his eyes came to rest on a beautiful pair of breasts, adorned by a lovely drop pearl surrounded by diamonds, all prominently displayed in a gown the colour of a summer sky. As his eyes journeyed upward, Wickham found that the breasts and the necklace belonged to a beautiful woman who looked to be in her thirties, with honey-blond hair and eyes the same shade as her frock. She was watching him, too, and a slight smile flickered across her face before she turned to address a man to her left. This man was half-hidden in the crowd, and Wickham could not make him out.

Not one to be put off by a woman’s husband, fiancé or family, Wickham sauntered across the room in her direction. He was within twenty feet of her, when the crowd thinned and the man who accompanied this vision turned. It was Stefano! The count caught sight of him at the same time, and his smile fell away. He had made it clear that Wickham was never to approach him if they met in public.

Wickham halted. His eyes wavered between the woman and Stefano as he quickly evaluated the situation. Then tilting his head slightly, he nodded curtly at the count, and turning on his heel, quickly retraced his footsteps to disappear into the crowd. Lady Gwendolyn Waltham watched the exchange, apparently amused that an admirer had been warned off by the count. She had no way of knowing that he and Stefano were partners in enterprises that would eventually involve her.

Meanwhile, satisfied that Wickham had done as instructed, the count turned to whisper to his next target, even as his eyes searched the room for an even bigger catch. “Gwendolyn, darling, why do we not go on to the next gallery? This one is so very crowded.” Taking her arm without waiting for a reply, he skilfully guided her through the next door and into yet another room teeming with opportunities for him.

Pemberley

Three days later

Evening

William slipped into Elizabeth’s bedroom to find Mrs. Drury asleep in the large upholstered chair beside her bed. He reached to touch the companion’s arm, and she startled before remembering where she was and why she was there. Glancing to Elizabeth and finding no change, she looked to Mr. Darcy and smiled sympathetically. Motioning with his head towards the door, he started in that direction, and she rose to follow, neither speaking until they were outside in the hallway.

She knew what he would say before he asked.

“Has there been any change?”

His weary eyes pleaded for hope, but she had none to give, not even for the man who was so obviously in love with Miss Elizabeth.

“No, sir.”

His shoulders slumped as his head dropped, and he studied the floor for a moment. Her heart went out to him as he was obviously distraught. His appearance, which had always been faultless, was now unkempt, and he looked as though he had not slept at all in the last three days. She did something she normally would not do—she reached out to pat his arm sympathetically. He took a shuddering breath.

“Do not give up! You are all she has; you must be strong!” As his eyes rose to inspect her, she could tell that he was starving for a ray of hope.

“She needs you to have faith in her. Tell her you expect her to recover. I have always felt that people in her condition hear much more than we realise that they do.”

William’s countenance changed immediately, and he straightened, standing tall and pulling his shoulders back. Mrs. Drury had no way of knowing that her advice had reminded him of Mr. Towson’s almost identical words. How could he have forgotten?

“ Do not undertake this challenge unless you can do it wholeheartedly, believing she will recover. Your faith will have to sustain her until she can have faith in herself. She shall rely on your believing in her. Tell her she is going to be well, that you have faith in her ability to recover, and, if it be true, tell her you love her. Love works miracles for which no man of science can account.”

William patted the woman’s hand and tried to smile. “Thank you. You have given me excellent advice. Now, it is time you rest in your own bed. I shall sit with her until Mrs. Reynolds takes another turn. Please get some sleep, as you may be needed again.”

She nodded and with one last smile, turned and proceeded down the hall. As she arrived at the door to her room, she turned to see him waiting in the dim light of the candles along the wall, making sure she was safely inside. Both smiled at the shared encouragement.

Back in Elizabeth’s room, William replaced the almost burned out candle with another and then slumped down in the large, soft chair. Elizabeth looked so small in the large bed that he reached out to take hold of her hand. It was cold, so he began rubbing it, hoping to return some warmth. As he focused on massaging the soft skin, he reflected on what had happened in the last seventy-two hours.

