Page 34 of Rumours & Recklessness (Sweet Escapes Collection #1)

Chapter 32

I t was a merry party that set out for Longbourn later that morning. Two persons, however, were less than delighted with the event. One was Caroline Bingley, whose reception back into her home depended upon her carrying out Charles’ wishes to the letter. At the moment, that entailed helping Mrs Nicholls in the kitchen. Mrs Nicholls’ sentiments in the matter would be too long and unflattering an account to include in this work.

The other person whose spirits flagged was Mr Darcy himself. With the very heaviest reluctance, he had set out for Colonel Forster’s residence to obtain more information about George Wickham. Duty must overcome his desires. Besides, thought he smugly, it had not been so very many hours since he had last seen Elizabeth.

Shortly after his ardour had received such a dousing the prior evening, he had unwillingly taken his leave. The rest of the family had been abed, except for Mr Gardiner, who had been waiting with an open door, sharp ears, and a book in the library. He had already apprised the older man of his findings in London and his concerns regarding both his aunt and his childhood friend. Neither would be tolerated to interfere with the Darcy or Bennet families ever again. His aunt, they had dispatched quite satisfactorily, but George Wickham remained at large. A long circuitous ride through the night had verified that none of the local lodging houses could boast his presence.

Darcy regretted that he would not be the one to first introduce his stunning bride to his aunt or his cousin, but Elizabeth had already thoroughly proven her graceful aplomb. He smiled warmly. Yes, she would make a fine mistress for his home, one he would never cease to be proud of. He had every confidence in her.

Besides, the drawing-room would be exceedingly full with the entire Netherfield party, and he, Darcy, would likely be relegated to the corners of the room while his female relatives monopolized Elizabeth and his male relatives descended upon Mr Gardiner. That would leave him with… oh, no, not that. Touching his whip to his mount, Darcy picked up the pace. He would rather face Wickham with bare knuckles than Mrs Bennet with a teacup.

“Darcy, hold up!”

He jerked the reins, so great was his surprise at hearing his name that he nearly unsettled his mount. With a silent apology to the poor beast—and gratitude that it was not that clumsy hack from London—he patted the horse’s neck and turned.

“Richard, I thought you were going to Longbourn!”

“I didn’t want to get stuck in a corner with Mrs Bennet.” Richard cantered up to his side and slowed his mount.

Darcy grinned, then broke into a chuckle. Richard’s face beamed. “What has happened to you, Cousin? You are almost cheerful these days!”

“I have quite lost my mind, Richard. That is what has happened.”

“And your heart, I daresay.” Richard shook his head. “Too bad you and Bingley snatched up the only sensible Bennet sisters.”

“There may be some hope for the middle one. Georgiana finds her quite amiable.”

“Not for me, Darcy. Your Elizabeth has spunk, Binley’s ‘angel’ has sweetness. All I am able to look for is a dowry.” He sounded almost sullen.

Darcy sobered. “There are plenty of women out there, Richard….”

“Ah, yes, the ton . Tell me again how many worthy heiresses you found.”

“What about Anne? She surprised me, Richard. There may be more to her than we have ever known.”

“Perhaps.” His head was down as he stared sulkily at the ground.

Darcy was quiet, studying his suddenly gloomy cousin. “There is someone, isn’t there? Someone out of your reach?”

Fitzwilliam’s eyes leapt back up, conviction and mortification flashing over his face.

“Who is it?”

Fitzwilliam turned his face straight forward. “No one you know,” was the curt reply.

Darcy rode on in silence. “Richard,” he ventured at length, “I have an estate not fifty miles from Pemberley that Father purchased as an investment. It brings in a modest but respectable income, about three thousand a year.”

“I never knew about that,” Richard replied disinterestedly.

“Nor did most. I do not like to advertise it. I would, however, like to part with it. My hands are full.”

Richard turned sceptical eyes to him, then looked away almost as quickly. “So, include it in Georgiana’s dowry.”

“Georgiana is well enough set up. Another is very dear to me as well. Would you sell your commission if I made it worth your while?”

Fitzwilliam looked again to his cousin. He stared thoughtfully without answering until Darcy began to grow uncomfortable for offering. “You know, Cousin,” he said finally, “I believe your Miss Bennet has swapped you out for a changeling. She has my eternal gratitude.”

Darcy smiled. “Mine as well.”

E lizabeth was greatly surprised with the two new arrivals in her drawing-room that morning. The awe of hosting the countess now, as well as the earl, was only overshadowed by Anne de Bourgh’s gracious well wishes for her happiness. She could have sworn the young woman had been described to her as sickly and pallid, having no strength or interest in much of life with the exception of one Derbyshire gentleman. The Anne she met, however, seemed very much like Georgiana in her shy hopefulness. Elizabeth wondered what sort of fracture had occurred between the young lady and her mother, because apparently, their desires did not align as well as had been represented.

