Seven Days With Mr Darcy

by Rose Fairbanks

  “I am still waiting, Will. You say you love her. What you know of love?”

  “I know I have not supported you as you would like, given your situation and feelings for Lucy. However, now I understand. The heart wants what it wants, and no amount of logic can gainsay it.”

  “Are you saying it is illogical to be in love with my sister?”

  “I am saying nothing of the sort. I am not unaware of the arguments you or anyone else have against the match. I told them to myself and, if you will recall, before we even met I was not predisposed to like her.”

  “Oh yes, the Darcy pride. How could I forget that?” Sam said derisively.

  “What does my pride have to do with this?”

  “It has every with this! Did you think I did not approve of your admiration for my sister because I found your character wanting?”

  “There is a code amongst gentlemen that we will not touch a friend’s sister.”

  “I would be more worried about that if you had ever touched anybody,” Sam laughed.

  “So, you worry about Charles attentions toward Jane?” Will could not understand Sam’s position on the subject.

  “The Darcys and Bingleys are two entirely different worlds. I do not worry for Charles because it is Charles. He might like Jane now, but next week he will move on. We are spending many months away, and Jane has a new suitor every week. She is too accustomed to men to let her heart grow attached so quickly.” Sam sighed and slumped in a chair, waving for Will to do likewise.

  “And you believe that Elizabeth and I would feel too deeply?”

  “I know that you would not leap into anything without thoroughly thinking it through.”

  Will disagreed but kept it to himself. He did not have the self-control his friends seemed to think he did. “I imagine it is much like when you first met Lucy.”

  “I thought only of my arousal when I met Lucy.” Sam glared at Will. “Would you like to try again and explain how this is not the same and how you can love Elizabeth so much within a matter of days?”

  Will sighed and rested his elbows on his knees. “I have recounted it to myself enough in the past day or so as I wondered how I got here so unaware. I can only think that I was in the middle before I knew I even began. Elizabeth is beautiful and I am attracted to her. However, there are one hundred other things that appeal to me and have greater weight. Every day I discover something new. I am infinitely fascinated by her.” Will shrugged. “For once, I do not feel like the heir of Pemberley. Elizabeth wants nothing from me. I am free to be myself with her and she makes me want to be better in ways I never thought of before.”

  “That is all well and good, but you do not know what you are asking of her,” Sam placed a hand on Will shoulder. “She is only sixteen and is unprepared for your world. Your father will not approve. Both of your aunts have their sights set on others for you. The very people Lizzy would need for support in your world would never approve of her.

  “What are you saying?” Will asked, madness threatening to rise within him.

  “Forget about my sister. You have two very different destinies.”

  Will staring at his friend in slack-jawed disbelief. He would fight for Elizabeth. He would not give her up. However, as he observed his friend, Sam’s shoulders slumped in dejection. Perhaps his words were far more about his own situation than about Will’s. “I cannot agree with your opinion on these matters. However, I did want to speak to you on other subjects. Lord Harcourt seems to have Elizabeth in his sights.”

  “Surely not,” Sam laughed. “I assure you, he prefers worldlier ladies.”

  “At the very least, his mode of conversation with her is impertinent and makes her uncomfortable. I implore you, speak to him.”

  “If you wish, but I see nothing more than the jealous concern of a suitor. Do not forget I know about your possessive side. Do you still hate Wickham for gaining your father’s attention and approval so easily?”

  Will let out a frustrated sigh. “Why is it you trust Harcourt at all? Confess it; you have more than a passing acquaintance with the man that all of London knows is a devious rake and a gambler.”

  Sam opened and closed his mouth several times before any sound came out. He held his hands out and let out a dejected side. “I will tell you the truth. I needed money for Lucy’s sake. I went around to banks and other creditors, but Harcourt was the only one that would have mercy on me.”

  “Dear God! Could you not have asked me?”

  “I did not think you would approve. I was ashamed. Everything I have said about London Society eating up Elizabeth has happened to me…” Sam hung his head.

