Page 80 of Obligation and Redemption

“You are mistaken if you think your husband cares about you, Elizabeth.” The use of her given name made her bristle, even knowing that was the least of her concerns.

“He married you for one thing and one thing only. It would seem that even Darcy has his weaknesses. He should have stuck with the paid strumpets, but I guess that is exactly what you are, paid.” At this point he was holding one arm in a strong grip with the other behind her back, his face not twelve inches from her own, as she attempted to push him away.

“You go from having nothing – no dowry to speak of – to being the wife of one of the wealthiest men in England. Don’t tell me you have done nothing to entice my cousin, that you are innocent of seduction.

Your story may delude some, but it does not fool me.

You are nothing but an alluring charlatan who uses your wiles to entice men.

This is the only value you have,” he said as he let go of her arm while still holding her in place, bringing his now free hand up to stroke her breast. “Come, you haven’t given me my Christmas present yet. ”

Elizabeth wanted to scream out, but either no one would hear her, or if they did, they would not believe her innocence over Lord Langston’s, but she had to try something; she could not let him continue on in this domineering and invasive manner.

So, as she tried to remove his probing hand, Elizabeth said, “Whether or not Mr. Darcy cares for me, he would not want your taking liberties with his wife; I am certain. And, as you are aware, I have nothing to lose with regards to your family. If you continue in this manner, I can assure you that I will not keep silent. Your wife, parents and cousin will know of your treachery. You are threatening the wrong person, sir. I will not be manipulated by you or anyone so wholly without conscience.” Of course, Elizabeth knew that she was all bravado and that if he decided to try her, she remained as before, unprotected and completely vulnerable to his advances, but she had no other defence.

He laughed again. “You are a lively one. That is convenient because I like lively; the reward is all the more sweet.” He then kissed her aiming for her mouth, but she turned her head just in time to avoid a direct assault.

With his arm around her back, he picked her up and carried her to the bed, pushing her down with the weight of his body.

His mouth began the trek down her neck onto her exposed chest, as his hands enjoyed continued explorations.

He had lifted her dress and was moving his hand up her thigh when they heard a voice from the hallway.

Colonel Fitzwilliam was opening doors and quietly but emphatically calling out for Mrs. Darcy.

“It seems my younger brother has fallen under your spell as well,” he said as he sat up, her expression of panic amusing him.

“We can take this up another time; I can be patient. I suggest you keep this to yourself. You may think Darcy would believe you over me, but you are wrong. I have known him for years as blood relations, while your character is equivocal with a history of taking advantage of honourable men.” He stood up and walked to the door, opening it while peering into the hallway.

He stepped back and waved her through gallantly with his arm that not a moment before was exploring her body.

Elizabeth hurriedly exited through the door and towards the music room, adjusting with her trembling hands the stray locks that had escaped their pins as she walked along, clearly shaken by what had just occurred.

Her heart was racing, and tears threatened to spill from her eyes as she considered from what she had been saved.

Elizabeth needed time alone to recover, but for fear of being found again, she had to return to the company.

She slipped into the music room, and finding Lady Susan still at the instrument, she remained in the back, sitting alone.

Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy were yet out of the room, and the colonel was also missing.

Elizabeth considered how she should respond to the viscount’s attack.

Would her husband believe her if she told him?

Certainly, no one else would. Taking deep, calming breaths, Elizabeth finally managed to stop shaking and dried her tears with her handkerchief.

Colonel Fitzwilliam sat beside her just as she had gotten control, making her reflexively jump in agitation .

“Pardon me, Mrs. Darcy. I did not mean to startle you. I have been searching for you; I was concerned when you did not return. Is anything amiss?” Elizabeth did not look well at all. Her previously gaunt appearance now took on an expression of panic. “Allow me to get you some wine.”

She wanted to decline and say that all was fine, but she could not, so instead, she nodded her head.

However, while he was pouring her a glass, Langston entered the room and sat next to her, saying loudly so all could hear, “Mrs. Darcy, you do look awful. I deem you could use some time to rest. Allow me to take you to a room; it would do you a world of good.” He smiled kindly at her, as a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

“Langston, you have taken my seat. Let Mrs. Darcy decide what she is in need of. When Darcy returns with his sister, he can escort her home. Until then perhaps we could give her a little space,” the colonel said with a curt nod for him to move.

