Page 45 of Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man

London

Matlock House

Two Months Later

The woman reflected in the gilded mirror no longer resembled the waiflike creature that William had brought to London from Netherfield so many months before—the one with lacklustre locks, dark circles under her eyes and a pale complexion. In her place stood the perfect example of a woman transformed by the love of a man and expecting her first child—she was radiant.

Her dark eyes sparkled, her skin had a healthy glow, and her lustrous dark locks, styled by Lady Matlock’s French maid, were pulled atop her head then woven into an intricate design, featuring long curls down the back with diamond pins scattered throughout. She wore an emerald-green, silk gown with cap sleeves. Elaborate silver embroidery accented with glass beads surrounded the dress at the empire waist and were repeated on her white satin slippers and white, elbow-length gloves.

Though William had insisted that she order a new gown for this occasion, at the last minute, she had decided to wear this one because she loved the colour, and it was not too revealing—or it had not been when she had worn it at the reception the Ingrams had hosted three months before. Nevertheless, now that her breasts were determined to keep pace with the increase in her stomach, the décolletage appeared much more daring. As she studied the dilemma, her eyes were drawn to the very exquisite necklace adorning her neck—William’s wedding present—and the corners of her mouth lifted in a smile.

At least most are more curious about my necklace than my breasts when I wear this!

For a brief moment, she had deliberated against wearing it, as she did not want to divert attention from the newly engaged Mrs. Largin. But remembering Lady Matlock’s assurance that it was appropriate for tonight and that she had loaned Richard’s fiancée an equally elaborate necklace from her collection, Elizabeth’s misgivings had vanished. That matter settled, she was free to admire her lovely present, and her fingers slid effortlessly over the brilliant diamonds fashioned into five-strands and featuring a large teardrop emerald.

It was designed as a choker that dipped in the front, where the teardrop, surrounded by smaller diamonds, rested. Along with the matching earrings, it coordinated with her wedding ring. Truly astonished at the riches at her disposal now that she was Mrs. Darcy, Elizabeth recollected how William had insisted she select some jewels from the Darcy collection their first week at Pemberley. Afterward, he had secretly commissioned this necklace, in spite of her insistence that she had all that she would ever need at her disposal. Suddenly she pictured her husband on his knees presenting the gift as she had sat at her dressing table.

“ I am not being extravagant, sweetheart. This is your wedding present, and it should be uniquely yours, not something passed down through my family. And please do not forbid me to shower you with such gifts, as I intend to do it for the rest of my life.”

“ But ...but, I have no gift to give you.”

“ You have given me a priceless gift—you have given me yourself. For you are worth more than any token I might buy.”

She cupped his dear face. “I shall forever thank God that you took me back into your heart when you found me at Netherfield.”

“ You never left my heart, Elizabeth. It would not let you go.”

“ Neither would mine forsake you.”

Remembering the way they had made love afterwards, she continued to finger the piece, considering its appeal. The majority of the ton would envy her these jewels, unaware of how insignificant they were apart from being tokens of William’s affection. She, on the other hand, was well aware of her true treasures—William and their child. Thoughts of the baby made her turn sideways and, from habit, run her hands down her abdomen, seeking reassurance that there was indeed a swell where the baby lay. Her heart filled with happiness as she contemplated the child she had longed for, and she did not notice when Lady Matlock appeared at the door.

“No one will guess unless you tell them, Elizabeth.”

Startled, she glanced to the corner of the mirror to see Evelyn Fitzwilliam behind her. As their eyes met, the expression on her aunt’s face was the same as when she gazed at William—as a mother would regard her child. Tears came to Elizabeth’s eyes, and she swiftly lowered her gaze, trying to keep her new aunt from seeing.

But Lady Matlock had seen the reaction and hurried forward to put her hands on Elizabeth’s shoulders, their eyes meeting in the mirror. “Oh, my dear, I assure you that no one will recognise that you are with child just from your appearance. I would never have said anything if I had known it would upset—”

Elizabeth shook her head, tears escaping the corners of her eyes as she interrupted, “It is not the baby, and truly I do not care if they do guess. We were going to announce our good fortune to our family this weekend. It is just that you sounded so much like a ...” she took a ragged breath, “a mother.”

