Page 134 of Obligation and Redemption
When the rider appeared, Darcy nodded towards him with an unspoken request to close the door behind him.
Darcy had written out a note to Elizabeth’s lady’s maid requesting that she make a copy of her records concerning Elizabeth’s courses and seal them for their delivery back to Darcy House.
When Jonathon approached the desk, Darcy handed him the missive and said, “I need you to take this note to Pemberley and privately give it to Janette Salle, my wife’s maid.
When she gives you a response, you are to make haste to return here to me.
My expectation is to see you within four days’ time.
Do you think you can handle this?” Darcy asked this last question, already knowing the answer.
This man had always faithfully fulfilled any previous mission.
“Yes, sir. I do not see a problem. The weather is fair and the days getting longer. And even if that were not the case, you can count on me to see it through.”
“That is why I asked for you in particular. If you do make it back within four days, there will be a bonus for you. Remember, you are to speak to no one about this. And please give this second note to my steward,” Darcy said, handing over a second missive.
“No response will be required from him.” Darcy provided no additional explanation to this man who had served him faithfully for years.
Jonathon had grown up at Pemberley and like the other employees was dependable to fulfil his responsibilities with vigilance and alacrity.
His servant exited the study as the colonel was coming in. “Darcy, you look dreadful.”
Darcy raised a brow at his cousin’s honest appraisal. “I feel dreadful. I slept little, and when awake, I kept envisioning Elizabeth in the arms of that bastard.” Darcy practically spit out the words.
“Surely you cannot really suspect that she would betray you in that way.”
“I have a difficult time believing the woman I left at Pemberley three days ago would behave without integrity, in any circumstance. But I have to admit that I cannot be completely certain of her conduct throughout the beginning weeks of our marriage. Wickham is a practised seducer, and she has proven herself gullible to his charms.”
“Could she be so changeable, Darcy? You obviously have found a great deal to admire about her most recently:”
Darcy gave a wan smile. “Actually, I believe I am the one who has changed. The impertinent words she spoke upon first marrying are the same ones that now give me delight. Her wild ways that I once mocked now intrigue me and draw me in. I feel like a schoolboy when in her presence, completely captivated and hanging on her every word. But could I now be the one who is gullible, bewitched by her charms?”
“Bewitched, I have no doubt, but I would not go so far as to say deceived. You never told her about your dealings with Wickham?”
“I thought to, but could not bring myself to lay bare our family’s history with him while I did not trust her. Then when I returned to Pemberley in February, things seemed to be improving so amicably between us that I did not want to bring up a subject that had caused us both so much pain.”
“Had you told Mrs. Darcy, I cannot imagine she would doubt you, especially in light of hard proof. I would have been more than willing to vouch for your innocence – not that any of that would have been necessary. Your wife would have listened to you. It is true that at one time you openly showed your resentment towards her, but you gave her no reason to mistrust you.”
Darcy winced. Had he not? His thoughts went to so many of his mistakes along the way.
“Believe me that if it were possible to go back in time, I would ensure that Elizabeth could have no reason to desire another man’s embrace, but what was done cannot be changed, and dwelling on my past choices will not resolve anything. ”
“You must see that even when she disliked you so well, she would not have betrayed you. Darcy, you know this in your heart.”
“My heart tells me so, but my head remembers a different story. You did not see the way she was laughing with Wickham when I discovered them at Longbourn. And then he crowed his success at seducing her.”
“He is a liar. You know this. ”
“It is ironic that his lies are my only hope – confidence in his efforts to deceive me.” Darcy turned away and walked to the window as dawn had finally succeeded in lighting the way outside his home.
“But, if it is true, if she did give in to him in a weak moment, my only hope is that she has regrets. Yet if she carries his child….”
“Have faith in her, Darcy. I have never met a woman less likely to disgrace you and your marriage. She may have abhorred you most vehemently, but I cannot believe she would have given in to another’s charms – not in that way.”
Darcy gazed back at his cousin. “I pray that you are right because I don’t know if our marriage could survive otherwise. And at this point, I’m not certain I could either.”