Colonel Fitzwilliam knew his brother well.

He was a man who felt entitled to whatever he wanted.

Even as boys, he would take his little brother’s toys and claim them as his own, for he was the heir.

In light of Elizabeth’s apparent agitation, Fitzwilliam suspected his brother might have played a part, which was confirmed by the leer that his brother directed towards the woman and her conspicuous discomposure.

The others in the room had watched the exchange but then were redirected by the performance at the pianoforte.

Lady Susan knew her husband was attracted to the new Mrs. Darcy, for indeed he was attracted to many women, but she, Lady Susan, was the woman who held the title of the viscountess and had birthed the heir, so she chose to ignore what she could not change.

Lady Susan then returned to her rendition of Adeste Fideles , which was a favourite of the family’s, to draw the attention away from the harlot.

Darcy entered during the song and joined his wife who was now sitting alone.

Darcy had been with his sister in her apartment.

Not wanting to share the moment with anyone, especially her brother’s new wife, Georgiana had requested his presence away from the family.

She had presented him with a charcoal of herself rendered by a young artist whom her aunt had hired, Monsieur René Bernard.

Knowing that his sister needed his time and attention, he had remained with her in appreciation for her thoughtful gift.

“In my absence, you will have this before you, so you can remember how dear you are to me,” said Georgiana after she had given him her likeness.

Darcy knew that his decision to marry Elizabeth was leaving its toll on his sister.

He hoped that she would soon be able to join them either at Darcy House or Pemberley, but he felt that each woman needed more time to become accustomed to his shared loyalties.

“Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth in hushed tones to her husband, “we must go.”

“It is still early and you have yet to play,” he whispered back.

“I am unwell and need to return to Darcy House. I can go alone if you wish to stay, but please do not let anyone else escort me.” Elizabeth did not want to give him any reason to suspect foul play, so she continued, “I have a headache and need quietude. I cannot bear to have anyone else in the close quarters of the carriage, and I do not want to disturb your family.” At his hesitation, she said, “Please, sir, I beg of you to take me home directly. Return if you will.”

There was indeed a great disturbance in her countenance and change in her disposition from but thirty minutes before.

“I will make our excuses and call for the carriage.” Darcy stood and walked over to his hosts, speaking quietly concerning their imminent departure and need for the carriage.

Much fuss was made with supplications to stay for the remainder of the evening.

Georgiana overheard the exchange and added her wishes to the Fitzwilliams’, but Darcy stood firm.

He looked back across the room and saw that his wife was looking more unwell by the minute, as even the surprising solicitude of his cousin Langston could not seem to provide Elizabeth relief.

While in the carriage on the way home, Darcy began to question her concerning the present illness. “I will be fine, I just have a little headache, nothing that quiet and sleep will not overcome.”

“You truly look ill, Elizabeth. Did something happen between the time I left you with Langston and my entrance into the music room?”

“Nothing to speak of.” Darcy could not see her within the dark confines of the carriage. Tears had re-emerged, and she desperately attempted to wipe them away before he realised her distress. How could she let him know the truth? He would not believe her over his cousin; she was certain.

“Elizabeth, leaving early was really quite rude, if it was truly just a little headache. Surely we could have stayed if that were the case. I know Georgiana was disappointed we left.”

“You could have stayed. There was no need for you to join me. In fact, you may return if you wish.”

“Really, you cannot make a habit of leaving unpleasant situations because of a trifling headache. There will be many occasions that you must play your role regardless of your opinion of the company.”

“Indeed.” The irony almost made her laugh aloud. Darcy’s instruction on playing the proper role would have amused her, if she were not so distraught over the events of the evening.

After arriving at Darcy House, Elizabeth went straight to her room, surprising her maid by requesting a bath be drawn for the second time that day.

Elizabeth felt intruded upon and soiled by the repulsive advances of Lord Langston, so although it was Christmas and she would never have wanted to put any extra work on a servant on this holy day, she simply could not rest until a thorough ablution was performed.