Having long since heard of the events that brought Elizabeth into William’s life again, Evelyn Fitzwilliam’s heart broke, and she turned the young woman to face her, gently lifting her chin. “Elizabeth, if you will allow me, I shall be privileged to care for you as a daughter—after all, I have always loved William as a son.”

No longer able to hold back her tears, Elizabeth began to cry softly, and Lady Matlock pulled her into an embrace—Elizabeth’s head resting on her shoulder. “Now, now, dear, you must not cry. My nephew will want everyone to see his bride, and you are much too beautiful to ruin the effect with a red nose. William is so seldom in London that I am convinced that many came tonight just to catch a glimpse of him and the woman who won his heart.”

She whispered conspiratorially, “But do not tell Richard, as he will think they all have come to see him!”

Elizabeth managed a small smile as Lady Matlock pulled a lace edged handkerchief from a hidden pocket of her beautiful ball gown and began dabbing at Elizabeth’s face.

“There, there! You have a plethora of envious women to put in their places. Now take this handkerchief, and keep it with you in case you have need of it.”

She studied Elizabeth’s face and proud of her accomplishment, enquired, “When is the child due?”

“In the middle of summer.”

“Wonderful! I knew it would not take long for my nephew to beget an heir, especially after seeing the way he looks at you.”

At Elizabeth’s blush, she chucked. It had not escaped her notice in the few days that they had been in each other’s company how often William touched Elizabeth or she him. They were reluctant to be parted—clearly disappointed at being seated away from one another at dinner or separated afterward when the men customarily got together for cigars and brandy. And as soon as the men rejoined the ladies, William would seek her out, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips in a silent avowal of his love.

“Nor have I missed the way you gaze at him. The bond you have is practically sacred. I have no doubt that he has already made up for the nights he spent alone in his bed.”

Elizabeth coloured even more when she spied William at the door, dressed elegantly in black coat and breeches, emerald green waistcoat with silver embroidery and a white shirt, all designed to complement her gown. His dark hair was longer, covering his collar the way she liked, and his blue eyes sparkled as he smiled at her. Straight white teeth cut across a perfectly tanned face, and Elizabeth’s breath caught at the realisation that this Adonis was hers alone.

However, beholding Elizabeth’s red eyes and the handkerchief still clutched in her hands, William’s mien darkened, and his smile vanished. Instantaneously, he transformed from an amiable man to an irate husband and seeing the change, Lady Matlock sought to calm him.

“Do not stand there, Fitzwilliam. Come and escort my lovely niece downstairs. The ball will begin shortly, and I must check on my new daughter-to-be. Did you pass Richard in the hall?”

William, who had stiffened at the sight of his wife’s discomposure, shook his head absently, not moving as he focused completely on Elizabeth. Crossing to him, his aunt laid a hand on his arm and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.

“All is well,” she whispered, then exclaimed aloud, “I was just telling Elizabeth that I have room in my heart for another daughter, and I am afraid I made her cry.”

As she glanced between the couple, she marvelled at having seldom seen so deep a love. At that moment, the maid assisting Jenny appeared at the door, coughing to get her attention. She nodded to the servant before addressing William and Elizabeth.

“Though you would not assent to my sponsoring another soirée for your wedding, I wanted this event to be a celebration of your marriage as well as a celebration of Richard’s engagement. I have explained that to him and Jenny, and they wholeheartedly agree. You and Elizabeth are as much my son and daughter as are my own children.”

William pulled his aunt into a hug, unable to speak for the lump in his throat. When he released her, she hurried out of the room, leaving him to go to Elizabeth, who had turned back to the mirror to regain her composure. As he came towards her, she instinctively rested her hands on the baby, and when he reached her, his hands slid around her waist coming to rest in the same place.

“My aunt made you cry?” he whispered softly.

Elizabeth nodded, closing her eyes and leaning her head back against him. She took a deep breath before speaking. “I am not used to being regarded as a daughter—that is all.”

“I understand perfectly. I am still not used to being thought of as a son.”

She opened her eyes to study him, and as he smiled, she nodded at the truth of his statement. “I had never considered that we are both parentless. Your aunt is very kind to include me in her family.”

“Yes, whomever Aunt Evelyn loves is indeed very fortunate.”

Elizabeth turned in his arms. “Please hold me for a moment.” He pulled her tightly against his body.

