Page 30 of Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man

Pemberley

Elizabeth blinked several times at the papers in her hand, and unable to stop her legs from buckling, sank slowly to the floor. The papers had fallen out when she picked up her Bible, fluttering in all directions. As swiftly as she had stooped to retrieve them, she recollected why they were inside the sacred book in the first place, and for several seconds, she felt as though she were suffocating.

When William had brought her small keepsake chest back from Northgate, she had glanced inside it to ascertain that her Bible was still there before putting it aside. Later, after Mrs. Drury had helped her retrieve it from the closet to inventory its contents, she had chosen to spend time with William in lieu of tending to the task. But with William in London and Mrs. Drury visiting her ailing aunt, there was little to occupy her time. So this morning seemed the perfect opportunity to re-examine the contents of the small trunk that had once held symbols of her future—her dowry chest as her father had called it. Only after finding the papers did every detail of the impetus for her escape from the count become instantly clear, and she remembered in painful detail what had occurred.

Addie explained that she had been dusting the room next to Lord Stanton’s study, when she heard shouting between father and son. Stunned to hear Lord Stanton call his son an adulterer and a forger, Addie had pressed her ear to the door. Though she could not make out all their conversation, some words were easily distinguishable—counterfeit marriage certificates, bigamy, Gretna Green. Already suspicious of Stefano, Addie had long been convinced that he was involved in illegal activities, so without delay, she hurried to share all that she had heard with Elizabeth.

Eager for the truth, Elizabeth determined to search for evidence of his father’s charges the next time Lord Stanton and his son were both away. That opportunity came quickly, as both men abandoned Northgate shortly after their argument. Fortunately, Addie was able to pilfer a set of keys from Mr. Johnston, the steward, a clumsy, rather dour fellow, who had a habit of leaving the keys with which he was entrusted lying about. True to his nature, he said nothing to anyone about the missing keys, but simply had more made as it would not do for Lord Stanton or his son to find out he had been so careless.

With the purloined keys, the friends had access to all the previously forbidden rooms, and as luck would have it, the steward’s set not only included door keys, but also keys to everything that had a lock within each room. Thus they began their search late one afternoon when the understaffed household servants were required for other duties. Fortuitously, on their very first foray they decided to search Lord Stanton’s study. Elizabeth chose to begin with his lordship’s desk, which she had found locked, while Addie went through an unlocked chest.

As Elizabeth rummaged around, she found what she was looking for in the bottom drawer, covered by an old ledger. Withdrawing a paper she vaguely remembered seeing once before—a certificate of marriage from Gretna Green—she was taken aback to see her name written upon it and to realise that the signature at the bottom was not her own.

“ How can this be? This must be a forgery!” she cried, causing Addie to stop her exploration of a large chest and come to look at what Elizabeth had discovered. She pulled out several more certificates with different names, different dates, even completely blank certificates.

“ My God, what has he done?” she asked, shuffling through the stack and stopping at one in particular to hold it up for Addie’s perusal. “Anne de Bourgh—Mr. Darcy’s cousin! He will be devastated to find his cousin included in this sordid affair!”

Finally reaching the bottom, she was confronted with a most incriminating piece of evidence—a fairly recent letter to Lord Stanton from someone in Italy. Elizabeth opened the letter and began to examine it, her face becoming colourless as she read further.

Addie, fearing she might faint, insisted Elizabeth sit down, and she slumped into a large chair that sat behind the desk. When she was finally able to speak, she explained to Addie that the letter was from a Countess Livia Canossa Ridolfi, who was plainly Stefano’s wife. The countess discussed her fear that Stanton’s grandson, and Stefano’s son, Eduardo, would decide to move to England to be with his father.

Confused and beside herself with fury, Elizabeth took all of the papers she had discovered and secreted them in the back of her Bible, hoping to use it against the count. Thus armed, she vowed to Addie that she would leave Northgate immediately, on foot if necessary. Convinced of Elizabeth’s resolve but fearful for her safety, Addie asked her to wait until she could send for an acquaintance, Mr. Robert Kilburn, and beg for his assistance.

Elizabeth had often heard Addie speak of the man, as Mr. Kilburn’s family owned a small woodworking shop in Sheffield which produced and repaired tables and other small pieces of furniture. Over the years, he had often called on Northgate Manor and had become quite smitten with Addie. Kilburn, who secretly spent time with the maid, was well aware of Addie’s loathing for the count and her concern for Elizabeth, so if her request for his help was made, Addie knew that it would not come as a surprise to him.