Lady Matlock was a tall, large-boned woman with a stately, gracious bearing. She at once cornered Elizabeth and her mother, along with Mrs Gardiner. There was nothing terribly haughty in her manner, but she was clearly well used to being the most prominent woman in the room. Elizabeth found she could not begrudge the lady that, as her conversation and manners proved most agreeable. Mrs Bennet had found the woman sufficiently intimidating that she ventured few words to begin with.

“So, Miss Bennet, I understand my nephew intends a short engagement. Have you determined a date yet?” Lady Matlock’s silver hair somehow sparkled in the light of the window; a feat Elizabeth had never before seen accomplished by tresses of that shade.

“Not as yet, your ladyship. Mr Darcy intends to properly address my father before any formal arrangements are made. As he is improving rapidly, we have high hopes that might take place soon.”

“That is most suitable,” the lady nodded affirmatively. “You must come to London to shop for your trousseau. I shall be pleased to host a soirée for you and to introduce you about Town as my future niece.”

Elizabeth drew a grateful smile. “I thank you, your ladyship. My aunt and my mother have been helping to make a beginning here, as we felt it in better taste at present.”

Lady Matlock blinked in some surprise. “The future Mrs Darcy, obtaining her wedding clothes from Meryton? Well, now that is… original. I commend your practicality, Miss Bennet. You will, of course, need at least a few items, to begin with from the top tier seamstresses in London.” She sniffed, then her tones softened reasonably so that even Mrs Gardiner could not feel slighted, though she was quite firm. “You will occupy a rather notable position in London Society from now on, my dear, and you must make an impression in the beginning to smooth your way. However, I applaud your taste and resourcefulness at the present moment; it is far more than most young ladies would consider.”

Elizabeth dipped her head at the rather backhanded compliment. “I thank you, your ladyship.”

“Mrs Gardiner,” the lady turned toward Elizabeth’s aunt, “my husband tells me you have some connection to Lambton. It is not far from the Matlock estate, you know. Are you familiar with the Boyce family?” The two chatted amiably, finding a few mutual acquaintances. Elizabeth was surprised at the breadth of Lady Matlock’s knowledge of the local merchants. Evidently, she and her sister-in-law were not of a kind.

After a pleasant interlude, Lady Matlock tactfully turned her attention at last to Mrs Bennet. Elizabeth could not decide if she had been coached or if Darcy’s aunt had intuitively discerned that Mrs Bennet would perform better if given some time for her nerves to settle. Either way, Elizabeth was grateful. She queried Mrs Bennet about the best local millinery, the militia, and even found gentle questions soliciting Mrs Bennet’s advice on her economical housekeeping.

Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner exchanged wide-eyed glances. Mrs Bennet had clearly never felt quite so honoured. While still not fully grasping the differences between her own station and Lady Matlock’s, Mrs Bennet managed to conduct herself with minimal embarrassment for her daughter. She slowly monopolized the conversation with boisterous phrases and expressive hand gestures, though Elizabeth noted a twinkle in Lady Matlock’s eye. It was not without her leave that Mrs Bennet was suffered to prattle on.

The peeress was subjected to a treatise on Jane’s beauty, Mr Darcy’s magnificence, Mr Bingley’s amiability, Mary’s cleverness, and Lydia and Kitty’s lively cheer. A flick of Lady Matlock’s gaze indicated that she, too, had observed the youngest girls’ high spirits. Anne de Bourgh and Georgiana were at that present moment doing their best to keep up with the younger girls’ enthusiasm. Elizabeth hid a smile. She was going to enjoy her new relatives.

“My lady,” Mrs Bennet ventured with growing boldness, “May I say, we are pleased to see you in such health. Why, I feared such a journey to come to us here in Hertfordshire might be too much!”

Lady Matlock looked curiously at Elizabeth. She had quickly discovered the young lady to be uncommonly clever and caught a small wink. An audacious gesture, to be sure, but something of a kinship grew out of it. Her future niece would have something to explain later, she sensed.

“No, Mrs Bennet,” she returned to that lady. “My health is quite sound.” She did not elaborate further, but she was quick to discern a faint dampening of Mrs Bennet’s spirits. Before she could wonder at it, Mrs Bennet spoke up again. “I understand, my lady, that there is another estate in your family? Might I… inquire as to… where it might be?”

“Oh, that place!” Lady Matlock trilled a hearty laugh. “A tumbled-down castle in Ireland! Oh, my dear Papa left me that ruin, and I have not the least idea what to do with it! It is more a liability than an asset, I assure you, Mrs Bennet.” The lady smiled charmingly back at her inquisitor as more good cheer slid from Mrs Bennet’s hopeful face.