“Are you unwell, darling? For if you feel the least bit upset or nervous, we shall return to Darcy House. I do not want anything to disturb you,” he kissed her forehead, “or our child.”

She smiled dreamily. Each time I think I could not possibly love you more, you say something to prove me wrong.

With this declaration, he watched her carefully for any signs of distress and seeing her smile, he pressed her tighter against his now hardening member.

“Oh, Elizabeth, do not smile like that. I shall embarrass the both of us by making the entire assembly await our arrival while I make love to you again, or even worse, we may never get downstairs.”

Elizabeth could not fathom that so kind-hearted a man resided in so handsome a frame or that he should love her. Indeed, his handsome mien had been her downfall that night in Meryton when she had fallen in love at first sight, against her better judgment and her will, with a man she knew was far above her station. Suddenly, longing welled up, and she felt that she simply must have his love this very moment.

She cupped his face, drawing his mouth down to hers. “I say we let them wait.”

The Ball

London had not seen a celebration of this magnitude in quite some time. Matlock house glowed brighter than Vauxhall Gardens 5 during their fireworks display. Each room was exquisitely appointed, especially the grand ballroom which featured mirrored walls that reflected the lights of at least a thousand candles in the huge crystal chandeliers. The best shops in London had been depleted of all manner of flowers for the event, making the house a veritable Garden of Eden. And as carriage after carriage made slow progress to the front of the house to unload their passengers, an army of chefs worked to provide food and drink for the throng.

It seemed that half of England had been invited to celebrate Richard’s engagement and had accepted, eager for a glimpse of the Fitzwilliams and the elusive Darcys. For their part, the Fitzwilliams and their extended family, decked out in their finest apparel, looked every bit the cream of society as they stood shoulder to shoulder, facing the world as a united front.

As usual, the Earl and Countess led the receiving line, followed by the Viscount Leighton who surprisingly, acted very civilly to everyone. Standing next to him was Amelia, once again attending without her husband. Richard was next in line followed by his fiancée, Jenny Largin, then William and Elizabeth, and at the end of the line, Evan and Georgiana.

The entire process had gone smoothly, though it seemed agonizingly protracted because of the throng of people. As the line wound down to the last few guests, William began looking about for a chair for Elizabeth to occupy as soon as the last person was received and the dancing began. Being with child, she easily tired, and he could tell that she was weary. He motioned a footman forward and sent him in search of a chair. Even as she protested that she could stand, she acquiesced to his pampering, knowing it would help him to relax if he thought she was well.

She squeezed his hand, leaning in to whisper, “Do not think procuring me a chair will relieve you of your duty to dance with me. I intend to dance with my husband and make all the ladies green with envy.”

William chuckled at her impertinence, releasing her hand to slip an arm around her waist and bring her close as he murmured in her ear. “I would not dare suspend any pleasure of yours, Mrs. Darcy. But you shall rest between sets. I insist upon it.”

Georgiana moved closer to speak to Elizabeth, and as he watched her converse with his sister, he could not have been prouder. Elizabeth had held her own against the barbs of the ton . He had literally swelled with pride as she had answered every cutting remark with good nature and every intrusive question by changing the subject. There had been the expected scrutiny and patronization, but both were surprised at the number of people who seemed willing to accept her into their good graces, if not for her benefit, at least to appease the Fitzwilliams.

Now, with the line dwindling and the next couple involved in a lengthy conversation with Lord Matlock, Amelia pulled Jenny towards her for a chat. With Jenny thus occupied, Richard turned to his left to see concern on his cousin’s face. He could not hold back a quip as he chuckled under his breath.

“If you keep making that scowl, Darce, your face will freeze like that, and you will scare small children for the rest of your life. Did your mother not ever tell you that?” Shaking his head, William chuckled, pleasing Richard. “There! You look much nicer, and you won’t scare your lovely wife. By the way, when is the blessed event?”

Shocked that their secret was known, William’s brow knit. “How did—”

He was cut off as Richard retorted, “Do not blame me; blame Jenny. Seems she has been watching Elizabeth and, well, she just knows these things—having had two children of her own. But, rest assured, she has told no one but me, though I doubt you have fooled Mother either!”