Richard and Arthur had departed, but not before he had learned that the boy had no other knowledge of Elizabeth’s time at Northgate and could offer no suggestions to help her recall the ordeal she had been through. Shortly after they left, William was summoned to a far pasture to look over a shed that needed repair, and it was there that Evan found him and delivered the news of Mr. Hazelton’s death. He and Evan had immediately gone to the Hazelton’s estate and upon returning to Pemberley, found it in an uproar.

Downstairs, Mrs. Reynolds was trying to soothe a crying Millie. Evan immediately took charge of the child and his whispers of comfort immediately calmed her and she fell asleep in his arms. Meanwhile, he had found Georgiana with Mr. Woodwright, a physician newly settled in Lambton, in this very room with Elizabeth—she lying unaware of the drama surrounding her. As he entered, Georgiana was explaining Elizabeth’s history to the man.

As it turned out, Mr. Woodwright was well versed in head injuries, as his father had been an associate of Mr. Towson before his death. William was immediately impressed by the tall, thin, red-haired man. Learning of his connections with Towson, William’s hope rose, only to be dashed with his analysis—this new injury could be the last straw, assuring she would never recover her right mind.

He explained that while the small knot on the back of her head would normally heal with no further complications, adding that insult to her previous injuries made the outcome uncertain, and the fact that she had not awakened since she fainted was not a good sign. It was with a comforting pat on William’s back that he returned to his office, promising to return every day. The physician had been as good as his word, coming early the next two mornings to find no change in her condition.

At his departure, Georgiana had been inconsolable. Even as William held her and assured her that she had done nothing wrong, she insisted that her impulse to come to Pemberley without notice had caused the tragedy. He tried to reason with her, pointing out that there was no way she could have known this would happen and that Pemberley was still her home, so she did not have to give notice of her visits.

Nevertheless, William understood Georgiana’s guilt. He was filled with guilt, too. He had promised to protect Elizabeth, and she had received this injury while under his watch. He wondered what the Bingleys would say. How would he tell Jane?

He groaned. This was the first time he had thought of Elizabeth’s sister. In Charles’ last letter, he disclosed that Jane was with child again. She had been planning to visit Elizabeth just as soon as William thought it was advisable, but her doctor had put her on bed rest because of complications with her pregnancy. Her distress over Elizabeth was likely exacerbating her problems, and William had tried to keep his subsequent letter cheerful and positive, short of deceiving them as to the progress of her sister’s recovery.

He rubbed his head for a moment as another headache threatened. Suddenly the door opened and a maid came in with a tray of hot tea. Agatha bobbed, setting the tray on a nearby table and reaching into her pocket to produce a packet of powders.

“Begging your pardon, sir, but Mrs. Reynolds asked me to bring this to you when you relieved Mrs. Drury. The powders relieve headaches.”

William chuckled as he took the proffered packet. “Thank you. Please inform Mrs. Reynolds that she is indeed a mind reader.” The young maid unsuccessfully tried to suppress a chuckle and bobbed slightly askew before exiting the room.

