Page 16 of Reputation, an Easy Thing to Lose (Reputation Verse #1)

Chapter 15

Interference

Gracechurch Street, Cheapside, Lo ndon

30 April 1813—Immediately Following Mr. Tannerbaugh’s Expul sion

A s soon as the door to Edward’s study was firmly shut, Madeline turned on her husband. “I demand that you divulge whatever you and Lizzy have been keeping from me.”

Edward sighed and poured himself another glass of scotch and his wife a glass of sherry. Elizabeth had given him permission to handle the situation ‘as he saw fit,’ and it was obvious that keeping secrets was only causing problems for them all. Madeline would understand the need to keep this information from their sister Bennet, and if Edward’s instincts were correct, Elizabeth was having a similar conversation with Jane upst airs.

“My dear, Elizabeth and Darcy have been married since Oct ober.”

Madeline sank to the settee, her face white with shock. After a moment, she took all of the sherry in her glass in one large swallow then handed her glass back to her husband to be refi lled.

Edward continued, as he poured her another drink. “We knew it would be a scandal, and my sister Bennet would never be discreet enough to protect the family’s reputation, so we have kept this from most of our family and acquaintance. As far as I know, only myself, Miss Darcy, and the Darcys’ house servants, whom I am assured are all very loyal, have been trusted with this information. Now you know, and I presume that Lizzy is telling Jane at this mo ment.”

“I see.” Madeline was quickly regaining her colour. “That certainly changes the Bennets’ situa tion.”

Edward took another large sip of his own drink. “Although it does change the trajectory of their situation, it does not change the immediate future. Not until Miss Darcy is married or at least engaged. And hopefully, Jane will be married to Mr. Bingley before the end of the summer, so he may also help in the restoration of the fa mily.”

“I can certainly understand their desire for some privacy, but many young women marry soon after the death of a father for obvious financial reasons. Did Mr. Darcy truly fear his relations and peer connections so much that he demanded they keep this arrangement a secret during the season?” Madeline had no fewer fears for her niece now than when this conversation started, they were just diffe rent.

“No, Lizzy insisted.” Edward shook his head. “She believed that Darcy’s sister would be irreparably harmed by Lydia’s situation. Darcy preferred a short engagement and the announcement of a fait accompli to his family, but she would not be swayed. Even now, with the difficulties in maintaining the facade, she has not wav ered.”

Madeline pinched the bridge of her nose. “Yes, that certainly sounds like our Lizzy. So, what are we to do now?”

“ WE are going to allow Darcy to lead his own household, and listen to Lizzy when speaks of her wishes. Other than that, there is nothing we ca n do.”

“Of course, you are right.” Madeline smoothed her skirt, rose, and rang for the housekeeper. “One of the mews boys should go to find Darcy and bring him here. His wife being struck across the face is not something that should be kept from him.”

The poor boy ran nearly all the way to the Darcy’s townhouse, only to be told the master was at his club. When he had made the run to White’s, he was told Darcy had left for his solicitor’s office some thirty minutes ago. Another dash about town and the solicitor’s page told the lad that Darcy had concluded his business quickly and already left for home. Knowing that it was important Darcy come to the Gardiners’ home immediately, the boy once again made his way to Mayfair. For the last time, he found himself arriving right after his prey had left, but at least this time the gentleman had left for Cheapside. Simpson had informed his master of the summons from the Gardiners as soon as he crossed the threshold, and Darcy had turned right around, calling for a new horse to be saddled. The kindly old butler took pity on the poor boy, who nearly collapsed on the doorstep, and sent him down to the kitchens for a kip and something to eat.

Darcy was nearly sick with worry by the time he completed his mad dash to the Gardiners’ home, fearing whatever had happened for them to send a summons. He did not wait for the Gardiner’s butler, opening the front door himself in an attempt to get to Elizabeth all the sooner. Edward came out of his study at the sound of the front door and encountered a very agitated D arcy.

“Darcy, I am glad you have come. Please, let me pour you a brandy, or perhaps a scotch, in my s tudy.”

“I came as soon as I could. What has happened, Edward? Is Elizabeth well?” Darcy was in such a state, he did not realize that Madeline was in the room.

She stepped forward with a full glass of scotch. “Yes, Mr. Darcy. Lizzy is well but she has had a rough day today. She had an… unpleasant encounter this afternoon, which was in a large part my fault, for which I am very sorry in deed.”