Elizabeth felt her cheeks tugging mercilessly and decided she ought to save her mother. “My lady, may I say I have been greatly honoured to become acquainted with Colonel Fitzwilliam. He is a kind and noble man. Your ladyship must be very proud.”

“Ah, Richard, yes. He is a good son.” Lady Matlock’s shrewd gaze lingered on Mrs Bennet another moment. Elizabeth’s hint had confirmed for her the other matron’s rather mercenary motives, but rather than offence, she could only find amusement. After all, when a woman had five daughters to marry off, it behoved her to take an active interest in the sport.

A s the visiting nobility began to make their farewells, Bingley, who had no intention of leaving his fair one so soon, suggested a walk for the younger crowd. All accepted, even Anne de Bourgh, to Elizabeth’s great surprise. The rain had ceased with the prior night’s darkness, and the parties involved feared a dreary afternoon indoors more than a little mud. The earl and Lady Matlock determined that they would remain at Netherfield for a few days, at least, so they could become better acquainted with their future niece, and to that house, they repaired.

The walking crowd quickly split into two factions. Kitty and Lydia parted company from the others rather quickly, as they had shopping in mind, and the slower pace of the lovers bored them. Elizabeth, Mary, Georgiana, and Anne de Bourgh contented themselves with strolling behind Bingley and Jane. As Mary had once again attached herself to Georgiana, Elizabeth found herself beside Anne.

They had exchanged only a few words at the house, but now Anne gushed forth with her pleasure at Elizabeth’s engagement to Darcy. “I am so looking forward to getting to know you! You would not know, perhaps you could not, that William has always been rather quiet and not one to assert his opinions where it came to personal matters. I never saw anyone so altered as he was today!”

Elizabeth laughed. “Do you mean he is often unsociable and taciturn?”

“Oh, no. He was always very amiable. I know he avoided me because of my mother; he did not want to give rise to any hopes, although his efforts did not seem to clarify anything for my mother.” There was a hint of sadness in her tone, but she brightened again instantly. “I was always a little afraid of him. He seemed so imposing and aloof. I watched him, though, and he always seemed sociable enough with Richard, and of course, perfectly solicitous with Georgiana, but I could not believe he was really so amicable. I saw a new side of him today, and I think that is thanks to you, Miss Bennet. I hope now I will be able to come to know all of them better—and of course, you too.”

Elizabeth smiled, a genuine heartfelt expression. “I should like that, Miss de Bourgh.”

By the time their party reached Meryton, Anne and Elizabeth were on first-name terms, and they had firmly and unequivocally decided to become as sisters. Anne’s quiet delight knew no bounds. For too many years, she had lived in her mother’s long shadow. That was at an end now.

“S O, you still have no idea where he is?” Fitzwilliam was flabbergasted. “How can he just disappear?”

Forster held up his hands. “I told you, Fitzwilliam, my resources are tapped. I have a brigade full of new recruits and only a handful of officers qualified to train them. I cannot spare all of my best men to hunt out one deserter. It sets a bad example, to be sure, but I was hoping you could help me a little more. You know the kind of haunts he frequents.”

Richard scowled, crossing his arms. “We take these things a little more seriously in the Regulars,” he sneered. Immediately he regretted it. “I’m sorry, Forster.”

The colonel waved a tired hand. “Darcy, you asked me to get in touch with Miss King’s uncle. I did send him an express, but the messenger returned, saying he was not to be found. My hope is that he is already aware of the young lady’s absence and had taken matters into his own hands before my man arrived, but I have no way of knowing. The butler apparently was less than forthcoming about his master’s travel arrangements.”

Darcy sighed. Spots danced before his eyes, and he rubbed them with his fingertips. A warm bed was nearly all he could think of at the moment… that, and a little company to go with it. “I understand, Colonel. Do keep us apprised, will you? In the meantime, we will try to turn up whatever we can. My uncle, the Earl of Matlock, has taken special offence to some of Wickham’s lies. He has set his own investigator from Bow Street Runners about London, and I have done the same. If Wickham turns up there, we should know about it.”

The colonel shook his head. “It’s a puzzle. Still, Darcy, Fitzwilliam, I thank you for your help. It is not often a regimental commander can expect aid from the gentry in such a matter.”

“Thank you, Colonel, for your information.” Darcy rose, and with a compelling look toward his cousin, made for the door. Fitzwilliam grimaced and followed him with less felicity, but equal enthusiasm. He had not suffered lack of sleep for the night and was bursting with energy to rid his corner of the world of this scourge, once and for all.