William glanced to see Elizabeth still talking with Georgiana and Evan, and as she was not attending to what he and Richard were saying, William began to clarify, “Elizabeth did not wish to announce our good news until after the ball. She insisted that she did not want to detract from your engagement, and I suspect, though she will not admit to it, that she also did not want all the old biddies counting up the months.”

Richard chuckled quietly. “You would take away the old biddies’ only enjoyment?”

“I care not if everyone knows she is carrying my child, but if I could possibly accomplish it, I would do away with all the gossip. However, I am afraid that gossip will go on as long as there are—”

“Women?” Richard offered.

“Human beings!” William finished. “Just consider all the gossip bandied about at Whites!”

“You have me there!” Richard chuckled, his face instantly sobering as he caught sight of the arrival of a few more guests.

“Put on your scowl, Cousin! Here comes Mrs. Hampton who is sure to have been insulted that you did not choose her ugly daughter to marry!”

~~~*~~~

“Did you see how Mr. Darcy ran his hand around his wife’s waist to pull her closer!” Mrs. Graham sighed dramatically. “Would that Horace had ever done that to me in public! And I had forgotten how handsome Georgiana Darcy’s husband is—quite a catch! Not that any woman would rebuff Colonel Fitzwilliam either!”

“Humph!” Mrs. Hinds retorted. “They are all handsome men, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Ingram. But I dislike how each of them shows affection in public. It is just not proper!”

“ It would be proper if it were you!” Jane Mumford said under her breath, smiling when she realised that Mrs. Trentholm had heard her, because she betrayed it with a giggle.

“And, frankly, Margaret, I see nothing about Mrs. Darcy that is exceptional.” Gertrude Hinds continued her critique, “She is a pretty creature, I will say that. But my Sarah is just as lovely, and when she was presented to society, he never gave her so much as a nod.”

“ Perhaps because Sarah has teeth that protrude and a crooked nose!” Lady Mumford whispered to her audience of one, who giggled again, only to quiet when Mrs. Hinds whirled around.

“Well, I, for one, am glad that Mr. Darcy never showed the slightest interest in Jacqueline Fitzwilliam or that Waltham woman! Though, heaven knows, they were ridiculous in their efforts to gain his attention!” Mrs. Harris sniffed haughtily.

“ She would have chased after him, too, had she been given any assurance that he would have welcomed her advances!” Lady Mumford continued in her whispered conversation, to Mrs. Trentholm’s delight.

Unaware of the censure, Mrs. Harris continued, “At least Mrs. Darcy is a refined lady. I have it on good authority that her family was well respected in Sussex, though they have all passed now. It is said they owned a large estate and several lesser estates, and she was the sole heiress when her uncle died.”

“You are quite right, Martha,” Margaret Graham replied. “I was informed at the reception that his sister hosted, that Mrs. Darcy was almost as wealthy as Mr. Darcy when they married. And it is evident from their behaviour that theirs is a love match. How very amusing to see the staid Mr. Darcy so enthralled!”

“ She is not so much amused as vexed that it was not her!” Janet Mumford confidentially informed her willing listener. Then she declared for all to hear, “I understand that Jacqueline’s father banished her to his country estate when she returned home. And our dear friend, Lady Waltham, fled back to her estate in Ireland since after Lady Matlock effectively made sure she was excluded from all the best parlours in London.”

Patience Trentholm laughed, speaking for the first time. “That proves that it does not pay to cross the Countess!”

Standing behind a Roman column, Lady Matlock smiled to herself as she listened to the gaggle of gossips. Their discussion of her most beloved nephew and his lovely wife had taken the correct turn, and she was satisfied.

At least the rumours Miss Bingley started have been squashed and replaced by more complimentary ones !

Since she had been instrumental in creating those rumours, she could not help but smile as she proceeded to make her round of the ballroom.

Heiress indeed!

~~~*~~~

As Lady Matlock continued her turn around the room, she was slowed by those wanting to congratulate her on her son’s engagement or compliment her on the splendour of the ball. However, nearing the end of it, she was met by Mr. Rutgers, the butler.

“Madam, there is a man at the door who says he is a servant of Mr. Darcy. He insists that he be allowed to speak to him right this minute, but he is wet and filthy. I barely convinced him to wait downstairs and have appointed two footmen to watch him.”