Darcy looked up at Madeline as he took a seat. “I do not understand. What happ ened?”

Edward and Madeline eyed each other warily. Neither was sure how to start the conversation. Madeline continued. “Well, do you remember Mr. Tannerb augh?”

“Of course. He is an old acquaintance of mine from Cambridge. We only were there at the same time for two years, but I remember he was a capital fe llow.”

Edward cleared his throat, attempting to hide a s nort.

Darcy looked at from Edward to Made line.

“Yes, I am sure he is… a capital fellow… generally. However, today, there was a misunderstanding, and… well, he… you see… I am not sure exactly why, but he… well, he…” Madeline was twisting a handkerchief between her hands. The words would not come.

Edward placed his hands on her shoulders and she fell silent. “Mr. Tannerbaugh came here this morning for the express purpose of courting Lizzy. I tried to stop him from pursuing that purpose, but he would not be deterred. Their conversation did not go as he had planned, and Lizzy gave him an angry retort. He then struck her across the face.”

Darcy launched out of his chair and walked back toward the front door before Edward could register his movement. Thankfully, Madeline caught up to him before he could l eave.

“Mr. Darcy!” Madeline cried. “Where are you g oing?”

“I believe my first destination is to the sword chest in the Darcy House study to retrieve my grandfather’s rapier, then I am going to kill Tannerbaugh without even the courtesy of first striking him with my g love!”

Edward was finally able to get around the displaced chairs and into the hall. “Darcy, please take a moment and breathe. I understand that you are enraged, and rightfully so. But engaging in a duel is what got us all into this precarious position. If my brother had not acted rashly, he might have lived and we could have saved Lydia, and the whole Bennet family, much g rief.”

“How can I allow this insult to go unchalle nged?”

“I believe that Lizzy would rather you go upstairs to comfort her than commit murder for her honour. It would be more prudent if you did not end up in gaol.”

“Fine. I insist on seeing her this instant.” Darcy marched up the stairs to the bedchamber where Elizabeth and Jane were res ting.

Both sisters had fallen into a doze, after their respective revelations, from the stress of the day. They were laying on the bed, facing each other with hands clasped, the compress resting on Elizabeth’s cheek. Darcy stormed into the room, crashing the door against the wall, which jolted both sleeping sisters to wakefulness and sent Jane tumbling to the f loor.

The alarmed expression on his wife’s beautiful face finally penetrated Darcy’s half -m ad mind.

“Miss Bennet, please forgive me. Here, let me help you up. My interruption of your rest was inexcusable. I shall let you both return to s leep.”

Jane waved him off. “No, no, Mr. Darcy. We were just dozing, and you must take some time to speak with your wife. I will return downst airs.”

As Jane slipped out of the door and closed it, leaving only Elizabeth and Darcy inside, her words finally registered. Darcy made his way to the bed and took Elizabeth in his arms, feeling only relief at finally having her small frame resting against his larger one.

“My dearest love, I am sorry that I was not here to protect you t oday.”

“Really, William, it was not your fault. While I am not happy with my sister and aunt for arranging the meeting with Mr. Tannerbaugh, I cannot fault them their hopes and fears for my future.” She sighed and settled further into his warm embrace. “It is a dim reality, but many men view women just as property. I fear for Mr. Tannerbaugh’s future wife. Then again, maybe today has changed the course of his mind.”

“I wish to see him punished for his act ions.”

Elizabeth looked up at him and moved an errant curl away from his eyes. “Oh, no, my love. You cannot. And really, there is no need. I am not so fragile as to break. He will be banished from our thoughts, and after a night in your arms, I shall be fully well.”

The grandfather clock down the stairs struck a much later hour than Darcy had realized, and he groaned. “I must apologize again, but Georgie and I are expected at dinner with the Hursts tonight.” He took a deep breath. “You are not inv ited.”

Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide. “I am aware that Miss Bingley has a distaste for my company, but I did not know that Mrs. Hurst holds me in such cont empt.”

“I fear that this is all Miss Bingley’s doing. It is to be a very small party, but also includes Lady Sefton. Georgie is not even officially out until tomorrow morning and has not had her invitation to Almack’s. I fear offending the most influential patron by bringing an uninvited guest to the p arty.”