His business required that he drive a large, covered wagon to outlying towns and villages, hawking his wares along the road and not returning until the wagon was empty. Addie prayed that he would agree to hide Elizabeth in the conveyance, among his tables, and take her safely to Lambton. Lambton was the one place Elizabeth had mentioned that she might find refuge, as her Aunt Gardiner had lived there as a child and still had family and friends thereabouts. In the end, because of his regard for Addie, Kilburn would not be a hard man to convince, and a plan was formed.

But in spite of all their best laid plans, everything went horribly wrong. Instead of staying away for several weeks or months as Stefano normally did, he returned almost immediately. In fact, he had gotten no farther than an inn in a nearby village where he spent the ensuing few days drinking. Still quite drunk when he departed, he directed his coach back to Northgate, stumbling into the manor on the eve of Elizabeth’s planned flight. She was already in Addie’s room, awaiting the cue to slip out of the house to meet Mr. Kilburn, when Stefano found her.

He had gone to Elizabeth’s room and not finding her there, had begun a search of the house. Finally, the count remembered Addie and determined to ascertain if the maid knew where Elizabeth might be. When he found Elizabeth in Addie’s room in travelling clothes and with a bag at her feet, everything spiralled out of control.

As it was, in the aftermath of Addie’s death, the fire and her debilitating injury, Elizabeth had forgotten about discovering the marriage certificates ... until now.

With this new discovery, Elizabeth’s trust in her future with William began to crumble. Her emotions swung back and forth like a pendulum, with seemingly no way to put them to rights. On the one hand, she was ashamed to realise that she would be regarded as no more than Stefano’s mistress, while on the other, she felt great relief to know they were never married. A niggling fear of William’s reaction took root, and she wondered if it would be kinder just to disappear.

Lost in entirely new misgivings, Elizabeth had no idea she was about to have company.

~~~*~~~

“Good morning, Mrs. Ingram!” Mr. Walker declared enthusiastically and bowed as William’s sister walked through the front door. He looked down the steps behind her to see a footman leading her horse toward the stables. “Are Mr. Ingram and Miss Millie not accompanying you?”

“No, my husband is working on a matter concerning one of his tenants this morning, and Millie has a slight cold and is taking a nap, so I thought I might visit with Elizabeth for a short while. I have not seen her since William left for London, and I promised him that I would look in on her.”

Just then Mrs. Reynolds came out of a nearby room. “Mrs. Ingram! It is so good to see you. Where are Mr. Ingram and that lovely daughter of yours?”

Georgiana laughed. “I think Evan and Millie are more popular than I am.”

The housekeeper blushed. “Oh, I assure you that is not true. It is only that you are rarely seen without them nowadays.”

William’s sister smiled brilliantly. “Yes, we are happiest when we are together, but I have the morning to myself, and as I was telling Mr. Walker, I would like to visit with Elizabeth. Is she available?”

“She is in her sitting room, I believe. Do you want to go on up, or shall I announce you?”

“I believe I shall surprise her, if you think she will not mind.”

“Not at all.”

Mrs. Reynolds sighed with happiness as she watched the woman she had helped to rear ascend the stairs. Mrs. Darcy never recovered completely from Georgiana’s birth, and when she died, Mr. Darcy retreated into his heartache leaving the fragile little girl under her supervision. Thus they had formed a lasting bond.

Extremely proud of the woman Georgiana had become, the housekeeper was even more pleased to see the changes that Millie’s presence in her life had wrought. Though Georgiana deeply loved Evan Ingram, the fact that she could not carry a child had stolen just a bit of her joy. However, once Millie arrived, Georgiana’s lively disposition had returned in full-force, and now Mrs. Reynolds could clearly see Lady Anne Darcy’s love of motherhood manifested in her daughter.

As Georgiana reached the landing and disappeared from sight, the long-time housekeeper wiped a few tears from her eyes and glanced around to make sure no one had seen. She had no way of knowing that Mr. Walker had come upon the tender scene, but had quickly retreated. He was well aware of Mrs. Reynolds penchant for appearing in control at all times and did not want her to know he had witnessed her lapse. Pleased that her display of emotion had apparently gone unnoticed, Mrs. Reynolds assumed her usual mien and headed towards the kitchen to order trays for the two ladies.

