Page 52 of Suddenly Married

It had been more than four days since Mr. Darcy visited Mr. Gardiner’s house and discovered that the Bennet family owed him practically nothing.

He tried to remain composed during the day, yet it was impossible, for much of the night, he drowned himself in drink.

At last, however, he realised that he would never find his wife if he could not master himself.

The previous night, he had refrained from drinking, and that morning, he rose early to consider what he might do.

He remembered Mrs. Gardiner’s words; she had counselled patience.

Perhaps his Elizabeth required time, and if he were patient, she might return sooner than he expected.

The difficulty was that he missed her so desperately that he could not banish the emptiness he felt in his life without her.

That day, he resolved to go to Cheapside to call upon Mrs. Gardiner.

She had been very kind to him, and he thought perhaps, if he pleaded, she might take pity and reveal Elizabeth’s whereabouts.

Yet he feared it might do more harm than good.

Therefore, he determined instead to go to his club.

He wished to turn his thoughts away from matters he could not control.

Moreover, he knew Richard would stop by, and he desired to see him again and make amends, for they had not spoken since their visit to the Gardiners.

When he arrived at the club, he saw Colonel Fitzwilliam accompanied by his brother, the Viscount.

Mr. Darcy joined them, and they conversed about family and business.

Richard informed Mr. Darcy that he had everything prepared for his journey to Rosings.

Very soon, he and Anne would assume control of the estate, although he had no intention of abandoning his military career and was aware that his duties would soon recall him.

For that reason, he wished to settle matters quickly.

The three cousins were enjoying a pleasant conversation when Lord Norton, accompanied by his new business partner, greeted them warmly.

“It is delightful to see you together, my dear young men! Allow me to introduce my new partner, Mr. Clark.”

Lawrence remained as composed as possible and greeted the gentlemen politely. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, gentlemen.”

“Mr. Clark and I already know one another, Norton. By the by, Mr. Clark, I am very pleased with the outcome of our business transactions,” Mr. Darcy added, noticing Lawrence’s increasing discomfort.

He had liked Lawrence from their first meeting; he seemed earnest, intelligent, and well-versed in his trade.

“If you will excuse me, I must depart. I have much to attend to at my office.” Lawrence took his leave quickly, and Lord Norton lingered only a few moments more with the cousins before departing.

Mr. Darcy was puzzled. Mr. Clark had appeared uneasy, as though reluctant to speak with him.

They had met only once before, several months ago, to sign contracts, and he had thought there was a cordial understanding between them.

Perhaps he was merely in haste, yet he could not dismiss his impression.

When the three cousins were again alone, the Viscount could not restrain himself from sharing a piece of gossip.

“I was eager to meet that fortunate fellow, Clark. I confess I expected him to be more like you, Darcy, with that handsome countenance that makes the ladies sigh.”

“Edward, you know I dislike such remarks,” Mr. Darcy replied sternly.

“Darcy, you have never exploited your princely appearance. My father told me that your wife is a very handsome woman. You might have had any lady! It would have been dreadful had you chosen an ugly one,” the Viscount continued, provoking his brother’s laughter.

“Mrs. Darcy is both pretty and charming,” Richard interposed quickly, to prevent his cousin from provoking Mr. Darcy’s anger.

“I should prefer that you refrain from speaking of my wife in such a manner,” Mr. Darcy said firmly.

Richard could not help but laugh, then addressed his brother impatiently. “You have always been a gossip, Edward. So speak, and tell us what you know of Clark. I am losing patience.”

“Very well! Do you know the exquisite Lady Isabella? All the Ton knows that Clark had a brief affair with her. After a few days, he abandoned her, and she begged him to return.”

“I cannot imagine how he could tolerate an immoral and dissolute woman such as that. I had formed a different opinion of him,” Mr. Darcy said with vehemence.

“Darcy, really. You must not be such a prude. A woman with such a face and such a tempting form would drive any man wild. Unfortunately, I have neither your money nor your looks, so she would never give me a chance.”

Richard, highly amused, joined his brother in teasing Mr. Darcy for his strict morals for several minutes.

“No more jesting; let me finish. Clark is married to a lovely, fair-haired woman, yet he abandoned Lady Isabella for a young brunette with a voluptuous figure. Yesterday, someone saw him present her with an expensive diamond ring, and afterwards, the bold Clark paraded her openly through the streets. It seems she is also a married woman, though not living in London. Likely, she tells her husband she is visiting her family, while Clark provides her with what her foolish husband cannot.”

At that, the three cousins burst into laughter.

“That is precisely why I do not trust any woman,” said the Viscount. “Well, I trust my wife, but she is not nearly so beautiful as Lady Isabella. If your wife is so very pretty, Darcy, you must be careful.”

“My wife is an exceptional woman. Never insinuate such a thing about her, and never compare her to Lady Isabella,” Mr. Darcy said coldly.

The Viscount continued gossiping about the lives of the First Circle until the Colonel interrupted him.

“Gentlemen, I must go. But before I leave—Darcy, I have been invited to a dinner tomorrow at General Adams’s house, in honour of Admiral Walker. Why do you not join me? I know your passion for naval history. Surely you will delight in meeting a hero like Walker.”