Fitzwilliam had hoped that his cousin would develop a tender regard for his wife, but now that he knew Darcy to be so enamoured with her, he worried about how his cousin might endure should their worst fears be realised – should Elizabeth have been taken in by Wickham to the extent that she would betray her marriage vows.
Dwelling on these thoughts would not help their current course, so Fitzwilliam decided to move the conversation along.
Darcy needed a focus other than his wife’s constancy.
“About Rosings, have you decided what day we will be leaving for our visit?”
“I hope for Wednesday after Jonathon has returned. It may be tight on our schedule once there, but with both of us working, we should be done by Easter for an early departure on Monday. I can complete a cursory review of my aunt’s accounts, while you canvass the grounds.
And Georgiana can entertain Aunt Catherine and Anne. ”
“Does poor Georgie know your designs? I cannot see her willingness in the scheme.”
“We will be there but five days, and it will be good for her to spend time with Anne. But regardless of her sentiments, she has a role to play, and that role is in helping to distract Lady Catherine from our absence.”
“Aunt Catherine will not be happy about our removal so soon after our arrival. Of course, nothing will make her happy short of a dissolution of your marriage.” Darcy rolled his eyes.
“Forgive me, Darcy. I did not mean to suggest that was a possibility. In that, our aunt will be forever disappointed, I am certain.”
Darcy suddenly aged ten years as a look of despair descended upon him. “The thought of losing her now is unbearable, James.”
“I know. But do not let the unknown discourage you. Trust your heart and your wife, my friend.”
“So, will you be able to join us for services today once your commission is completed? Your parents sent over an invitation for tea afterwards.”
“Vickie is to be there and would never forgive me if I did not.”
“Then I will see you later this morning. Stop by the kitchen and get something to take with you on your way out.”
LORD LANGSTON AND LADY SUSAN also attended church and the Matlocks afterwards, along with their sister, Lady Victoria, and her usually elusive husband.
Darcy, still agitated concerning his wife, had little to contribute to the gathering until Langston spoke up.
“Darcy, I was planning on going to Matlock soon, now that the weather has warmed a bit, and hoped to stop by Pemberley first. I know it is a little out of the way, but I thought that while I was up there, Susan and I could spend time getting to know Mrs. Darcy. Would you be opposed to my stopping over for a few days?”
“You are welcome to sojourn there. When were you planning your trip?”
Langston glanced to his wife and said, “Maybe this week.” Susan cast him a sullen response, obviously angry but holding her tongue.
“I obviously won’t be there, but Elizabeth will be.
I can send her an express to let her know of your plans.
” Darcy began to think that this might be just what he needed.
He could not be in two places at once, and having his cousin there to keep an eye on things would give him the peace he needed to continue with his plans at Rosings and his search for Wickham.
The thought had occurred to him more than once that Wickham might have used Georgiana to lure him away from Pemberley in order to have easier access to Elizabeth.
“We truly know so little about your wife, that I thought it the perfect way to improve the acquaintance.”
“I thank you, Langston.” Then he thought further and said, “Before you go, however, I would speak with you.”
Later in the visit, Darcy pulled Langston aside for privacy.
“Langston, I am glad to know that you will be at Pemberley while I am gone. It has come to my attention that Wickham has been up to no good, and may be conniving an attack on me through my family; I would have you keep an eye on Elizabeth and the estate.”
“You suspect Wickham to go to Pemberley? But why? He knows he is not welcome.”
“Yes, but he means to cause trouble. I recently received information that suggests he is actively trying to hurt me through Elizabeth. I have my men out looking for him now, but cannot rule out a possible plan for him to go north. I have sent an express to my steward to take precautions, but I would feel more comfortable with you there.”
“You can count on me to keep an eye out for the scum, and I will do everything in my power to protect Mrs. Darcy. She will be safe in my hands. In fact, I will plan to leave earlier than I originally thought to ensure her safety.”
“Thank you. That means a great deal to me. Now I can concentrate on my responsibilities here and at Rosings while keeping Georgiana safe.”