~~~*~~~

Reaching the door to the sitting room, Georgiana knocked lightly and hearing no answer, she turned the knob. The door swung open easily, revealing Elizabeth sitting in the middle of the floor, her head in her hands. She was weeping. Not considering decorum, Georgiana immediately dropped down beside her on the floor, sliding her arms about her and pulling her close.

“Elizabeth, whatever is the matter?” Georgiana could feel her trembling. “Should I call for the physician?”

“No!” Elizabeth said sharply, before softening her tone and pulling back to look at Georgiana. “No, please, I ... I need some time to ...” Her voice faded away as her eyes drifted to the numerous papers strewn across the floor.

Georgiana cupped Elizabeth’s chin, commanding her attention. “We are friends. May I see what has upset you?”

Still sniffling, Elizabeth handed one paper to Georgiana, who began speaking as she read. “This looks like a marriage certificate from Gretna Green.” As the contents became clear, her voice broke. “Oh, Elizabeth, it is yours.” She squeezed Elizabeth’s hand, trying not to cry as tears filled her eyes as well. “I am so sorry.”

“But ... but you do not understand!” Elizabeth sputtered, starting to weep again. Then through copious tears, she related everything that she had just remembered. For a long time afterward, neither spoke as Georgiana held Elizabeth, rocking her gently.

Finally realising that none of this mattered—most certainly not to William, Georgiana declared, “This changes nothing! William loves you regardless of the circumstances you found yourself in before you were reunited. And if there is one thing my brother is—it is devoted to you. You do not know how often he told me that he could not live without you.” Elizabeth’s head lifted at that revelation, causing Georgiana to add confidently, “If anything, this only means that you are free to marry as soon as you wish, which will make my brother the happiest of men!”

Elizabeth tried then to smile, but it quickly faded. “I ... I do not know what to think. I am numb.”

“Well, of course you are. You have had quite a shock. You have learned that the man you thought was your husband was not, and that he obviously took advantage of other women in the same manner. Who would not be numb?”

Georgiana watched Elizabeth closely, fearing the unusual expression on her face. “Please tell my brother about this. I assure you, he will know how to handle it.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened, though she still wore a dazed expression. “No. Please, not yet. I ... I need to think of how to ... what to say. Please promise me that you will not write to him.”

Georgiana considered the confused and evidently frightened young woman and reached out to smooth her hair. “I will let you write to him of this matter, but I expect you to inform him as soon as possible. Agreed?”

She swallowed hard and nodded. “Agreed.”

Nonetheless, deep within, Elizabeth was not convinced she would tell William. Informing him of her added shame would probably only make matters worse, as he would be more determined than ever to shield her from society’s condemnation. An honourable man could do no less.

London

Preston House

Cecile Preston walked back and forth in her sparsely furnished drawing room, considering exactly when she had lost control of her life. She had been happy as a child, but things had spiralled out of control after her father’s death when she was sixteen. Choosing a marriage of convenience, she had never been happy with Owen Preston, but with her marriage had come adequate wealth and position—something that some could only dream of having. When had that not been enough? At what point had gambling replaced the emptiness in her heart?

She stopped pacing abruptly. Now my seemingly easy way out of debt—working with Wickham—has evolved into a scheme to remove a woman from Pemberley. Remove? I am fooling no one. It will be deemed kidnapping. Kidnapping! How odious that sounds!

After Wickham had explained her part in the plan, she had almost convinced herself that she was being noble. After all, she was only going to convince the woman that she should sail from England to protect Mr. Darcy from her husband’s ire—that if she had any feelings for Fitzwilliam Darcy, surely she would want no harm to come to him. But, in the back of her mind, Cecile knew better.

She was disconcerted and her conscience would not be soothed so easily. Certainly, she was not above pilfering a few baubles from her rich acquaintances to support herself, but this scheme was malevolent. Why had the woman found it necessary to flee her husband in the first place? Was he violent? Would he kill her if she were in his power again?

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Cecile pondered the enigmatic Fitzwilliam Darcy. If he had not forsaken her for that woman, her gaming debts would long ago have been paid, and she would now want for nothing. As it was, she lived in a half-furnished townhouse with only a few servants left, and the proverbial wolf was at the door. She lifted her chin. So why should I care one whit about Mr. Darcy or what he wants.

Darcy’s abrupt turnaround, followed by Lord Farthington’s betrayal, had left her facing complete ruin. Nevertheless, she did not dislike Farthington as much as Darcy. She was never enamoured of him, as he had been merely a means to an end. Darcy, however, was very handsome as well as wealthy. No man of his looks and means had ever paid her any attention, much less offered for her. She had looked forward to parading him past the beauties of the ton who had tried to catch him for years. But alas, in the end, he had found her wanting, just as other men had.

