Darcy then turned toward Georgiana. “Let us hear your opinion, Georgie, on the play we saw in London recently. For I know you love the comedies best.”
Georgiana raised her brow with a stunned look, but he gave her a reassuring smile of encouragement, and she shyly described The Twelfth Night and how she had now seen it thrice and enjoyed it more with each subsequent viewing.
~*~
The next afternoon the entire party gathered for Ellie’s “official” birthday. Elizabeth had a special gift for her daughter but did not wish to give it to her in front of the others. It was to be a keepsake, something for when she was older. She sought out Mr. Darcy so that she might present the gift to him.
She found him alone just outside the parlour and took the opportunity. “Mr. Darcy, I would like you to keep this gift for Ellie. She is too young to wear it now, but I wanted it to be her very first birthday present.”
He took the small box from her hand as he tried to engage her eyes. Today, again, he had not been in her company all day, and he now was truly wondering if she was avoiding him. He opened the small box and inside, on a golden chain, was a delicate ruby cross, slightly smaller than the one Elizabeth always wore around her neck.
“It is beautiful, Miss Bennet,” he said softly. “I am sure she will treasure it.”
Elizabeth finally allowed her eyes to meet his. She could not help but offer him a small smile. She started towards the parlour, but his words stopped her.
“Have you been avoiding me, Miss Bennet? I was hoping you would indulge me once again with your discourse. I have missed our conversations.”
At that moment Miss Westcott appeared in the doorway. “Oh, I beg your pardon, will you be long, Mr. Darcy?”
He turned his gaze from Elizabeth to Miss Westcott and pleasantly addressed her. “No, I shall join you in a few minutes.” He waited to continue his conversation with Elizabeth until the young woman had turned and gone back to the parlour.
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and inquired, “Do you not enjoy your conversations with Miss Westcott?”
“Miss Westcott does not converse, she blushes. I know my aunt and uncle wish me to form an alliance with her, but I cannot look upon her as anything more than a child. She is barely two years older than Georgiana.”
They stood and stared at each other for a long moment. Finally Elizabeth relented as she smiled at him. “I guess it would be uncivil of me to remain in your home and not afford you the courtesy of conversation, Mr. Darcy.”
~*~
Long after the rest of the inhabitants of Pemberley had gone to bed, Darcy and Lord Westcott remained in Darcy’s study, enjoying a glass of brandy. “Arielle and I have enjoyed your hospitality, Darcy. I will be sorry to be leaving in the morning.”
“It was my pleasure, Lord Westcott. Both Georgiana and I are always eager to hear stories about our parents.”
“Your father would have been well proud of the man you’ve become, Darcy.”
“I am not so sure he would approve of everything I have done. Or, for that matter, what I hope to do very soon.”
Lord Westcott looked at him curiously. “Why would you say that?”
Darcy let out a long breath. He might as well confide in him. Since the gentleman had known his father so well, he might have some insight as to what his father would have thought of such a match.
“If the young woman will have me, I am about to enter into an alliance that I am sure my father would not have approved of. I believe my father would have considered the young lady unsuitable.”
“Are you speaking of Miss Bennet?”
Darcy was startled that Lord Westcott had made such an observation.
“Have I been that obvious?” he asked.
Lord Westcott could not help but laugh. “I would say you have the same look about you when in her company that your father had when he first met Lady Anne.”
Darcy smiled to himself at the thought.
“How could your father disapprove of such a match? He, of all people, would have understood.”
Upon seeing Darcy’s bewildered expression he declared, “Don’t tell me you’ve never heard this story before?”
“I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage, my lord.”
“In that case, perhaps it is not my story to tell, Darcy. I had just assumed somewhere along the way . . .”
“I would be grateful to have knowledge of this story, if you would not mind indulging me, sir.”
Lord Westcott studied the younger man’s face. “Is it of some importance to you?”
“Yes.”
