Page 19 of Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man

Later that evening

Elizabeth devoured the broth Mrs. Reynolds sent up as though she were starved. Then for the next half-hour, Georgiana sat with her, making conversation and doing everything possible to alleviate any fears she might have about being at Pemberley. Finally, sleep beckoned.

Mrs. Drury slipped into the room not long after Elizabeth began to show the signs of drowsiness, and fortunately, Elizabeth recognised her companion, accepting her company without hesitation. As sleep claimed the weary young woman, a drained Georgiana relinquished her place as Mrs. Drury insisted that William’s sister also retire to sleep. Confident that the elderly woman could manage the situation if Elizabeth awoke, Georgiana went in search of her brother.

She did not have to go far, as William was just outside, standing in the hallway, shoulder propped against the wall, head down and eyes closed. When she opened the door, he did not stir, so she quietly stood in front of him. Sensing her presence, he opened his weary eyes, and she smiled tenderly, running a hand over his stubbled cheek.

“I feared you were asleep in this position.”

Standing up straight, he stretched and returned her smile, though it was forced. “I might have dozed a little.” Quickly he got to the point. “Elizabeth?”

Georgiana took his hand and pulled him into the sitting room next to Elizabeth’s bedroom before beginning. “She is improved, but still very weak. I will leave word with Mrs. Lightfoot to cook something appropriate for her in the morning, perhaps eggs and toast—she needs something besides broth. Elizabeth should be hungry by the time Mr. Woodwright departs, as he always arrives so early.”

William nodded, seemingly preoccupied. His expression resembled a small child requesting a favour. “I would like to speak with her ...not tonight, of course, but tomorrow. That is, if you think it would not upset her.”

Georgiana sighed at his eager expression. The truth would hurt tremendously. “I—I am afraid Miss Elizabeth does not wish to see you.” His reaction was to blink continually, so she added, “For now.”

His eyes closed. The pain he felt was palpable, and Georgiana reached out to squeeze his arm in sympathy, struggling not to cry herself. She hated to see him suffer.

“She may not want to see you at present, but she is sure to change her mind at some point.” He shook his head all during her words of consolation.

“Did she say why—why she will not see me?”

“Her exact words were, ‘ He must hate me .’”

“Hate? Why would I—”

“She mentioned that you looked down on her. I suppose during your stay at Hertfordshire you displayed your duty-and-station-above-all-else persona.”

William shuddered, murmuring, “And it has haunted me ever since.”

“She feels she is even more of an anathema, now that she is married to that despicable man.”

He stood still for some time, as if he were weighing the situation, then forced a slight smile as if to appear recovered. “I suppose it would be kinder to leave her alone, at least for a time. Would it be too much to ask that you check on Elizabeth every day or so until I return? Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Drury are quite capable, but I would feel better if you looked in on her.”

“Of course I will, but where are you going?”

“London. Aunt Evelyn has implored me to attend the Viscount’s ball on Saturday—I know you received an invitation as well.” Georgiana nodded. Just as with every previous invitation from her family in London, she had never considered attending.

“She was so kind when last I saw her in London that I hate to disappoint her, though I do not care to socialize with most of the family, save Richard. I had not intended to go, but since Elizabeth wants time alone ...”

“Viscount Leighton’s birthday celebration—that should be quite a soirée,” Georgiana exclaimed sardonically.

“I imagine so. Lord Matlock spares no expense when it comes to his firstborn. I do wonder how it will feel to be in their company again. I have not seen Edgar in years.”

Georgiana blew an imaginary curl off her forehead in exasperation. “Frankly, other than Aunt Evelyn and Richard, the separation could never be long enough to suit me.”

“Edgar should never have brought Lord Hamilton’s offer of marriage to the earl’s attention, even if he and the rogue were the best of friends. It was obvious that Hamilton only wanted your dowry to pay for his gaming debts. Lord knows, I will never forgive him for that.”

“I would not have accepted Lord Hamilton for any reason,” Georgiana huffed.

“And I told Edgar and Lord Matlock that I would never allow it. For all his wealth and connections, Hamilton was always a reprobate hiding in a gentlemen’s clothing. Besides gambling and drinking excessively, he kept a mistress and still found time for the brothels. My uncle could not see beyond his standing with the ton , but you, my darling sister, were not meant for that demented vulture.”

Georgiana hugged William. “I love you too, Brother.” Pulling back to consider him, she sobered. “I have two warnings to impart. First, from what little Elizabeth said of her husband, I gather he is quite dangerous. Please promise me that you will be careful. I cannot bear the thought of losing you.”

