Page 21 of Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man
Darcy House
William’s Study
Richard strolled in unannounced. “I have come to see if you have recovered?”
His cousin’s voice drew his attention from his business papers. William knew very well to what Richard referred, but chose to act as though it had not affected him. “I beg your pardon?”
“Come now, Darce! It is I! Richard—your omniscient, omnipresent cousin. You remember—the one who saved you from the clutches of those two wicked harridans!” The smile left Richard’s face, replaced by a more serious countenance. “Tell me, are you well?”
How William hated Richard’s ability to make him smile when he wished to scowl. Standing, he dropped his papers and walked around the desk to lean against it, facing the one person he could never fool.
“I am well. It is just that I hate for Edgar to think—”
Richard placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, effectively silencing him. “Edgar said things he should not have. He knows Jacqueline is a liar, but he is jealous of you. He always has been. Surely you know that.”
“But I never—”
“Look, Darce, the women love you! Hell! Even I am jealous of you sometimes. Then I remember that you cannot help what you are, and you certainly do not vie for anyone’s attention.” Richard tried not to smirk as he added, “You are perfect through no fault of your own.”
William shushed him. “I am no such thing.”
“When it comes to looks, you are! But you came by it honestly. Uncle George was a handsome man, and I was told he had his share of women chasing after him.”
“He did?” William brightened. “He never mentioned anything.”
“My mother told me once that Aunt Anne had to beat the women off Uncle George with a stick.”
William smiled widely. “You jest.”
“Well, about the stick perhaps, but not about the women who harassed him or his being a handsome man. I remember that he was still a fine looking fellow when you graduated from university.”
The thought of how young his father had appeared only a year before his death caused an ache in William’s chest. Forcing himself not to dwell on it, he feigned a smile. “I appreciate that you are trying to lift my spirits, Richard, but I fear it is useless. Only this morning, Mrs. Barnes informed me that one of the maids heard rumours of last night’s happenings when she went to pick up an order at the market. I can only wonder at how it became common knowledge overnight.”
“It appears there were others in the gardens during the melee. I saw no one when I escorted the ladies to the house, but naturally, the gossips scurried like rats from a burning building to spread the news.”
William dropped his head and groaned. “This is a disaster!”
“Not for Edgar! You did him a favour.” William’s head shot up and a quizzical brow lifted.
“With Jacqueline’s blatant display of shameless regard for you, Father has finally seen what Edgar has said all along—that their marriage is hopeless. And since she had no intention of providing him an heir, last night was further incentive for them to separate permanently. As I see it, the only problem is that she may pursue you even more vigorously afterward.”
“I never sought her attention. There is only one woman’s attention I want, and right now she does not want even to talk to me.”
“Miss Elizabeth does not want to talk to you? Why ever not? You were so close just weeks ago. What happened?”
“Her memory is returning.” He laughed mirthlessly. “I believe she has remembered what she did not like about me.”
“You and she had such lively debates when we were at Rosings. I would never have guessed she did not like you. How did you come to find out?”
“I made her an offer of marriage.” At Richard’s look of astonishment, he shrugged. “In Kent.”
“You did not!”
“I most certainly did, and she refused me.”
“My word! What reason did she give for refusing one of the most eligible men in England?”
“Among other things, my selfish disdain for the feelings of others—of a more personal nature, the separation of her sister and Charles Bingley.”
“Separate Bingley from Miss Bennet? She was the one?” William did not reply, but the guilt on his face was confirmation.
Richard realised his part in the misunderstanding and groaned. “All of this—your exile, Miss Elizabeth’s ordeal—should be laid at my feet! I had no idea that Miss Bennet was the woman Bingley was enamoured of in Hertfordshire, and I told Miss Elizabeth of how you were his advisor—how he valued your opinion. My purpose was just to impress her with the way you look after your friends and family. Can you ever forgive me for betraying a confidence and causing you both pain?”
William patted Richard’s arm. “It is in the past, Richard. And the truth would have come out eventually, so do not be distressed. Besides, Elizabeth had such a poor opinion of my character that that alone would have been reason enough. She said I did not act like a gentleman.”