Now, her funds squandered and her affairs in complete disarray, the empty room she occupied served as a symbol of her empty life, and Cecile hated it. She picked up a Dresden china cup and hurled it against the fireplace, watching it shatter it into a thousand tiny pieces. There was nothing to be done. She had no choice, if she valued her life, but to help Wickham spirit this woman from Pemberley. Besides, Cecile reasoned, she could leave the country with the ten-thousand pounds that would be her share and begin life anew.

Having made up her mind, she moved to the liquor cabinet where she poured herself a small glass of brandy. Drinking it down in one swallow, she sat down at a small writing table and took out paper and pen. A letter

Cecile received that morning from a friend in Derbyshire mentioned that Mr. Darcy had been seen returning to Town, and she knew that Wickham would want to set their plan in motion. Thus, she would share that bit of information with him.

After writing the short note, she rang for a servant, instructing him as to how to find the address of Wickham’s current residence. As the man left the room, she rose and poured herself another drink. Quickly downing it, Cecile headed out of the room intending to commence packing while she waited for his reply. It would not serve for her to dwell on what she was about to undertake.

Darcy House

William’s Study

Darcy leaned back in his chair, fidgeting with his pen and making his cousin nervous just watching him. “So Lieutenant Marbury thinks he has a good lead on Count Stefano or whatever he is calling himself this week?”

“Yes.” Richard replied, chuckling at William’s quip. “Marbury assures me that the count is in London. It is only a matter of time until he learns of the count’s location. We have to be ready at a moment’s notice, as he is a slippery snake and apparently changes addresses as often as most people change clothes.”

William scowled. “No doubt he has people other than us on his trail.” Closing his tired eyes and rubbing them, he took a deep breath. “I would like to get this matter behind me and go home to Elizabeth as soon as possible.”

Richard smiled. “I have never known a man so eager to face an opponent. According to Marbury, the count is very accurate with pistol and sword.”

William’s eyes opened, fixed on Richard and then narrowed. “He had better be.”

At that very moment, there was a commotion in the hallway. As Mr. Barnes’ voice got louder, William stood and headed around his desk. It was clear that the butler was trying to explain to someone that Mr. Darcy was in a meeting.

Richard, however, realised straightaway that the person the butler was addressing was his mother. She must have learned that William was in Town, and nothing would do but for her to chastise him for not coming to see her.

The door flew open, and Evelyn Fitzwilliam walked in exultantly, Mr. Barnes close on her heels.

“Fitzwilliam, would you please inform Mr. Barnes,” she reached William and tiptoed to place a kiss on his cheek before continuing, “that the rules of the house do not apply to me!”

William tried not to smile, but his lips refused to cooperate. “Mr. Barnes, you will have to excuse my aunt. Evidently, she does not expect to follow my rules, but I thank you for trying to enforce them, in any event. You may go about your duties.”

Mr. Barnes bowed, cast a look of annoyance at Lady Matlock, then turned and left the room. Not taking her eyes off her nephew, Evelyn Fitzwilliam’s brow knit until she saw the corners of William’s lips lift slightly. Then she smiled radiantly.

“Well, Fitzwilliam, it seems you have once again come to Town without letting us know. What does one have to do to see one’s own flesh and blood, especially when he is a few streets away?”

Promptly, William stepped forward to clasp his aunt in a tight embrace, picking her up and twirling her about.

“Fitzwilliam!” she cried, laughing, then instantly assumed a serious countenance and began smoothing her skirts when she was back on her feet. “Do not think, young man, that you can redeem yourself so easily. Why have you not been to call on me?”

Just then she noticed Richard, who had moved out of her line of sight the minute he heard his mother’s voice. “And what kind of son will not tell his own mother when his cousin is in Town?”

Richard had watched the scene with great amusement but now sobered and shrugged, his eyes flicking to Darcy. He would not betray the fact that William asked him not to say anything to his family.

Not wanting to cause problems between mother and son, William confessed. “It was my request that Richard not say anything, Aunt.”

He challenged his aunt’s feigned glower, dimples flashing. “Will you not be seated and let me explain?” She nodded, so he guided her to a chair before returning to sit behind the desk.