“He seems to be in hiding, but from what I learned from the Bingleys and Mrs. Browning, the housekeeper at Northgate, he may indeed be insane. So you may rest assured that I will be wary. Your other warning?”

“I have heard from Cecile that Jacqueline has returned to Edgar and is acting the dutiful wife. Our aunt and uncle are treating her as though she never left.”

William’s brows knit in interest, so she continued. “Rumour has it that her father grew tired of her friendships with other men, so he sent her away, resulting in her decision to return to her marriage. Keep well away from her—her kind never changes. Jacqueline was trouble before, and she is trouble now.”

“I imagine our aunt and uncle had no choice. As for Lady Leighton, she has probably not thought of me in years. Her infatuation—”

“Infatuation! She threw herself at you the night her engagement was announced! If I had not seen it with my own eyes ...” Georgiana grew so infuriated that she could not continue.

William smiled at his sister’s indignation. Pulling her back into his embrace, he tried to calm her by teasing. “Gigi, you must try to let go of this anger, else soon there will be no one in the family with whom you are on speaking terms.”

“ Let go! She had her breasts clearly displayed to tempt you, and Edgar was in a room nearby! If I had not gone to find you—” She shook her head, as though trying to excise the memory. “I can only imagine what would have transpired if, instead of me, her fiancé had walked in on you. Though you were clearly backing away, and the look on your face mirrored your disgust, Edgar would have insisted on pistols at dawn.”

He patted her back. “I know, sweetheart. I know.”

“Despite my having spoiled her scheme, all she could do was smirk at me when I rebuked her. That is why I despise her so!” She sniffed indignantly. “Besides, Aunt Evelyn, Richard, and Amelia will suffice for family as far as I am concerned!”

“Yes. Poor Amelia! Richard said she hardly comes to London anymore since her marriage. I have to wonder if she is as unhappy as Edgar, since Uncle arranged her marriage as well.”

Georgiana retorted, “I know I would be unhappy with a man thirty years older than myself, even if he were kind.”

William seemed to ponder that for a brief time before responding. “Let us think no more on it tonight.” He pushed her out to arm’s length. “You will sleep here tonight, will you not?”

She grinned. “Yes. I imagine Evan and Millie are already abed, as Mrs. Reynolds was seeing to their comfort. I will not be missed.”

“Then I shall see you in the morning before I leave for London.” He kissed her forehead and began to lead her from the room and down the hallway, pausing at the bedroom she always occupied when at Pemberley.

“If you will excuse me, I am exhausted.” As he turned to leave, the set of his shoulders revealed his discouragement.

“Brother.” He stopped.

“Give her time.” A nod was Georgiana’s only answer.

Why had he insisted on seeing her when he came back to England? Georgiana wondered. Just when the brother she knew and loved had returned, he fell in love again with the one woman who could only bring him heartache.

How can I possibly help you and her?

Shaking her head in resignation, Georgiana entered the bedroom where Evan lay sleeping, snoring softly. She smiled.

Millie was asleep on a small cot across the room—the child-sized bed having been brought into their room, since the nursery had not been used in years. She ran a hand over the sleeping girl’s hair before continuing through the bedroom to the adjoining sitting area where candles still burned. Dropping into a large upholstered chair, she began reviewing the conversation she had with Elizabeth only a short while before.

“ Are you feeling any better?”

Elizabeth’s face crumpled, and she almost cried. “I am afraid to tell anyone how I truly feel.”

“ Oh, Miss Elizabeth! Please do not be afraid to talk to me. I will never divulge a confidence. I promise.”

Elizabeth’s voice cracked. “I—I have so many thoughts running through my mind, and sometimes I cannot discern what I remember from what I might have imagined.” A sob escaped, and Georgiana’s heart broke for the young woman. She moved to sit on the bed, pulling her into a hug.

“ I expect that is normal with the terrible experiences you have had. We can certainly ask Mr. Woodwright tomorrow morning if you like.” Elizabeth nodded, pulling back to speak.

“ I do not wish for anyone else to be harmed because of me. I want to leave as soon as I am able.” Georgiana knew Elizabeth would never be safe outside Pemberley or Rosewood Manor.

“ You have to understand that Pemberley is, and has been for years, a secure fortress. William has a multitude of guards and servants to ensure that it is safe, and my husband has done the same at our estate, at my brother’s insistence.” She smiled tenderly at Elizabeth. “You are out of harm's way here.”