Lady Matlock’s eyebrows rose as she turned to find William in the crowd, and their eyes met. He had just finished dancing with Amelia, and was standing behind Elizabeth, who was sitting in the chair he insisted she occupy between dances. Elizabeth was sipping a glass of punch and watching as Georgiana and Evan danced, completely unaware of the drama about to play out downstairs.

Seeing his aunt’s expression, William leaned down and spoke to Elizabeth, who nodded. It was obvious that she was not privy to his concern. He then said something to Amelia who quickly took his place next to his wife as he moved towards Lady Matlock. Richard, having witnessed everything and seeing the determination in William’s face, instantly sent Jenny to join the ladies while he followed. As both men converged on the countess in the front hallway, she passed along Rutgers’ message.

“Do you want Edward to come with you?” Evelyn Fitzwilliam asked, her eyes darting anxiously towards the ballroom, secretly hoping her husband could be kept unaware as he had not felt well that day, and she did not want anything to upset him.

William shook his head. “No, I believe I know what this is about, and I would rather not alarm the others, especially not Elizabeth. Just carry on as though nothing is amiss. I am hopeful that no one will notice that we are not in the ballroom, particularly my wife.”

“Well, I am certainly going with you!” Richard declared, causing William to smile.

“I was counting on it,” he replied, slapping his cousin on the back. Thus, with grim faces, the two descended the grand staircase towards the mud-encrusted man sitting on a bench in the foyer. Footmen on either side were still regarding him questionably, and when he saw William and leaped to his feet, each grabbed him by an arm.

“All is well; turn him loose,” William stated, nodding towards a room to the right. “Let us go in here.”

As the three filed into a small parlour, the man noticed Richard’s stern appraisal and began talking nervously. “Excuse me, sir, for coming here dressed so poorly, but you charged me with keeping you informed as soon as I had any news! And once I heard you were here, I hurried right over.”

“Yes, I certainly did. Now tell me why you are back so soon and looking as though you have rolled in the mud.”

“I did as you instructed and followed that woman. She boarded a post coach, with one other passenger already aboard, that was headed to Hertfordshire, just as she swore she would, only ...”

“Only?” William’s brow knit, and he wondered at why the man suddenly began to study his shoes.

“Only she never made it to Meryton. Ten miles outside London it began storming, the rain coming down with such fury that the sky turned black as pitch! Even my horse had trouble keeping to the road as we followed the coach. Then suddenly it happened!”

“What happened?” William’s curt reply reflected his growing impatience.

“The accident!” The man took a shuddering breath, which caused his entire body to quiver. “The coach was going too fast for the muddy road. It rounded a curve, and pitched sideways and began to fall. Being next to a ravine, it tumbled over the edge and slowly began rolling to the bottom. I stopped to help, but there was nothing I could do. The driver was thrown to the ground and survived, but the passengers—the man that I spoke of and that woman—were killed.”

“Mrs. Bennet is dead? Are you sure?” William’s voice was toneless. Was it true that the woman who had abused his wife so cruelly was a victim of her own greed—coming to London to ask about Jane, and having seen Elizabeth, attempting to extort money from her?

“Positive! I checked her pulse myself before I went to the nearest village for help. The local physician pronounced them dead when he arrived!”

William stood mute, obviously pondering what effect this would have on Elizabeth. Thus, the servant glanced to Richard, unsure of what to do next.

Seeing William’s discomposure, Richard addressed the man, “You have done well. Go back to Darcy House and have a bath, something to eat and a good rest. I am sure my cousin will reward you for your service as soon as he has had time to consider everything that has occurred.”

The footman began to leave, but stopped as William finally found his voice. “Thank you, Bradley! You have done well and will be rightly compensated!”

The man turned to smile, cracking the dried mud on his face. “Just doing my job, Master!” But it was with a much livelier step that he exited the room. William closed his eyes then ran his hands over his face and through his hair as Richard had often seen him do when he was distressed.

A low whistle broke the silence. “I know that I have been occupied with my engagement, but when you find the time we need to talk.” William nodded blankly. “Will you tell Elizabeth what you have learned tonight?”

“No!” William straightened, coming back to himself. “I shall pick a time when I believe she is capable of accepting it—not tonight.” He went towards the door.

“Maybe you should take a minute to compose yourself. Would you like a brandy?”

“I have left Elizabeth alone far too long as it is. I must go to her.”