  Will could not find it in his heart to criticise his friend. “How much do you owe? You should not be in debt to such a man.”

  Sam shook his head. “I cannot ask for you to pay. I would rather take my chances being in debt to him than take advantage of our friendship.”

  Will stared at his friend for a long time. “Is it very much?”

  “It would not matter if it was a mere twenty pounds. I would not ask it of you.”

  “You spoke of the Darcy pride, but I perceive your pride at work here as well.”

  “I made a mess of things, but it is my burden to clean it up.” Sam stood and walked to the door. “Now, it is time for us to join the others for dinner.”

  “I will be speaking to your father about Elizabeth soon.”

  “You had better talk to your father first.” Sam shook his head. “Do not be in a hurry to seal your fate, Will. You may think you love her now, but only time will tell. Learn from my mistakes.”

  As they were no longer in the privacy of Sam’s chambers, Will said no more on the subject and followed his friend downstairs. Sam said he would not accept money from him, but Will still intended to make a substantial withdrawal on the morrow. Some would go to Sam if he would take it, and the rest to Wickham so he would find a life away from the Darcy family.

  Throughout the meal, he could not keep his eyes from falling upon Elizabeth. She looked lovely, but more than that, she looked as though she belonged at a Darcy table. She sat near his father. Now and then, she said something to make the older gentleman laugh. George Darcy had a different temperament than his children, and the death of his wife sobered him, but he still enjoyed amusement. It was why George Wickham became his favourite. Elizabeth’s humour, however, was a different sort than Wickham’s. She involved all others around her in conversation as well. Will gleaned that she remembered interests that she shared with the other guests and chose those topics to converse on. She had all the qualities an excellent hostess should have.

  On previous nights, Will’s father had not encouraged the ladies to separate from the gentlemen. This evening, he maintained tradition. As it happened, Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam dined with them. Will’s aunt served as hostess and led the ladies to the drawing room. The first few minutes of the customary separation from the ladies passed in the ordinary way. Port and brandy were poured while cigars were smoked. Before too long, Mr. Darcy approached Will and asked for them to speak privately. Will agreed, although uncertain of what would follow.

  The older gentleman shut the door to his study and motioned to a chair. Will sat and his father took the seat next to him rather than behind the imposing desk.

  “Well, I had not thought that I had landed upon the truth so much when I mentioned that you would not enter a relationship with Sam’s sister. It appears I was mistaken.”

  Will’s mind raced. Had they been seen? “There’s nothing to say on the matter because I have not asked anything of the lady. I am aware of Sam’s disapproval and am attempting to overcome his arguments.”

  “But you cannot doubt her answer. A girl like Elizabeth Bennet would jump at a chance to marry you. Beware, my son, for you are now of age and finished with University. Many ladies will try to capture you in their claws.”

  Will shook his head. “I will not abide any criticism of her character. Miss Elizabeth is nothing
of that sort. She could not care less about fortune or rank. She is not like the other young ladies I have encountered who simper and fawn. I sometimes think she has more strength of character than many a man I know, for she will not play Society’s games. She will not bend her moral compass to suit the whims of others.” As Will spoke, he clenched his fists. This man would malign his friend’s daughter without knowing her. Meanwhile, he condoned Wickham and refused to criticize him. Even Sam had bent his honour to suit his needs.

  “Pardon me,” Mr. Darcy said with genuine remorse. “I did not mean to offend. You are correct. I do not know her well enough to make these assertions. Might I remind you that you also do not know her well?”

  “I have done much more than merely dine with her in the last few days. She has awakened parts of my soul that I never knew existed. There can be no doubt about her loyalty. With her beauty and charm, she would have no shortage of wealthy suitors in any circle in which she walked. At the theatre, many gentlemen peered at her with an approving eye. Lord Harcourt did not make his admiration secret at all.”

  Mr. Darcy sighed. “Harcourt has always loved the ladies. His admiration of Miss Elizabeth does not mean an offer would be imminent.”