“I agree, dear, that you did what you had to do. I shall be just fine at home tonight.” Elizabeth’s eyes danced. “Perhaps Marianne will consent to play some cards with me. I am supposed to be one of the servants, and it is high time I started acting like it.” Elizabeth stroked Darcy’s face and smiled, trying to dispel the pained look in his eyes.

“Are you sure that we cannot stop this charade before anyone else tries to harm you? I believe your sisters here and aunt are now in our confidence. Perhaps we can weather this storm toge ther.”

Elizabeth sighed and sat up from the bed. She considered his proposal but was ultimately unconvinced. “No, I do not think we should change course yet. Although Jane and Madeline are in our confidence, Mary is yet unaware. Besides, we have already weathered my introduction on Bond Street. It will be just a few weeks until we can put this all behind us. I heard from Jane today that Mr. Bingley has spoken up. He hopes to marry Jane as soon as my mother’s year of mourning is over. When they are safely married, we can reveal the truth. Until then, I will have to endure treatment as a servant, and you must endure the solicitous attentions of Miss Bingley and the other la dies.”

“Very well, but there shall be no more conditions on this.” Darcy placed both hands on Elizabeth’s shoulders and his eyes searched hers. “The minute Bingley signs the register, we will announce our marriage. Even if Georgie is not yet secure or something else happens with one of your sisters or mother, I will wait not one moment l ater.”

“Yes, dear.” Elizabeth laughed. “I am sure that Jane will be very happy to share her wedding breakfast with us. Perhaps you shall serve as Mr. Bingley’s witness, so that as soon as the ink is down you can turn to the congregation and shout it out, or will you at least allow them to make it out of the ch urch?”

Darcy’s eyes twinkled in response. “Impertinent woman! You understand my meaning, but just as punishment I believe I shall make a formal, loud announcement in front of the church following the Bingley wedding. Your sister and my friend are the most generous of souls, and I am sure they will not mind. Now, let us ask your most kind sister to accompany us home so that you need not play Vingt-Un with the servants. I will have you safe and well entertained this eve ning.”

Elizabeth stood and took his proffered arm. “Lead the way, Mr. D arcy.”

Hurst House, Kensington, Lo ndon

30 April 1813—The Dinner Hour

If Darcy’s day had been stressful, his night was outright rage -f illed . The Hurst dinner party was indeed small, only ten individuals in all, including Louisa and Reginald Hurst, Reginald’s brother the Elder Mr. Hurst and his wife Mrs. Hurst, Charles Bingley, Caroline Bingley, Lady Sefton, Lady Sefton’s companion, Darcy, and Georgiana. With so few persons, it was impossible for either Darcy or Georgiana to avoid Caroline. Immediately upon their arrival, she attached herself to them. She prattled on about Georgiana’s presentation in the morning and the ball in two days, asking far too many questions than was strictly polite in mixed company. Finally, she came to the crux of her extended dissertation on the subject: Caroline offered, in the most dissembling way possible, to help with the last -m inute details for both ev ents.

“I am sure that your aunt, the Lady Matlock, has everything well in hand, but it is always nice to have experienced help when executing such important events. I am sure that she is feeling the stress of having naught but Miss Eliza to help her.” Caroline waved her hand about and nearly struck Georgiana in the face. “I doubt Eliza has even seen St. James’s Palace, let alone been inside for presentat ions.”

Georgiana’s ire at the treatment of her sister reared in full force at Caroline’s degrading comm ents.

“In matter of fact, you are quite wrong, Miss Bingley. Miss Elizabeth was presented at court when she was sixteen by her father’s aunt, the Lady Hershel, whose husband had been a Naval Captain and knighted for his distinguished service to the Crown. After their great -a unt died, the younger Bennet sisters, Miss Mary and Miss Catherine, were fortunate enough to have Lady Lucas do the honour upon each turning sixteen. Mrs. Wickham is the only Bennet sister not to have been presented, since she was married before the event could take place. I am sure that Miss Elizabeth has adequately prepared me for the event tomorrow, and has managed to procure anything I may need for both the presentation and the ball.”

All during her speech, Georgiana was looking about the room, with her fan lazily wafting cool air over her face to keep the angry flush from becoming too noticeable. After another pause, Georgiana turned to Miss Bingley, snapped her fan shut, and tapped the harpy on the arm. In a placating voice, and with a small smile on her face, she said, “But I do appreciate the offer to help retrieve the items I will require before entering soc iety.”

