Page 60 of Missing

"Miss Bingley, because I am aware that Mr. Darcy respected and esteemed your late father, and in consideration of the family connection and the affection I bear your brother, I shall be as polite as possible in my reply.

Elizabeth Dalton is the only woman I love and shall always love, admire, and respect.

She is, and ever shall be, my wife, whatever my circumstances. "

"I should like to know what Mr. Darcy thinks of that," Caroline retorted furiously. Matters were not unfolding as she had imagined, and she could not give up so easily.

"We may ask Mr Darcy if you prefer. But be certain to repeat everything you have just said, including the part in which you made that improper proposition to me," William said defiantly.

"I have said nothing improper. I merely remarked that when your family obliges you to abandon that impertinent chit, and you are free once more, I should condescend to give you a chance.

But I see the influence of those merchants who raised you has taken deeper root than I supposed.

" Caroline was incensed; she could not comprehend why William continued to defend Eliza Bennet.

"No one obliges me to do anything, madam. I am a grown man, and whoever seeks a place in my life must accept my wife and my mother. I hope that is perfectly clear."

"I am sorry, but I do not wish to continue this conversation," Caroline replied dismissively.

"Nor do I, madam. Yet permit me to say one last thing: I hope never again to be compelled to share the same space with you, unless it be unavoidable.

But never—listen well—never shall you set foot upon any of my properties, for you will not be welcome.

And if you ever again dare to speak of my wife with disrespect, or to call her Eliza , I shall tell Mr. Darcy, your brother, and all my family precisely what you have said.

" With that, William ended the matter and returned to sit beside his father.

Caroline felt humiliated and scorned. She had offered William Dalton her attention, and he had rejected her for that insignificant chit.

Yet she was no fool; she knew that William was a man who kept his word.

That meant she would never again be invited to Pemberley, nor to any event hosted by the Darcys.

At that moment, she understood she had lost her only connection with the first circles of society and felt utterly miserable.

Louisa, perceiving that something unpleasant had occurred between Caroline and the Darcy heir, decided to remove her sister at once, before further troubles could arise.

When the Bingley sisters were finally gone, Mr. Darcy asked his son what had occurred with Caroline, for he had perceived that something was amiss. William did not reveal every detail, but he explained that Caroline had suggested he ought to abandon Elizabeth once he assumed his new identity.

Mr. Darcy could scarcely believe her presumption.

He suspected that William had withheld much of what was said, and he felt proud of him.

Undoubtedly, his son was a true gentleman who conducted himself with honour regardless of provocation.

Seeing William so agitated, Mr. Darcy resolved to take action and wrote a brief note to Caroline and Louisa:

Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst,

I must inform you that you are no longer welcome in my home.

Any bond of friendship that may once have existed between us is broken and can never be repaired.

You have expressed open contempt for those who are now my family, whom it is my duty to protect.

In consideration of my long friendship with your late father, I choose to conclude this matter as discreetly as possible.

If we meet in public, I shall greet you with civility, but should you attempt to approach me or any member of my family, you will receive a direct cut.

George Darcy

Louisa had always feared Caroline and had never dared oppose her until that day.

"Caroline, what have you done to Mr. Dalton? Why has Mr. Darcy sent us this note?"

"Louisa, I do not wish to speak of that horrid man, so pray do not plague me further," Caroline replied, refusing to explain herself.

"Louisa, do not waste your time with your sister," added Mr. Hurst in disgust.

"Yes, Louisa, heed your husband. I never wish to speak of that man or his insufferable wife again," Caroline declared and went straight to her chamber.

The Hursts were so incensed with Caroline that, after dinner, they gave her a fortnight to find another residence.

They believed that, once she was removed from their household, Mr. Darcy might grant them a second chance, so they sent him a note of apology.

But Mr. Darcy returned it unopened. The Hursts never again received an invitation and were compelled to content themselves with the company of tradesmen and minor gentry.