“Kind, thoughtful woman,” William said, shaking his head in awe.

~~~*~~~

Several minutes later, his headache abating, William gave his full attention to Elizabeth. It was time to begin practicing what Mr. Towson had preached. Nervous as a schoolboy, he moved to sit on the edge of the bed, taking her small hands in his.

He drank in her appearance—dark brows and long lashes contrasted against her pale complexion. Her ebony tresses, now wildly out of control, were spread out like silk on the pillow. He could not suppress a smile. God help him, he did not think he could ever look at her without smiling. Even as she lay unaware, her presence here brought tears of joy, and he found himself struggling for control. If only the Elizabeth he loved would return, he would grant her anything within his power.

He took a ragged breath. Nothing ventured. Nothing gained.

Leaning in close to her, he picked up one dark tendril lying across her shoulder and caressed it. With great difficulty, he forced his eyes to her motionless face, swallowed hard, and compelled his voice to steady.

“I love you, Elizabeth Bennet. I think I have loved you from the first moment that I saw you. Do you remember the night that I walked into the assembly at Meryton and the entire crowd parted like the Red Sea?” He tried to chuckle, but it sounded joyless.

“I could hear their whispers—single ...ten thousand a year ...half of Derbyshire. But I knew there was no way I could avoid the gauntlet, and my heart beat furiously as I began to walk in my eyes focused straight ahead.”

He smiled down at her now and brushed a stray curl from her forehead. “I swear that only the grace of God allowed me, from the corner of my eye, to catch sight of a slip of a girl with ebony eyes and a head full of chocolate curls. When your eyes locked with mine, it felt as if a fire ignited within me. Did you feel it as well, my love?”

He ran the back of his hand across her cheek. “If only I had known then what I know now, I would never have denied the connection and turned away.” He took a deep breath.

“If it were possible, I would apologise for my actions. I was angry with Charles for trying to force me to dance, and I took it out on the people there—on you, especially. The insult you heard, ‘ tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me ,’ was uttered without thought and was utterly false.” He quieted, contemplating his next confession.

“Of a truth, from the moment I saw you, Elizabeth, I was drawn like a moth to a flame, and it frightened me. I had been hiding behind this mask for so long ...” His voice trailed off as he cocked his head towards her, as if expecting her to say something. The slow rise and fall of her chest was his only answer.

“It took years, but I am now acutely aware of all that my mask accomplished. Yes, it often kept me from the schemes of those who would use me for their own reasons, but it also kept me from those for whom I truly might have cared.” He clasped her hand, placing a soft kiss on the palm, then held it to his cheek.

“I pray that when you awaken, and I have no doubt that you will , that you remember our time together. That is all I ask. If you remember Pemberley, you will remember how much I love you.” He leaned in to place a chaste kiss on her forehead.

“I will spend the rest of my life loving you, if only you will stay with me. Please, Elizabeth. ”

~~~*~~~

It was early evening when Elizabeth became aware of her surroundings. First, she was conscious of the unique feel of satin sheets and pillows. Then heavy-lidded eyes opened to scan an elegantly appointed room. The walls were covered with images of delicate flowers, gossamer curtains hung at the windows. The canopy above the intricately carved bed seemed vaguely familiar. A soft snore revealed a woman sleeping in a large chair nearby, and though she recognised her, Elizabeth could not quite remember her name.

She started to rise, but a sharp pain in her head and neck made it impossible, so she gave up the attempt. A great weariness washed over her, and she closed her eyes, preferring the twilight realm where she no longer felt anything. It could have been minutes or hours afterward that a deep baritone voice awakened her once more. He spoke so softly that it was difficult to make out every word, but some of his declarations seeped into her consciousness before she slid back into the darkness.

...Of a truth, from the moment I saw you, Elizabeth, I was drawn like a moth to a flame, and it frightened me. I had been hiding behind this mask for so long...