“ No, you do not understand how

he

thinks. The count is not like most men—he is like two different men. One is spoiled, but charming; the other is very cruel. Once, he struck me when he found a letter that I had written to my sister. He forbade me to ever again contact anyone and declared that I could never leave. There was no place on earth that I could hide—no place he could not find me.”

Elizabeth eyes widened as if picturing him. Her voice was barely audible when she continued. “He swore he would kill everyone I care for and see me dead before he would let me go.”

Georgiana could not form a reply in the face of Elizabeth’s certainty.

“ I would rather die than have something happen to Fitzwil—” She caught herself. “Mr. Darcy.” Then added softly, “Or anyone.”

Suddenly, everything made sense to William’s sister. “Miss Elizabeth, may I ask you a somewhat indelicate question?” Elizabeth met her gaze but said nothing. “You may ignore it if you do not wish to answer.”

When Elizabeth did not look away, she ventured. “I believe you were once in love with my brother. Are you still?”

A lone tear slipped from Elizabeth’s eye, the only sign of her discomposure. Dropping her head, she nodded.

“ Is that why you did not want him to touch you? You seek to protect him by keeping him at a distance ...by keeping him from caring?”

“ For a brief moment I imagined him to be Stefano, but when I realised—” She stopped.

“ No. He cannot care for me. I am too far beneath him, but Stefano would never believe he does not have some feelings for me if I stay.” This revelation was followed by fresh tears.

“ Please do not cry. All will be well. Trust me. We will care for you—Fitzwilliam and I, Mrs. Drury, Mrs. Reynolds, and your sister and brother, Jane and Charles. Together we will keep you safe.”

Elizabeth continued to cry, as Georgiana ran soft hands over her face and hair.

“ Shhh, you will make yourself more upset. Try not to cry.”

Finally, Elizabeth sobbed, “Do not tell him.” She looked up. “Please, you promised.”

“ I will keep your secret, though I think you should tell him what you have told me.”

“ I cannot.”

“ I understand.”

London

Matlock House

The Viscount’s Birthday Ball

As at every party in London, a group gathered in a corner to critique the participants of the Matlock’s ball. These little get-togethers were a source of delight to this coterie, as they, themselves, were of little consequence . Thus, following the comings and goings of those who were important, made them feel somewhat important, too, especially when they were the first to learn the latest gossip.

Each lady in the circle was beyond the flower of youth, and none had ever been called a beauty, so they were resigned to being ignored by most of the male populace. Gentlemen of their acquaintance were mainly interested in the gullible debutantes, pretty young widows and lonely wives. Even their own husbands preferred the company of other men in the smoke-filled card rooms to partnering them in a set.

Thus, left to their own devices, the ladies formed a club of sorts recently. Their favourite activity thus far was wagering on the likelihood of one lady or another capturing the attention of a certain gentleman, always designated to be the most eligible one in attendance. Tonight the man who captured their interest was not only the most eligible man at this ball, but quite possibly, in all of England—Fitzwilliam Darcy.

“Oh, ladies, I am so excited. We do not often have a man of Mr. Darcy’s calibre, so shall we begin? Tonight my wager is on Lady Waltham,” Mrs. Graham exclaimed, trying to be heard over the din of conversation surrounding her circle of friends. “Lady Leighton is not even in the receiving line, though I had understood that she was to attend with her husband, the viscount, so perhaps she has given up her designs on Mr. Darcy.”

Even as she spoke, Mrs. Graham’s eyes combed the receiving line to see who might be next, seeing that Lady Gwendolyn Waltham had made her dramatic entrance moments before, and the murmuring amongst the crowd at her appearance had just now quieted. On the far end of the line were, of course, Lord and Lady Matlock, followed by the Viscount Leighton, his brother Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, and lastly, Mr. Darcy. But still, Lady Leighton had not appeared.

“I have never seen a more daring gown than Lady Waltham’s! I would never wear something as bold as red satin and certainly not one so revealing. I expected her bosom to fall out at any moment. And those rubies! The necklace must have cost a fortune, let alone the earrings.”

Mrs. Mumford finally had her say. “I hear she has had plenty of experience in, shall we say, arts and allurements.” Then remembering her own failed attempt to engage Mr. Darcy in suggestive conversation at the Matlock’s dinner for Richard, she chuckled. “I could certainly use some advice.”