“I can undoubtedly see where your shyness might appear as disdain, but I have never known you not to act the part of a gentleman.”
“Believe me, my proposal was not kind as I ended up insulting her family. And though I did not specifically tell Bingley to leave Meryton, I discouraged him in his pursuit of Miss Bennet. I—I thought the Bennet family, other than Elizabeth and Miss Bennet, were vulgar. So when he asked my opinion—”
“You pointed him in the opposite direction.”
“Precisely.”
“But he married her anyway, did he not?”
“After I left Rosings, I went straight to Bingley and told him what Elizabeth had said of her sister’s broken heart. Charles returned to Hertfordshire, and they were married.”
“And you were off to Scotland to lick your wounds.” William stood silent. “The mystery of your disappearance is solved at last—a broken heart.” Richard’s next words contained not a hint of joviality. “What will you do now? You cannot very well stay away from Pemberley just because she is there. You must go home at some point.”
William sighed heavily. “I promised Georgiana I would return before the week’s end. Pemberley has ample space, and I see no problem with being able to keep well away from Elizabeth.”
Looking as though he was considering the prospect of being near but not with the woman he loved, William’s mien darkened. “I pray that at some point she will—at the very least—consider me a friend.”
“Surely that would not suffice with the way you feel about her. It seems you will only torture yourself with this friendship .”
“Right now being friends with Miss Elizabeth would be a vast improvement.”
On a balcony at Pemberley
“I am almost finished. You may talk, but keep perfectly still.”
Elizabeth sat stroking the sleeping kitten in her lap as Georgiana worked her magic with the coloured pencils. She could see the strokes Georgiana made from her vantage point but could not make out the image.
“How long will Millie nap?”
“Oh, she normally rests for at least an hour, maybe more. I believe you quite exhausted her while playing,” Georgiana teased, “And she was delighted to have her doll returned.”
Staring wistfully in the distance, Elizabeth recollected. “Addie used to bring her to see me when ...” She was unable to continue for a moment, but just as Georgiana was about to speak she added, “Millie was not allowed in my private quarters, but Addie would sneak her in when I was at my lowest.”
Georgiana nodded, not sure what to say, but trying to be a good listener. She had done so each day since her brother’s departure, and it was plain that Elizabeth’s memory was returning. The results were oftentimes painful to watch.
Taking a ragged breath, Elizabeth continued with even greater emotion, “I believe Addie ... I believe she would be very happy that you and your husband are raising Millie. She would want her to have a father and mother who love her.”
Georgiana had ceased drawing when Elizabeth began speaking of Addie, and tears filled her eyes. She leaned over to catch Elizabeth’s hand and their eyes met. “I—I can only hope that somehow she is watching over Millie and that she is pleased.” Elizabeth nodded tearfully.
Trying to lighten the mood, Georgiana held up the drawing. “It is not entirely finished, but I believe you can recognise yourself! I give you, Elizabeth and—” She stopped. “What is the kitten’s name?”
Elizabeth picked up the calico kitten, touching her nose to its pink one. “Jade. Her name is Jade because that is the colour of her eyes.”
“Very well then, Elizabeth and Jade! How do you like it?”
“It is lovely! You draw beautifully, and it looks exactly like Jade, though I think that you have flattered me.”
“You are too modest, Elizabeth. You are very pretty.”
Elizabeth smiled knowingly. “You are mistaken. I have no delusions about my appearance, but I do have a sister Jane who is beautiful—hair the colour of summer wheat and the bluest eyes.” Suddenly her face crumpled though she did not cry. “I miss her so much.”
Georgiana moved to hug her. “I am sure you shall see her soon. Just mention it to Brother, and he will invite Mr. Bingley and your sister to Pemberley. There is nothing that he would not do for you.”
Elizabeth’s gaze dropped to her shoes. “I really do not understand why he would do anything for me.”
Georgiana stilled. “What do you remember of Fitzwilliam?”