  “That is true,” Will conceded. “But Miss Elizabeth is hardly aware of his true nature or his reputation. Many would hear his rank and see the quality of his fashionable attire and assume he would be a worthy suitor to try to entrap. I have seen dozens of ladies operate similarly, including the Miss Bingleys.”

  “Yes. Joseph’s daughters are quite cunning.”

  “Indeed.” Will sighed. “I respect you, Father. However, I will choose my own bride and in my own time. There are qualities I must consider for the sake of Pemberley’s future that go beyond its purse strings. We are on the cusp of a new world and a new way of running things. Merely finding a noble daughter with a hefty dowry is not the only way to keep funds afloat.”

  Mr. Darcy raised his brows. “Do you mean to suggest I married your mother simply because she was a good match?”

  “Whatever feelings came after the ceremony, I believe you have confessed enough for me to say with some assurance that it was an alliance and not a love match.”

  “Precisely!” Mr. Darcy nodded emphatically. “Those feelings did come after the ceremony, so why do you think they would not come for you?”

  “I have never argued with you about this in the past. I appreciate that you have supported me against Lady Catherine and her desire for me to marry Anne. I know now I can never marry a woman without loving her, because my heart is already engaged.”

  “Be reasonable, Fitzwilliam. You have known her for less than a week.”

  Will rose to his feet. “And yet men that I have known for many years, perhaps even all my life, give me reason to question their loyalty and their character. Why do you persist in ignoring George Wickham’s faults? Why are you on such friendly terms with Harcourt?

  Will’s father turned red. “I do not need to defend myself to you. I cannot tell you who to marry. You have some income from your mother, but even if it were in my power to completely cut you off, I would not. You have given me no reason to distrust you, but it hurts me to hear that you have no faith in my judgment. Perhaps when you are older, you shall see things differently.” Mr. Darcy hung his head.

  Will took a step toward his father. “Forgive me, Father. I look forward to the additional responsibilities I will receive in the autumn. Your trust means the world to me, but I will not compromise my beliefs for you.”

  Mr. Darcy stood and placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. “No, I would not wish for you to do so. I cannot say that I approve of your choice and I caution you to not be in any rush. However, I have confidence in you. I will support any decision you make in this matter.” Mr. Darcy’s eyes flitted to the clock in the study. “Now, it is time to rejoin the ladies.”

  The two men returned to the dining room before Mr. Darcy announced his intention to go to the drawing room. The others followed him. Will looked around the chamber and noted both Miss Bennets absent.

  “Sam, where are your sisters?” Will asked.

  “I have been informed by your aunt that Lizzy claimed a headache and Jane went upstairs with her.”

  Sam’s attention was drawn away, but Will believed the situation unusual. He scanned the room once more and noted Miss Caroline Bingley’s pleased expression as she sat next to Lady Fitzwilliam. Will came closer to hear their conversation.

  “You are so charming, Miss Caroline. I regret I was not able to speak with you more at the theatre.”

  “Perhaps we may be thankful after all that Miss Elizabeth became indisposed.”

  “Yes,” Lady Fitzwilliam nodded. “She surely gave her opinions most decidedly, although she was charming enough during the meal.”

  “Some women can only be agreeable when there are men around to impress.”

  Louisa Bingley nodded. “Oh, yes. Quite true.”

  Will had heard enough. One of them, or perhaps all of them, must have made Elizabeth feel uncomfortable or regret being in their company. He would need to speak with her before retiring for the evening. While listening to Lady Fitzwilliam continue her conversation with Louisa and Caroline, Will reluctantly agreed that Sam’s arguments had some merit. None in his family would be happy for Will to marry Elizabeth.

  *****

  Elizabeth and Jane sat on Elizabeth’s bed. Elizabeth looked around the room. Had Miss Graves been correct? Could she ever grow accustomed to a life like this? Lady Fitzwilliam had not been rude to Elizabeth, but she tolerated Caroline’s rudeness, which was enough to make Elizabeth desire to avoid their company. Pleading a headache came naturally to her. For as long she could remember, her stepmother had been complaining of headaches. If she ever truly needed to, Elizabeth thought she could even pretend to swoon or have an attack of nerves.