...I will spend the rest of my life loving you, if only you will stay with me. Please, Elizabeth.

~~~*~~~

“Brother?”

William was being jostled from his sleep, and his unconscious mind leapt to the wrong conclusion.

“Elizabeth?” he exclaimed, jumping from the chair to lean over the small figure lying still on the bed. His bloodshot eyes refused to focus for a moment.

“It is I,” Georgiana whispered from behind as she touched his arm. “Elizabeth is unchanged. I apologise for frightening you.”

Finding everything the same, he released a heavy sigh and sank back down into the cushions of the chair, rubbing his eyes before allowing himself to concentrate on his sister. She motioned for them to leave the room and moved towards the door. He stood and followed her into the hall.

“I left Millie with Evan this morning. I want to sit with Elizabeth, if I may.” Her voice was full of regret. “I hurt her, once intentionally and again unknowingly. Please say that I may help.” Her blue eyes swam with tears, and William knew he could not deny her request.

“Of course, you may,” he whispered, pulling her into a hug.

In his embrace, she felt his desperation and slipped her arms around him. Their respite was suddenly interrupted by a strangled cry, and they pulled back to stare at each other in confusion. Suddenly, what was happening penetrated William’s weary mind, and he rushed past her towards Elizabeth, Georgiana right on his heels.

Elizabeth was screaming, crying and lashing out as if she were fighting for her life, though her eyes were closed.

“He killed them! He killed them!” she cried, her face contorted with grief, as her arms lashed out at an invisible enemy.

Though she longed to be of help, Georgiana backed into a corner. With Elizabeth in such turmoil, she feared her presence might cause even more harm.

Elizabeth’s movements brought her perilously close to the edge of the bed, and afraid she might hurt herself further, William immediately reached for her, pulling her squarely back to the middle of the large bed. Her eyes opened and now she lashed out at him.

Sensing that she was in some kind of traumatic stupor, he shouted over her cries. “Elizabeth! You are safe! He is not here! He cannot harm you!”

Still Elizabeth fought, managing to roll free of his grasp and onto the other side of the bed. Before he could catch her, she slipped out of the bed and ran through the unlocked door to the balcony. William was right behind, and Georgiana slipped near the opened doors to watch, fearing she might have to step in at any time. She peered around the curtain as William approached the frightened woman. Seeing Elizabeth’s terrified expression, she began to pray.

Elizabeth slowly stepped backwards until her calves touched the wall surrounding the balcony. Realising that she had reached the end of her escape route, she quickly turned and climbed upon the wall where she balanced precariously on the top rail. William’s heart almost stopped. He knew that if she fell, she would surely die.

“Do not move, Elizabeth!” he ordered in his most commanding voice. “Stand perfectly still.” He took a step towards her, and she began shaking her head, turning it so she did not have to look at him.

“Nooooo!” The plea came out as a sob.

Immediately William stilled and backed away with his hands held up in surrender, the pain of her rejection clearly evident on his face. Georgiana started to move onto the balcony, only to freeze in horror as Elizabeth wobbled and almost fell. William started as though he was going to keep her from falling, but immediately halted as she righted herself.

Feeling she had no choice, Georgiana slipped in between the two, whispering as she passed him, “Will you let me try, Brother?”

Heartbroken, William looked between Georgiana and Elizabeth. “It seems I cannot help.” His voice broke. “Please ...she is in your hands.”

Stoically, he backedup until hestood in the doorwayleading tothe bedroom. Leaning dejectedly against the frame, he had barely gotten situated before Mrs. Drury, Mrs. Reynolds and two footmen rushed in behind him, hopingto be of assistance. Looking over his shoulder, he motioned them out. They hurriedly retreated to the hallway, while he turned his attention back to Elizabeth.

For a moment, Elizabeth was wild-eyed as she took in the grounds below, then slowly her gaze came up, and she focused on Georgiana. An expression of disbelief crossed her face.

“He ...he killed you ...you and Millie. I remember it all.” She took a ragged breath, seeing something only she could see, before settling her gaze again on William’s sister.

“I saw the count raise the gun, and it went off. You fell!”

Georgiana stopped, realising now why Elizabeth had fainted previously when seeing her with Millie. “I may look like her, but I am not Addie, Elizabeth. I am Georgiana Ingram, Fitzwilliam’s sister.”

“Not Addie?”

“No. It would seem I strongly resemble her, but I am not Millie’s mother.”