“When I told you there were many thoughts going through my mind and sometimes I cannot discern what I remember from what I might have imagined, I was referring to him.”
“Fitzwilliam?”
Elizabeth’s head bobbed up and down.
“Would you like me to tell you a little about my brother? After all, he can be quite the mystery.”
“I would like that very much.”
Georgiana spent the next hour extolling the man she knew and loved, explaining how he had had to become the master of Pemberley at a young age because of their father’s passing, and how he had become more reticent as his every action was critiqued. Then tenderly, she recounted their relationship.
“Fitzwilliam and I have always been close. Our mother died when I was quite young, and I think my brother tried to make everything right by keeping me close to him.” She smiled almost to herself. “If he was riding, I sat in front of him; if he was swimming, I was on his back. I even begged to fence when he began lessons.” She laughed. “His friends despised me!”
Shaking her head in wonder, Georgiana said wistfully, “If I remember my childhood fondly at all, it is only because of him.”
Seeing Elizabeth’s puzzlement, she explained. “You see, my father was heartbroken at my mother’s passing. Though he was a good man, after she died, he spent much time away from Pemberley, leaving us on our own. Fitzwilliam took it upon himself to see to my happiness.”
Georgiana giggled. “You know, my brother vetted all my suitors. Never tell Fitzwilliam this, but Evan said his greatest fear in falling in love with me was having to approach Fitzwilliam. They were old acquaintances, but they were not good friends then. I cannot begin to tell you how Brother behaved when Evan asked for my hand.”
Elizabeth could not help but laugh. “I can only but imagine.”
“And it would take days for me to tell you of all the women who have chased or been pushed towards my brother. No less than seven attempts have been made to compromise him that I know about. He is so handsome that many desired him, while not a few coveted his wealth and connections. That is why I shall wager that when you met him, he did not appear friendly in the least.”
“He was not personable when we met, no. Nor did he improve on subsequent meetings.”
“One would have to know all he had been through, all the hypocrisy he had witnessed and the ‘duty and honour’ driven into this head by our uncle to understand fully why he invented that mask of indifference everyone sees. It was in self-defence.”
“Thank you. You have helped me to understand why Mr. Darcy acted as he did in Hertfordshire,” Elizabeth ventured. “I daresay my mother was not the only mother pushing her daughters in his direction.”
“And if I am correct, you met him again in Kent?”
Elizabeth coloured but did not have to reply as Georgiana continued. “When he returned that year, he was a different man— defeated is the only word that comes to my mind that would describe him at that point. I had never seen him so dispirited, and it frightened me. Then only a few days later, he was gone—in his self-imposed exile. I was broken-hearted.
“Though we corresponded, it was two years until he returned, and naturally, I was thrilled to have my brother near me again. Each day I pray that he will marry and start a family, as I believe that would give him peace of mind as well as a reason to stay.”
Georgiana halted, realising what she had said might hurt her new friend. “I am sorry if I said anything to upset you.”
Elizabeth shrugged. “There is no need to apologise. I would not want a beloved brother to bring me home either.” At Georgiana’s sympathetic look, she tried to smile. “The truth hurts sometimes but it does not make it any less true.”
Georgiana changed the subject. “Do you remember anything of your arrival at Pemberley?”
“Yes. It was almost as though I were in a thick fog. I could hear people talking, but they were far, far away, and I could not understand what they were saying.” She smiled wanly. “I am slowly regaining my senses, but there is one thing I would dearly like to ask you.”
Elizabeth stood then, setting down the kitten and walking to the wall around the balcony. For a moment she took in the view of the pastures full of sheep and horses galloping in the distance, but her mind was not on those. Her thoughts were of soft hands and firm muscular arms ... the smell of sandalwood cologne ... soft lips brushing over her forehead and being held tightly to a man’s chest because her feet were without slippers.
“I think I remember being reassured by your brother’s embrace—more than once. Is that true?”
Georgiana took a deep breath . “Yes, but in fairness to Fitzwilliam, his touch was the only thing that calmed you when ... when you had one of your spells. He was only trying to help—to comfort you.” She stood silent so long that Georgiana became worried. “Elizabeth?”