Mr. Darcy accepted readily; any distraction was welcome. “It would be a pleasure to meet him. Thank you for the invitation.”

◆◆◆

Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy arrived punctually at General Adams’s house. Their host welcomed them cordially and introduced them to Admiral Walker and one of his sons, Captain Frederick Walker.

Immediately, Mr. Darcy addressed the Admiral with eagerness, asking him several questions and showing the deepest interest in all he had to say.

“It is truly an honour to meet you, Admiral. Men such as you have made our Kingdom great,” said Mr. Darcy.

“Thank you, young man. Yet the greatness of our nation lies in all those who labour for England’s progress.

” As the second son of a noble family, the Admiral had begun with nothing, and therefore valued far more those who achieved success through effort than those who inherited it.

“My greatest achievement is my two sons, both captains, who I know will be as successful, if not more so, than myself.”

“Family is always of the greatest importance, sir.”

“Indeed, young man. My sons and their wives are my family, and I would willingly give my life for them.”

As expected, Mr. Darcy’s interest in the gathering waned once the Admiral was engaged elsewhere and he could no longer converse with him.

He withdrew to a corner, where he watched his cousin converse with ease, surrounded by listeners who laughed at his witticisms or attended with interest. Mr. Darcy could not help but remember Elizabeth; when she spoke, everyone listened, smiling at her spirited replies.

He recalled many evenings in Hertfordshire and at Rosings when he had sat in silence, admiring all that she said.

“I am sorry, Roland, we are late, and it is my fault,” Mary told her husband.

“Do not apologise, Mrs. Walker. You look so beautiful this evening that I cannot regret a single moment. If the delay was spent with your sisters arranging your hair and gown, then I am grateful for it.” Roland was so captivated by Mary’s appearance that evening that nothing else occupied his mind.

“Thank you for your kindness,” Mary replied softly.

Her husband looked so handsome in his dress uniform that she felt an overwhelming emotion each time he gazed at her tenderly.

“You owe me no thanks, my dear. Yet if we could find a discreet corner, you might reward me with a kiss.”

“Captain, please! Someone might hear you,” Mary answered, blushing.

Roland winked, kissed her hand, and smiled.

They approached to greet the Admiral, who proudly presented his new daughter to his friends and acquaintances.

Mary remained at his side for some minutes.

Her own father had never shown her such esteem, and it touched her deeply that so distinguished a man as her father-in-law should value her so highly.

Meanwhile, Lady Isabella was bored. Her foolish husband conversed endlessly about history and wars, subjects she considered insufferably dull.

Since her unfortunate entanglement with Lawrence, something had shifted; people seemed to regard her differently.

Men had once admired and desired her without hesitation, yet now she sensed even the most ridiculous of them thought they had a chance.

None in the gathering interested her. Mr. Darcy was handsome, yet he had always treated her with contempt.

She was, therefore, delighted when she noticed Captain Walker—an attractive young officer with what she deemed a very insignificant wife.

Dinner was served at several tables arranged through the spacious dining room and the adjoining terrace.

Mr. Darcy and Richard dined within, while Mary, the Walkers, and the hosts sat upon the terrace.

After dinner, the company did not divide by sex, but reassembled in the large drawing-room.

Mary offered to play the pianoforte, for which Mrs. Adams was most grateful.

The instrument was placed in a corner of the room. Mary seated herself to play, while her husband stood beside her, turning the pages.

“We are as we were the day we met, my dear—save that tonight we shall return together, and you will sleep in my arms. I shall not be obliged to dream of you only,” Roland whispered, winking.

“I shall pretend I did not hear that, Captain Walker,” Mary murmured, blushing. “My dear, would you fetch me some punch?”

“With pleasure, my favourite pianist.”

Roland went to the table to fill a glass. As he did so, a provocative female voice addressed him.

“I have always liked officers, especially those who look irresistible in uniform, as you do.” Lady Isabella smiled at him with calculated charm.

Roland regarded her thoughtfully and replied with firmness. “Madam, if you desire a man to warm your bed, I advise you to look elsewhere. I am married, I love my wife, and I am not interested in any other woman. Good evening.”

“Such impertinence…” Lady Isabella was struck dumb by so blunt a rebuke.

Mr. Darcy overheard the exchange and could not suppress a smile.

The young captain had put her in her place most admirably.

At that moment, a familiar melody reached his ear—the very one Elizabeth had often played.

The performer was executing it with great skill, and Mr. Darcy moved closer to listen.

When he first looked, he thought himself mistaken; it could not be possible for one woman to resemble another so closely.

But the lady at the pianoforte was Miss Mary, elegantly dressed and coiffed.

When she glanced at him, startled and uneasy, he knew it was indeed she.

A surge of happiness rose within him, for perhaps now he might learn something of Elizabeth.

“Miss Mary, it is a pleasure to see you again,” said Mr. Darcy.

Mary grew so agitated that she stopped playing abruptly. At that instant, Roland returned, and hearing the stranger address his wife as Miss Mary , he intervened.

“Good evening,” Roland said, then added firmly, “Who are you?”

Mr. Darcy, somewhat perplexed, nevertheless answered with courtesy. “I am Fitzwilliam Darcy.”

Mary looked at her husband, knowing precisely what he was about to say to Elizabeth’s husband.