“Whenever you are aware that I am in London, you plan several soirees to put me in the way of eligible women. I have much to accomplish in a short time, and I did not want to be distracted by attending dinners and balls. I would have called on you before I returned to Pemberley.”

She smiled, though not too apologetically. “You are correct, but what if I promise it will be only a family dinner?”

“Then I shall accept, but I have to warn you that Richard and I are on the trail of the man who married Anne and abandoned her. Whenever the investigator sends notice, we must leave—even if during dinner.”

“So, you have located that scoundrel? Does Edward know?”

Richard interrupted. “Not located yet, Mother. And no, father does not know, so please do not say anything. We would like to handle this ourselves, as father might get in the way and be hurt.”

“And you and Fitzwilliam will not?”

“We will be very careful. I will tell Father once we have the blackguard in custody, not before.”

At the resolve on her son’s face, Evelyn Fitzwilliam nodded. She knew Richard was a fine officer and used to this type of exercise, and he was not one to take risks. She also knew that he was right.

“I will not tell him, but pray, be careful.” She looked between them. “Both of you.”

William interjected, “You may count on it. Now, when am I expected for dinner?”

His aunt’s face softened. “Would day after tomorrow be satisfactory? Edgar will be home then, and I would like to have all the family together.”

At William’s worried look, she added, “You need not be concerned; Jacqueline does not accompany Edgar anymore.”

William could not tell her that seeing just Edgar was not much better. “Day after tomorrow will be perfect.”

“I suppose I should leave so you two can work on whatever you are planning.” Neither man voiced an objection, so she stood and reached to take William’s hand in one of hers, while patting it with the other. “I shall look forward to seeing you again.”

She turned to wink at Richard. “You know you are expected. Now, would you please see your mother to the carriage?”

As Evelyn Fitzwilliam swept out of the room, silk skirts rustling, William and Richard exchanged concerned glances. Shrugging, Richard rushed and caught up with her as she donned the cloak that Mr. Barnes held. It was not until they began descending the front steps that she finally spoke.

“He has his heart set on someone.” It was more a statement than a question and it caught Richard off guard.

He debated not being forthcoming, but seeing the resolve in his mother’s manner he knew it was pointless. When she stopped to peer at him to ascertain the truth, he nodded.

“I have heard the rumours of this cousin that we both know is not any relation. I assume that this woman is—what did you call her—the love of his life?”

Richard nodded again, not sure what to expect, but his mother’s only reaction was to stare past him for a few seconds before continuing.

“Fitzwilliam is a very intelligent man, and I have to trust that he knows what he is doing. I suppose you have met this woman and approve of her?”

“I approve of her very much. She is a gentlewoman, very kind and good hearted, but also extremely bright and well-read. She brings out a liveliness ...” Richard paused, trying to think of what to say. “When he is with her, I see glimpses of the boy that I knew before Uncle George died.”

“And you are certain she is not a fortune hunter?”

“She refused his offer of marriage two years ago at Kent, so I would have to say no.”

Her brow knit quizzically. “Refused? She refused Fitzwilliam Darcy? Is she mad?”

“Darce says she was right to refuse him because he was very arrogant in the way he made his offer.”

She seemed to ponder that statement for a moment, then ventured. “Is she married, as is said of her?”

Since his mother already knew parts of Elizabeth’s story, Richard thought he had no choice but to tell her more in an attempt to gain support for his cousin.

“Do you swear not to tell anyone what I am about to tell you?”

His mother squared her shoulders, drawing herself up to her full height—all five feet. “You have my word.”

“I cannot tell you all the particulars, but Elizabeth’s situation is closely associated with Anne’s, and we will have all the answers when we find that cad.” At her shocked expression, he added, “Please keep an open mind until the truth is revealed.”

Her head dropped, and she seemed to be studying her shoes, so Richard lifted her chin with his finger. As identical blue eyes met, he volunteered, “I can tell you this. They are so much in love that no one will ever come between them.”

Evelyn Fitzwilliam sighed heavily. “I will allow my nephew to find his own happiness and try to offer encouragement. If she loves him as he needs to be loved, then I can only champion her.”

“I am proud of you, Mother, for not trying to force my cousin into something he cannot abide, as Father once tried to do. I pray he will understand as well.”

“Let me handle your father.” She tried to smile. “He has come down from his high horse after the disaster with Jacqueline and Edgar. I think he will surprise you,” she paused for a moment, “at least, I hope he does.”

“As do I, Mother.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, my boy.”

~~~*~~~