◆◆◆

The ball organised by the Matlocks was a great success, attended by all the most distinguished families of London society.

Naturally, everyone wished to meet the Darcy heir, and many parents secretly rejoiced at the thought that their unmarried daughters might become the future Mrs. Darcy.

Their hopes, however, were sorely dashed when they beheld the handsome young Fitzwilliam Darcy and his beautiful wife, Elizabeth.

William remained uncomfortable in Lord Matlock's presence, yet his two cousins and the Countess were most kind and obliging. Besides, he knew that any slight to his uncle might reflect upon his beloved wife and sister, and for their sakes, he resolved to endure much—even the company of the man.

Elizabeth and William passed the night at Darcy House after the ball. It was their first time there, and Mr. Darcy had taken particular care that the finest guest chamber should be prepared for them.

"This room is immense, William. I imagine that the apartments of the master and mistress of the house must be positively palatial," said Elizabeth.

"Probably," William replied, his eyes fixed upon her.

"I know that look very well, William. Tell me, what is troubling you?" Elizabeth asked, drawing nearer to her husband.

William could not meet her gaze; he felt somewhat abashed. Yet he recognised that she knew him too well for pretence to be of any avail.

"Tonight, you were the most beautiful woman in the room; I am sure of it. Many men admired you—Lord Fleming in particular."

Elizabeth smiled and kissed him with tender affection.

She had danced the third set with Lord Fleming, a handsome young viscount notorious for his admiration of married ladies.

Though he had attempted to be gallant, she had quietly discouraged him, and he soon comprehended that his attentions were quite wasted.

"I love you, William," Elizabeth said softly when the kiss ended.

"You must think me a fool, but—"

"William, there is no sense in dwelling upon it. I do not care, and neither should you. Do you not agree?"

"You are right, my dearest. Despite the curious glances, all passed as well as might be hoped.

Yet I shall not deny that I am glad it is over, and that tomorrow we travel to Derbyshire.

I long to be as far from London as possible.

Still, I cannot understand why my mother declined to travel with us. "

"To be parted from your mother must be painful, my love.

You have always been so close. But Mama Violet wishes you to have this time with your father—to build a relationship of trust and affection with him.

She feels she has had you for twenty-two years, and now you must spend some months as a Darcy, not as a Dalton. "

"I suppose, as always, my mother is correct. Well then, it is time to rest. Tomorrow will be a long day," said William.

"You see that door there—that is your room, William," Elizabeth teased with a playful smile.

"I trust you are jesting, Mrs. Darcy, for I have no intention of sleeping in that room," William replied, indicating the door.

"I think you would rest far better if you did," she answered coquettishly.

"But since I have no intention of sleeping for the next hour, I believe I had better remain here," William said, drawing Elizabeth into his arms as she laughed.

◆◆◆

"Wickham, I told you never to come seeking me here again. I do not wish to be dismissed. I like my place here—the pay is good, and my master is kind," Jackson said in desperation, glancing about nervously. He had slipped out of the back door of the house to speak with Wickham.

"Do not forget, Jackson, that it was I who procured this position for you. But I did not come to argue. I came to hear what is happening here. I waited for you at the bar, and when you failed to appear, you left me no choice but to come myself."

Wickham had read in the newspaper of the Darcy heir.

The day before, he had gone to the Matlocks' mansion to spy upon the ball and confirm his suspicions.

William Dalton was indeed Fitzwilliam Darcy—the lost child and heir to everything.

The knowledge filled him with hatred and rage.

He needed to know what Mr. Darcy was planning, for somehow he must prevent that man from usurping what Wickham believed rightfully his.

"Mr. Dalton and his wife attended Lord Matlock's ball yesterday. They spent the night here, and they are leaving for Pemberley. I warn you that I shall travel with them and be out of London for several months."

"Why are they traveling to Pemberley?" Wickham asked, perplexed.