“Then let us return together and hope that everyone will just assume we were having a cigar in the card room or out on the terrace.”

As they re-entered the ball, Amelia and Jenny were still engaged in conversation with Elizabeth, assuming that they had kept her from realising that William was missing. And fully aware of their efforts, Elizabeth had dutifully played along. Unfortunately, neither knew of the special bond that united the pair. The weeks Elizabeth had spent in the recesses of her mind, lost in despair, William had been the only light to penetrate the darkness. And as her soul reached out to connect with his, she had learned to sense his presence. Thus the moment he entered a room, she could feel him, and subsequently, she also knew the minute he left.

~~~*~~~

Later that night, after all the guests had departed and the family had retired to their rooms, or in the case of the Darcys and Ingrams, to their own townhouses, Elizabeth asked the question that had been on the tip of her tongue since William had disappeared from the ball.

“What secret are you withholding until you believe I am capable of dealing with it?”

In the process of removing his boots, William stopped with one halfway off. Shrugging to himself, he wondered how he ever thought he could hide anything from this beautiful, intelligent woman. Still, he did not answer, but unhurriedly finished undressing under her watchful gaze. She would wait until he found the words—she always did. As he gathered his thoughts, he relived what had transpired two days before.

At the soft knock, he looked up to see Mr. Barnes at the door of the library.

“ Sir, there is a woman at the door insisting that she is Mrs. Darcy’s mother. I barely got her to wait on the stoop while I came to inform you. I would not let her in without your consent.”

William quickly calculated how long Elizabeth would be gone on her shopping trip with his aunt. “Barnes, if Mrs. Darcy returns while this woman is here, I would not like them to meet.” Barnes nodded. “Please escort her to my study and have a footman wait outside the door while I interview her.”

Mr. Barnes quickly went back to the front entrance. Once there, he took a deep breath and opened it. “Follow me, madam.”

Pleased to be allowed inside such an expensive house, Mrs. Bennet could barely follow the butler for surveying and touching the elegant furnishings. Looking back to see her dawdling, Barnes chided, “I said follow me please!”

She stepped up her pace and shortly found herself inside a study. As she turned in a circle, envying the splendour, William entered, motioning for the footman following to wait at the door as he closed and locked it. He then crossed to sit down behind the desk, his face an inhospitable mask as he eyed the woman he had come to despise. She stood looking about uneasily, as he never offered her a place to sit.

But seeing as she had the attention of the elegant Mr. Darcy that she remembered from Netherfield as being very wealthy, she began her prepared speech. “I am Mrs. Darcy’s mother, Frances Bennet!” She dipped a low curtsy.

With no little disdain, William spit out, “Explain why you are here!”

“ In London?”

“ At my door!”

She smiled hesitantly, taking a seat on the edge of a chair. “I came to London in pursuit of the whereabouts of my eldest daughter, Jane Bingley. When I saw in the news that you were to be in London for Colonel Fitzwilliam’s engagement ball, I rushed here. You and Charles Bingley are friends, are you not? You would know where he has taken my Jane.”

“ Why do you not know where your daughter resides?”

Mrs. Bennet cocked her head guiltily, not meeting his eyes. “Jane was helping to support me and my other daughters. Once Mr. Bingley found out, he spirited her away from Hertfordshire and cut off all communication. He is indeed most ungenerous.”

Lifting shifty eyes, she eyed William to gauge his reaction to her next statement. “I was hoping only for information on my Jane when I arrived, but I found so much more! I found that my Lizzy is not dead, but alive, and I was equally shocked to find that she is your wife!”

“ I can assure you, madam, that Mrs. Darcy is not your daughter. My wife is the former Elizabeth Lawrence, a cousin of mine from Sussex.”

“ Nonsense! I know my own daughter! You and she were leaving the bookseller on Centre Street when I exited the shop across the street. I could not get to your carriage in time, but I clearly saw my Lizzy.” She shrewdly looked about the room estimating the cost of the furnishings. “And I know that with so wealthy a husband, my daughter would want to help her destitute family, since my Jane is no longer allowed to do so. Besides, you are so much wealthier than Mr. Bingley. It would not surprise me if you were to set us up in a much nicer estate and with an allowance.”

William’s jaw clenched as his hands formed fists. He stared coldly at her until she shrank back in the chair speechless.