G eorge Wickham tugged aside the drape of his boarding house, peering down at the street. The rain had stopped, and true to form, the Bennet family had emerged. He sat on the bed, positioned conveniently next to the window, and tilted his head to peer around the corner of the casement. Lydia and Kitty Bennet. Hmmm. Entertaining, to be sure, but not very valuable. Not worth tipping his hand for.

A little more patience rewarded him with the sight he was hoping for. Elizabeth Bennet and her entourage strolled into town, genially greeting everyone they encountered. Only one man was present. Charles Bingley was no remarkable challenge. Wickham had some passing acquaintance with the fellow from their school days, but by the time Darcy had taken up fellowship with Bingley, he and Wickham had largely parted company. Still, he was familiar enough with the man to suppose that Bingley ought to be easily distracted. It should not be difficult, for all the fellow had eyes for was that eldest Bennet girl.

Wickham peered more closely, just long enough to ascertain that Georgiana was, indeed, present and without any further male escort. He swung his feet off the bed, slapping the round rump under the covers as he did so. The girl gave a squeak, and then a fair curly head popped up from beneath the blanket.

“I’m going out,” he announced. “Call up for tea, and make sure to tip well.” He dumped a pile of coins on the bedside table. Darcy’s money was ensuring that he could live in secrecy and in style, hidden right under the man’s nose.

O nce in town, the parties broke up even further. Bingley, with a sly smile, drew Jane into a local watch and jeweller’s establishment. Jane blushed, but it was not as though their visit would give rise to any further rumours about the couple than already ran rampant.

Kitty and Lydia had already descended upon the milliner’s shop, and they were joined later by Georgiana and Mary. Georgiana, lightly teasing Mary, promised herself that she would see the plainest of the Bennet girls decked out most becomingly by the end of her stay. She suspected that Mary’s unwillingness was largely a show, and with gentle prodding, she coaxed the other girl to accompany her.

Elizabeth shrugged with a grin and offered to lead Anne to the book seller’s, which was a favourite establishment of hers. Anne agreed with enthusiasm. The pair rapidly became lost among the shelves, admiring the new arrivals and affectionately touching old favourites. Anne’s face shone. She had scarcely been permitted the liberty of making her own selections. The Rosings library was as well-stocked as its dowager mistress deemed fitting, and it was always a struggle to obtain anything new. Darcy’s birthday and Christmas gifts had always been her primary sources of interesting material, and Lady Catherine had been far from objecting to any gifts from that quarter.

Elizabeth picked up one new leather-bound novel, turning it over with curious eyes. The title piqued her interest, but the place for the author’s name simply read “By A Lady.” She fingered the pages, skimming a couple of the paragraphs and chuckling at the author’s dry wit. It reminded her very much of her father. She enjoyed novels on occasion but wondered briefly if her serious-minded betrothed would object to her continued pursuit of that guilty pleasure.

Anne came up behind her. “Oh, I have that one! Darcy gave it to me for Christmas last year. Mother said it was shameful. I think you would like it, Elizabeth,” she grinned bashfully.

Well, so much for worry over Darcy’s disapproval! Anne took the book from Elizabeth’s hands with a shy smile while the latter cocked a curious brow.

Drawing out her reticule, Anne walked that book, as well as a second by the same “Lady,” up to the counter. “An engagement gift,” she informed her future cousin. Laughing lightly, Elizabeth thanked her.

Arm in arm, the pair eventually moved on out of the booksellers. A glance in the windows of both the milliner and the dressmaker confirmed that the remainder of their party might well have already made their way home. Anne’s surprise was mild until Elizabeth informed her that Kitty and Lydia never, ever parted from either shop in under half an hour.

“Were we really so long?” Anne laughed. “I do believe I was enjoying myself too much!”

They sauntered casually through the small town, passing each little row of shops, then set out for Longbourn once more. Their quiet afternoon together had served to allow them a chance to become better acquainted than weeks in a formal drawing room might have. Elizabeth gestured to the building they approached, arching a watchful brow at the other young woman. “That is the residence of my aunt and uncle Philips. His legal offices are on the lower level.”

Anne visibly gulped, blinked twice, and paled slightly. Darcy approved of Miss Bennet, and she would do the same, but a lifetime under her mother’s rule had left its mark. It would take some while to overcome her ingrained disdain of Elizabeth’s low connections, but she determined to give it her every effort. “That… that must be very agreeable to have family so near,” she managed diplomatically.

Elizabeth flashed the beguiling smile which had no doubt so enthralled Darcy. “Indeed.”

Elizabeth turned her face away for a moment to glance far down the street where Kitty and Lydia were just emerging from a second, smaller dress shop down the way. They had already attracted the notice of two officers. She shook her head in some embarrassment and began to turn back to Anne when the other’s arm was jerked roughly away from her.