Caroline’s eyes flashed at the information that Elizabeth had been presented by family who had a bestowed title, and at such a young age. Caroline had not been presented until well after Louisa’s marriage and only grudgingly by Hurst’s sister - i n -l aw . The other women in the ton had snickered behind their feathered fans at her tenuous introduction into society, no matter how much money she had spent on her gown. With a titled aunt, Elizabeth was accepted as a moderately well -s ituated gentlewoman, regardless of what she wore, and promptly dismissed as a threat to any of the heiresses in the London marriage market. Well, as soon as Caroline procured an offer from Darcy, the chit would be out of a situation, and Georgiana would have to get in line behind the new Mrs. Caroline D arcy.

Dinner was not much better, since it was obvious that Caroline had personally selected the seating arrangement. Darcy was seated directly to the right of Caroline and across from Lady Sefton. The entire meal was spent in conversation initiated by Caroline about some lovely part of Pemberley, or an inane question related to Darcy’s noble family connect ions.

Georgiana was faring little better with a continual string of questions from the elder Mrs. Hurst about the Darcys’ new gentil servant. She had heard about the extraordinary service she was given at Mme. Devy’s establishment and the quality of the clothing purchased. It seemed an unnecessary expense to the older lady, spending such sums on even the best of companions. Georgiana was embarrassed, not just for herself, but also for the young woman sitting to her other side who served as Lady Sefton’s companion. The lady’s servant was dressed appropriately, but plainly, and using not nearly the quality of fabrics that Darcy had purchased for Elizabeth. No matter how many times she tried to deflect the questions, Mrs. Hurst would come right back to the t opic.

Once the ladies separated from the men for refreshments, it got worse. First, Georgiana had to endure repeated barbs directed at Elizabeth from Caroline and Louisa. She tried to defend her sister but was afraid of going too far and betraying their secret. Lady Sefton kept looking strangely at her during the conversation and Georgiana finally lost her nerve and held her tongue entirely. When the men joined the party, Caroline was eager to set up tables for whist, but the game would only allow four players to a group, leaving two guests out of the games. Knowing that Darcy never played at cards, she stole a private moment with him during the g ames.

“Mr. Darcy, I know you must be concerned for Miss Georgiana’s coming out, since your esteemed aunt has only Eliza to help with the planning. Your sister is much too loyal and naive to believe that her companion is unsuited to the job of planning such an event, but surely you would welcome a more appropriate guide to ensure Georgiana’s debut is a suc cess.”

Darcy merely shrugged his shoulders and continued to watch the card game.

But the lady would not be deterred. “And, not to speak ill of the poorly situated, but are you not concerned that Eliza is a poor influence on your sweet sister? She is much too bold in company, acting as if she were one of Miss Georgie’s friends instead of a paid servant. I know it is a change for the poor dear, being thrust into the life of a servant, where she used to be a gentlewoman, but if someone does not take a firm hand with the young woman, she will be an embarrassment. Perhaps, if you wished, I could accompany Miss Georgie and Eliza to their first few events.” This, of course, meant that Darcy would have to procure her an invitation to many of those same events, since she had neither the popularity nor the standing in society to garner such invitations personally. “I could instruct Eliza on the proper behaviour for someone of her station. It would not do for the ton to see how poorly she performs her du ties.”

If Caroline was more familiar with Darcy’s facial expressions, she would have seen the thunder in his eyes and the rise in colour to his cheeks. Unwisely, she conti nued.

“In fact, if there was to be more of a connection between the Bingleys and the Darcys, Miss Georgie would have no need of a companion at all.” Caroline went so far as to brush her palm over Darcy’s arm and lean forward slightly to give him a better view of her décolle tage.

Repulsed, by both the intrusion upon his person and the demeaning things she was saying about his beloved wife, Darcy pulled his arm from her reach. Drawing the attention of most of the rest of the room, he put the lady in her p lace.

“Miss Bingley, I’m sure I don’t know to what you are referring. Charles and I are as connected as two unrelated men can be, and neither of us have immediate plans to increase our connection. As for your opinion on how Miss Elizabeth is performing her duties in my household, all I can say is that I am very satisfied.” Darcy sported a small blush and barely contained a smile at his own inappropriate innuendo, praying only after the words left his lips that no one else took his words at their true meaning. “She does not need further instruction in how to behave in her new station. Thank you for your offer to serve my family, but no thank you. In the future, if I ever have need of your opinion, I shall supply it to you.”