Elizabeth said nothing, though she studied her thoughtfully.

“You may remember that we met previously. I was very rude to you at our first meeting. In fact, it was right here on this very balcony. I wanted to apologise sooner, but we were afraid that it might upset you even more, so I waited. Please believe me ...I am here only because I truly want to help you.”

Elizabeth’s face crumpled. “Addie was my friend, and she was only trying to help me. I ...I should never have agreed for her to help me.” She sobbed now, causing her to sway dangerously. William took one step forward. “Poor Addie! Poor Millie!”

Praying under her breath, Georgiana stepped closer. “It was not your fault. Addie would not want you to blame yourself, and you need to know that Millie did not die.” Elizabeth looked up, her eyes growing larger.

“It is true. Though Addie was lost, Millie was saved. My husband and I are going to raise her.”

Elizabeth blinked several times in confusion. “But ...but I saw the blood. I saw Addie fall with Millie.”

“Miraculously, Millie was not harmed.”

Elizabeth’s eyes lowered, and she seemed to be considering this revelation. Georgiana took the opportunity to step closer. “I would love for you to see her, to see that she is well.” She held a hand out, palm up. “Please come down. Brother and I would be heartbroken if you fell and were hurt.”

Elizabeth stared at her hand. “No, I must go. If he finds me here, he will kill everyone.”

Every opinion Georgiana had held about the woman changed at that moment. She had been helping Elizabeth solely because her brother was in love with her, but now she felt admiration welling up. Anyone who put the safety of others above their own interests was a woman worth getting to know.

“No one knows you are here, except your sister and brother. You are safe in my brother’s home and in mine, and you are welcome at both.”

Elizabeth considered her for some time before slipping her hand in Georgiana’s and allowing herself to be guided to the floor. William blew out the breath he had been holding and sank back against the doorframe, so weak he hoped his legs would not give out. Then, praying not to garner Elizabeth’s attention, he hurried through the room and out into the hallway where his slight smile and nod met with sighs of relief from the members of his staff.

Leading Elizabeth slowly back into the bedroom, Georgiana tried to think what she should do next. A question brought her out of her reverie.

“Where am I?”

“This is Pemberley.”

Elizabeth gasped, whispering almost to herself, “Mr. Darcy’s home.” She turned to Georgiana. “Why am I here?”

“Only Fitzwilliam can explain, but your sister Jane and my brother felt that it was necessary.”

Elizabeth was unable to meet her eye. “I ...I need time ...alone.”

Georgiana stepped to her, taking both of her hands and causing Elizabeth to look up through her lashes. “It is Fitzwilliam that you do not wish to talk with, is it not?”

Shyly Elizabeth nodded. Georgiana sighed, knowing how much this would hurt William.

“I will tell him that you do not wish to speak to him at this time if that is truly what you want.” Another nod sealed the agreement, but Georgiana could not leave it there. “But at some point, you will need to talk to him. I want you to know that Fitzwilliam is truly the best of men. He would never harm you—you must know that.”

A soft voice came from the now lowered head. “He must hate me.”

So, that was the crux of the matter—memories from their past. “You are greatly mistaken. In fact, he has taken great pains to see to your welfare. I can assure you that he does not hate you.”

“He always looked down on my situation, and now that I am married to a...a murderer.” Her voice trailed off, and she began to cry. Georgiana wrapped her arms around her, rocking her from side to side.

“Shhh. Crying will only make you feel worse, and you have to improve so I can bring Millie to see you. You want that, do you not?” She felt Elizabeth nod against her shoulder.

“Let us get you settled in bed. The physician does not want you walking until he thinks you are ready. You will need something to eat and—” She smiled at Elizabeth’s attempts to wipe her tears on her sleeves. “Here!” she said offering her a handkerchief from her pocket. “Now that I have Millie, I have learned to have several in my pocket at all times.”

Elizabeth tried unsuccessfully to smile as she climbed back into the large bed. Georgiana took pillows and piled them behind her, so that she sat upright. Once settled, Georgiana took her hand and squeezed it affectionately. “I will not leave you. Rest for a moment while I send a servant for some broth and tea.”

Standing, she backed towards the door. “I shall be right outside, and I shall return in just a moment.”

Once she was alone, Elizabeth closed her eyes and took a ragged breath.

Please God. Do not let him find me.

~~~*~~~