  “Are you certain you feel well, Lizzy?” Jane asked Elizabeth in concern.

  “I am quite well. I merely detest Caroline Bingley.”

  Jane’s blue eyes rounded. “She is Mr. Charles’s sister. She has seemed most friendly to me.”

  “She is friendly to you, my dear, because you will tolerate her. She also knows no soul in creation could speak a negative word about you. To be the friend of Jane Bennet would mean something in the world.” Elizabeth shook her head. “She gains nothing by a false friendship with me.”

  “Do you really think she is only using me?”

  “If she does not enjoy your friendship, she is far more foolish than I would suppose. However, I do believe she is cunning enough to see there is no benefit to becoming my friend.” Elizabeth’s lips turned up and formed a wry smile as she reconsidered. “Now that I think about it, she should be grateful for my company. I surely show the world how truly ladylike and accomplished she is by comparison to my own wild behaviour.”

  Jane giggled. “You are not wild. You…well, you…”

  “Go on. I am waiting to hear a compliment in there,” Elizabeth laughed.

  “You are rusticated!” Jane cried in triumph. “Rustic beauty is all the rage. Now, that is precisely what you are. If others cannot appreciate you as you are, then it would be no different than calling a wildflower a weed merely because it looked out of sorts in a perfectly manicured garden.” Jane nodded as though she completely settled the idea.

  “That will not work on me,” Elizabeth laughed and shook her head. “For people do call wildflowers weeds.”

  “I never was the great debater.”

  “It is just as well. Mama says I am far too argumentative, and I will never catch the eye of any man.”

  “Oh, I think you have.”

  “What do you mean?” Elizabeth fiddled with a tassel on her blanket.

  “Mr. Fitzwilliam could not keep his eyes off you this evening. In fact, he seems to frequently desire to be in your company, or you two go missing together entirely.”

  “That was merely one time, and we wandered too far i
n the park. We were hardly alone.”

  Jane nodded and bit back a smile. “And during the Sardines game?”

  “I…I…I…” Elizabeth gulped. “I found a wonderful hiding place but fell asleep and awoke too late to return to the game.”

  “And you did not see him at all?”

  “What are you asking me, Jane?”

  “I ask no questions. I merely make observations. I believe that Mr. Fitzwilliam is sweet on you.”

  “That would seem quite the stretch, for I have no fortune or rank, and hardly any beauty. The heir of Pemberley could certainly attract the notice of any lady.”

  Jane raised a brow. “Does that mean he is attracted yours?”

  “That is not what I meant to say.”

  “And yet it is exactly what you did say.” Jane chuckled and playfully nudged into Elizabeth’s shoulder.

  “How should a lady act if a gentleman is sweet on her?” Elizabeth fiddled with the tassel on her blanket once more before looking up and searching Jane’s face for clues.

  “I think most importantly you should not act any differently than you normally would.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, I would not want to appear to be trapping him.” She sighed and covered her face with her hands. “Jane, I am in so far in over my head!”

  “You need not be so mortified,” Jane said as she smoothed her fingers through Elizabeth’s hair. “Falling in love will happen to all of us.”

  Elizabeth blushed, and her head immediately popped up to meet Jane’s gaze. “How did you know? That is to say…I…oh!”

  “It must come as a shock to you, because I think you would much rather have fallen in love with a poor farmer and not until you are fifty than to find yourself helplessly desiring the good opinion of such a young and powerful man.”

  “Indeed. I cannot fit into his world. This is madness.”

  “I would not say that. You are both full young, and there is no need to rush into anything. In time, his family and friends will see how happy you make him and will support his choice. You will both learn and grow to fit into your new positions in the world. I do not doubt that my dear Lizzy could be anything she desired, including the next Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley.”