“I could as well!” Mrs. Trentholm sighed, glancing again at Mr. Darcy. Her attempt at seduction came on the heels of Mrs. Mumford’s and had been quickly thwarted by the dark-haired Master of Pemberley.

Mrs. Hinds stated decidedly, “Gwendolyn Waltham does not stand a chance if Jacqueline Leighton decides to attend. You know the rumours as well as I—how they were found in the library together the night of her engagement dinner and by his own sister!” As several began to voice disagreement, it forced her to concede, “I know—I know. Mr. Darcy was never implicated as being anything but an innocent party, but that is all the more reason to suspect she will try again. She set her sights on him once, why would she not try again with her marriage in tatters? Certainly there is no love lost between the viscount and her.”

As the ladies nodded in agreement, Janet Mumford brought in another name. “I believe Cecile Preston has given up her quest to be the next Mistress of Pemberley and rightfully so. Lord knows she is too plain to compete with Gwendolyn or Jacqueline.”

“Or most women!” Martha Harris interjected to everyone’s delight.

“I never saw any logic for Mr. Darcy’s attraction,” Patience Trentholm added.

“I agree entirely,” Gertrude Hinds confided enthusiastically, then adding, “I have it on good authority that dear Cecile has now set her cap for Lord Farthington.”

“Farthington!” The rest exclaimed in concert.

“Why he is at least eight and fifty!” Janet Mumford gasped.

“Yes,” Mrs. Harris rejoined, “but there is something to be said for early widowhood when the dearly departed has so much wealth and so few heirs.”

“Hear! Hear!” Margie Graham chuckled. “Would that Mr. Graham was twenty years older!”

That remark set off a new round of giggles until everyone around them turned to see what had provoked such merriment. These observations caused the ladies to rein in their high spirits somewhat. They certainly did not want their little musings to get back to their husbands.

“Oh!” Patience Trentholm declared. “There is Lady Leighton now!”

They all followed her gaze toward the entrance to the ballroom where the woman in question stood as if posed, obviously very pleased with herself. Shockingly, she had waited until most of the guests had arrived before appearing ...alone. The viscount hurried towards his wife, though those who suspected her intent could see that her eyes were trained on Mr. Darcy.

Renowned for her beauty, Jacqueline Fitzwilliam enjoyed taking centre stage. She wore a deep emerald green gown and a necklace consisting of several strands of diamonds and emeralds, along with matching earrings. Her lustrous dark red hair was piled high on her head and two emerald-encrusted combs held it in place. The green of her gown served to enhance her green eyes and exquisite complexion. One perfect brow rose as Edgar came towards her, and when he held out his arm, for a moment she stared at him, making him and everyone else uncomfortable. Finally, a delicate hand came to rest lightly upon his arm, and he began to escort her. Once situated in the receiving line, she leaned over trying to catch Mr. Darcy’s eye, making her husband livid. Then she straightened to welcome the next guest.

“That went well, I think,” Richard smirked, speaking out of the corner of his mouth so Edgar could not hear. “At least you will not have to worry about Edgar’s speaking to you.”

Instead of turning towards William, which might draw attention, he flicked his eyes over to see his cousin’s unease. “Relax, Darce! If your jaw clenches any tighter, you will break a tooth.”

William was fuming as he leaned slightly towards Richard and whispered so only he could hear, “I had hoped she would behave with more decorum than the last time we were in company.”

Richard chuckled, causing his mother to lean forward and glare, while he only smiled at her. “I would say you have hoped in vain.”

“Richard,” William’s voice was low but authoritative, “you are not helping.”

“On the contrary, I plan to be a great deal of help tonight. Mother was thrilled that I was sent back to London in time to attend this soirée and she has charged me not to leave your side. So you will not be suffering the attentions of the harridans—I mean, ladies —alone. I shall sacrifice myself to keep them at bay!”

At that William smiled, leaning forward to get his aunt’s attention and giving her a full smile, dimples and all. “Thank you,” he mouthed. She smiled and nodded.

“I say!” Richard enjoined, watching the exhibition. “Why is it I got a glare and you got a smile? She is my mother, after all!”

Unfortunately, Mr. Darcy’s charming smile was seen by all the ladies who were ogling him, and it set hearts racing; among them were Lady Waltham’s, Lady Leighton’s and Mrs. Preston’s. Seeing the expressions of desire upon the women standing around him, Colonel Fitzwilliam shook his head.

“You are not making it easy for me, Cousin! Cease smiling!”

~~~*~~~