“Only now that I can think more clearly, have I realised how very kind Mr. Darcy has been to me. Taking me into his home without reservation and showing nothing but compassion for my plight. I repaid him cruelly.”
“No. You—”
“Yes.” Elizabeth interrupted. “It was unkind to refuse to see him. I owe him my life, the least I can do is thank him.” Looking over her shoulder, she enquired, “Is he to return soon?”
“He is expected home in a day or two.”
“Then I shall have a chance to make amends before I leave.”
“You must not leave, Elizabeth. It would not be safe.”
“It would mean his ruin if I stay.” She gestured across the expanse of Pemberley. “More importantly, everyone here, even your own family nearby, would be in mortal danger. That would be an unkind way to repay such benevolence. I will find employment, and that shall dictate where I go.”
At Georgiana’s frown, she smiled. “Do not worry. I shall sort it out. I must.”
When she turned back to truly study the magnificent view, her quiet resolve kept Georgiana from replying.
London
Preston House
“I insist your people go through with this!” Stomping across the room, Cecile Preston poured herself another glass of brandy and turned to confront Wickham again.
“I went to a great deal of trouble having my maid befriend her maid so we would know when she was out of town. There is an enormous amount of money at stake.”
“INSIST! You insist! Who are you to tell me what to do?”
Wickham angrily rose from his chair. “I am not going to say this again. The man we are aligned with does not wish to relieve Lady Waltham of her valuables. He did not explain his reasons to me, and I did not ask. He is not someone you wish to make an enemy, whether you know it or not. Move on to another target.”
“But why? She has many expensive pieces. What reason could he possibly have to object?”
“It is purely speculation on my part, but I assume he had targeted her already for his own reasons. He was doing this sort of thing long before I joined him.”
“Targeted her? How delicious! An international thief involved with Lady Waltham!”
“If it is true—” Wickham interjected, but was quickly interrupted by Cecile.
“That is likely the only rationale that would appease me. I hope he is, and she loses everything!”
“My, my, you sound like a woman scorned! Has Lady Waltham stolen your lover perhaps?” At the look of annoyance on her face, Wickham cackled. “That is it! She stole your lover. Who is he? Some old gentleman with one foot in the grave?” He bent over laughing, as she seethed.
“I will have you know that the men I favour would never give her a second glance. I just do not care for the woman because she had an elevated opinion of herself—she thinks she is so beautiful.”
“She is!” Wickham smirked at Cecile’s glare. “I have seen her about town, and while she may be getting older, she is still a beauty. I would not mind dipping my pen into that.”
Huffing in disgust, Cecile threw her glass into the fire, breaking it. “So, our profits rest on the whims of men whose only concern seems to be getting whores into their beds.”
Wickham scowled and started to the door, turning to impart a warning. “You had better watch what you say about certain people. It could get you into more trouble than you ever imagined.” He stared menacingly for a moment.
“Send for me as soon as you find less dangerous baubles to pilfer.”
Rosewood Manor
The Nursery
Evan peered into the nursery to see Georgiana rocking slowly, her eyes fixed upon the small bed which held their daughter. Quietly, he entered without her notice, leaning down to plant a kiss on her perfumed hair and announcing his presence.
“She finally sleeps?”
She gave him a smile. “Yes. She was exhausted but determined to fight sleep.” Chuckling, she added, “After Elizabeth caught sight of Millie today, I barely got to hold her. It was heart-warming to see her take to Elizabeth so quickly and then squeal with delight at the sight of her doll. Now I know why there were doll clothes in her bag. It seemed to lift Elizabeth’s spirits so much to see Millie and to give her the doll.”
Just then, Mrs. Calvert stepped into the room, and Georgiana rose to vacate the rocking chair. “I shall stay with the little Miss now. You need your rest, Mrs. Ingram,” the nurse whispered, giving Evan a slight smile.
Even before she had taken her seat, Evan was pulling Georgiana towards the door. “Thank you, Mrs. Calvert, you are invaluable to this household,” he pronounced, quitting the room with his wife.