“ Madam, according to Jane Bingley, your daughter Elizabeth resides in a grave in the cemetery at Meryton, put there by your greed and selfishness.”

Mrs. Bennet tried to assume an innocent look. “I assure you all those rumours of how I benefited from her marriage were not true! And now I learn that even my Lizzy’s death must have been a lie meant to wound me. After all, I saw her for myself only yesterday!”

“ ENOUGH!” William shouted, his voice vibrating through the room and silencing the harridan. “ My

Elizabeth’s surname is Lawrence—Elizabeth Elise Lawrence. She is no kin of yours, I can assure you!” William’s eyes darkened and narrowed as he leaned forward. “And if you persist in spouting this nonsense, do you know what action you shall force me to take?”

Mrs. Bennett’s head slowly moved from side to side, her eyes widening in fright at the expression of hatred on his face.

“ I shall be forced to have you arrested for threatening my wife and have your sanity evaluated. I assure you, with my friends in the medical field, that you shall be found insane. Then my uncle, the Earl Matlock, will begin proceedings to have you committed to Bedlam straightaway.”

Mrs. Bennet took a ragged breath, her head still swinging slowly left to right as she wondered at the turn her mission had taken.

William stood, slamming both hands down on his desk as he leaned forward, making her jump. “Bedlam, madam! Where a delusional woman—one who has contributed to the death of her own child, whom she buried in the local cemetery and now insists is alive—should reside!”

“ You ... you cannot!” Mrs. Bennet said, suddenly becoming flustered. “I ... I am not insane! I have friends and relations who testify as to my good character!”

William went around the desk to stand in front of her, leaning to within inches of her face. “I assure you that I most certainly can, and I will. My uncle can have anyone committed to Bedlam, even you.”

Mrs. Bennet swallowed hard, her eyes darting about before finally coming back to settle on him, as he had not moved. “I must have been mistaken, Mr. Darcy. Of course my Lizzy is dead, and besides, she was never pretty enough to capture a fine gentleman like you. Why, you could have married the most beautiful—”

“ Mrs. Bennet!” The fierceness of his bellow caused her to cover her ears, and he jerked her hands away from them so she could hear the rest of his declaration. “Your daughter is dead! Have you no regard for her even now?”

At her ignorant, vacant look, he continued, “If you know what is good for you, you will never contact anyone in my family or mention my wife ever again. If I learn that you have so much as breathed her name, I shall not hesitate to have you arrested and the process begun!”

Then he pulled her from the chair and stalked to the door dragging her with him. Opening it, he flung her into the hallway as he addressed the startled footman, “Escort this ... this thing out of my house!”

Mrs. Bennet recovered her balance as she was escorted towards the front entrance as fast as her trembling legs would allow. Once there, Barnes swiftly opened the door, and she hesitated only long enough to turn and meet William’s eyes.

“ I swear I shall never mention Mrs. Darcy again. You have my solemn vow.”

“ Do not mention Elizabeth Bennet either!” William shouted angrily.

“ Of course! Of course! Not Lizzy either! You are right! Not a word! Not another word.” She was still babbling as she backed out the door which was then slammed shut in her face.

So it was that William had to tell Elizabeth that night of her mother’s visit to Darcy House and of the coach accident that claimed her life. As he feared, she broke down and cried like a child, so he gently picked her up and sat with her in his lap on the settee before the fire. There he soothed her with words of love and devotion as she hid her face in his chest, occasionally weeping anew. Finally having quieted, she looked up and he cradled her face, kissing all traces of tears away.

“I am not crying for my mother, though I suppose somewhere inside I should feel something. I am crying because I never had a mother.”

William lovingly ran his hands up and down her back in a sign of his devotion, and she placed a soft kiss on his mouth before she continued.

“Just this day, your aunt offered me a place in her heart as a daughter. Do you know how often I wished to talk to my own mother as mothers and daughters do? How ironic that on the day that Frances Bennet died, I gained a mother.”

~~~*~~~

Later, as she lay in William’s embrace, his arms locked tightly about her as though by holding her in this manner he could protect her, she cried once more with the realisation that she was finally free. Elizabeth Bennet was no more. She could finally be put to rest along with the woman who had made her life miserable.

~~~*~~~