The elderly woman could not suppress a smile. Rosewood Manor had always been a delightful place to work, but now that the Ingrams had their new daughter, the atmosphere had grown even brighter. Children bring such joy!
A few feet down the hall, Georgiana chastised her husband, “Evan! What will Mrs. Calvert think—you practically dragged me from the room?”
He stopped walking and pulled her tightly to his already aroused body. “She will think that the Master of the house needs his wife’s company, and she would be absolutely correct.”
Capturing her mouth in a torrid kiss, they were lost in their desires when a noise drew their attention. Quitting the kiss, they stepped apart, each glancing down the hall in an opposite direction, only to smile as they looked back at each other.
“We are safe!” Evan teased. “No servants witnessed the Master ravishing the Mistress!”
Georgiana’s eye twinkled in the dim light of the candles lighting the hallway. “That, my dear husband, was not
ravishing .”
“Suppose we step in here,” Evan pulled her a few feet further to the door of their bedchamber, turning the knob and pushing it open, “and I shall show you what constitutes ravishing!”
~~~*~~~
Later, satiated and content, Georgiana lay next to Evan, her head resting on his shoulder, one arm across his chest. He kissed her forehead. “I love you, Ana. You are the best wife and mother in the world.”
She chuckled quietly. “Well, maybe not the world.”
She could feel his suppressed laughter as his body shook. “Yes, even the world! And you are compassionate. When I see you with Miss Elizabeth—”
“I am only doing what William asked of me,” she interjected.
“No. You would have taken care of her without being asked, I have no doubt as you are a kind person. But to see you ministering to the one woman who destroyed the dreams you had for your brother ... I know that must be difficult.”
Georgiana sighed, confirming his belief that she might need to talk. After all, she was a Darcy, and they were experts at keeping wounds covered until they festered.
“I cannot hate her, though I confess to wanting to in the beginning. She is a good person at heart who had some awful things happen to her.” Georgiana shuddered. “But for the grace of God, I could have been born into such a family. I cannot imagine a mother caring so little for her own daughter.”
“I could tell from your dealings with Miss Elizabeth that you no longer resent her, but what of your desire to see Darcy marry, to have children? That is unlikely to happen if he is in love with her.”
“A wise man once told me that I cannot live my brother’s life for him.”
“That was easy for me to say!” He chuckled, then sobered. “But even I worry that he may slip into another bout of melancholy.”
Georgiana pulled herself up, rested on one elbow, then leaned over to plant a kiss on his lips. “I love the fact that you care so deeply for William, too.”
“Darcy is truly my brother, and I do not wish him to be hurt. You were so distraught at his exile that I never mentioned my own sadness. I missed him terribly, oft times heading to the stables to ride over to Pemberley and getting half-way to the corral before I remembered he was gone. He was my advisor as well as my friend.”
“I could tell you missed him, but I was so miserable that I could not help you.” They were quiet for some time, each lost in their own thoughts.
Finally Evan ventured, “Do you think Miss Elizabeth has improved noticeably since Darcy has been gone?”
“I do. Each time I visit she is better, and she has resolved her concerns about my brother, at least in her mind. I believe she will talk to him when he returns, if only to thank him. She did admit, when I asked, that she loves him.”
“I imagine he thinks she must hate him—since she would not speak to him.”
“Knowing my brother, he has thought of the worst possible explanation for her refusal.”
Evan ran the back of his hand over her cheek. “Will you tell him that she loves him?”
“No, I gave her my word, and I know that, as my confidant, you will not.”
“It seems a shame that he should be ignorant of the fact. He was quite distraught when he left for London.”
“If my brother really loves her, he will find out for himself. That is something I will not have to tell him.”
“I suppose you are right.”
She snickered. “The best wife and mother in the world is always right.”
He grabbed her, rolling her over until she lay beneath him. “And she is always desired.”
The rest of the night was not devoted to thinking of Ana’s brother or Elizabeth’s problems but to the furtherance of the Ingram’s happiness ... which was significant!
~~~*~~~