Lord Westcott let out a deep breath. “Well, you know how I love to tell a good story. I can see no harm in my conveying to you the circumstance of your parents’ marriage. It was common knowledge at the time. I can recall it as if it were yesterday.”
Lord Westcott reached for the bottle of brandy and refilled both their glasses. He sat back in the comfortable chair and looked at Darcy as if he were about to reveal the meaning of life.
“Your father was a handsome devil, to be sure. He was wealthy and a prominent figure in London society. His lack of title was hardly a deterrent for any young lady of the ton. Your mother’s family was indeed titled, her father being an Earl.
“However, after the Earl’s wife died, his gaming habits and carousing soon became scripture for London gossip columns. Everyone knew he was living in a house of cards that was soon to collapse.
“George Darcy’s family had high hopes for their son. They had arranged for a courtship between him and Lady Susan, the daughter of a wealthy Duke. Although she was a pleasant girl, the match was not well suited. But your father was willing to do what his family required of him and was prepared to marry her; that is until he met Lady Anne.
“Although I am not one to believe in love at first sight, I would have to say this was the exception. I was with your father when he first laid eyes on your mother. She was leaving a jeweller’s shop in town as we were entering. He was smitten from the first. When he inquired to the shopkeeper as to her identity, he learned that she had been there to sell some of her late mother’s jewellery. It seemed the Earl’s excessive lifestyle had finally caught up with him, and the family was in dire need of funds. That would have been reason enough for any eligible gentleman to abandon interest in the young lady, but your father pursued her anyway.
“Of course, his family objected to such a match. They forbade him to see her and insisted he continue his courtship of Lady Susan. They even went so far as to have the banns read at the parish church in Lambton. But your father would have none of it. Even when they threatened to disinherit him, he would not back down.”
Darcy kept his countenance blank. He felt as if he were listening to the events of lives wholly unconnected to himself.
Lord Westcott took a sip of his drink and continued. “George and Lady Anne married in a private ceremony with only Lady Westcott and myself as witnesses. It was quite a scandal at the time. But your father never regretted his decision to marry Lady Anne. He loved her dearly until the day he died.”
“Did the marriage cause a breach in the family?” asked Darcy.
Eventually your grandparents and the rest of the family came around and reconciled themselves to the marriage. But your Aunt Catherine till this very day will never admit that her sister’s marriage to your father had saved their family. Indeed, Sir Lewis would have never married Catherine had not your father restored the family’s fortune and good name.”
At the mention of Sir Lewis, Darcy’s interest was piqued.
“Had your association with my parents brought you often in Sir Lewis’s and Lady Catherine’s company as well?”
“Certainly, on many occasions, although Sir Lewis was absent much of the time. We used to dine at their home regularly.”
“Do you recall a servant in their home, a Margaret Harrigan?”
“I don’t think . . . no, I believe the cook was a Kate Harrigan. Margaret could have been one o
f her daughters. I believe she had three, all young and lively girls as I recall. I remember Mrs. Harrigan was one damn fine cook. Just thinking about her stew is making my mouth water. What made you ask?”
“I recently came across the name, and it drew my curiosity. I suppose it’s a common enough name,” said Darcy.
When they had finished their drinks, the two gentlemen said goodnight, but Darcy lingered in his study.
He thought upon Lord Westcott’s story. It was not his mother who had defied her family for love, it was his father. His father, who no doubt had been raised to follow all the rules his society imposed upon him, when faced with the moment of truth, had chosen love over propriety. His father had been willing to do anything to marry the woman he loved.
Would he be willing to do anything to marry Elizabeth? He knew the answer. Yes, he was even willing to risk another marriage of convenience.
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
The next day saw the departure of many of Pemberley’s guests, with the exception of Mr. & Mrs. Bingley, Elizabeth, Richard and Caroline. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst were travelling to visit friends further north but would return in a se’ennight to bring Caroline back to London with them.
Dinners were much cosier and had the feeling of less formality now that the other guests had departed Pemberley. Darcy felt more relaxed not having to escape his aunt and uncle’s matchmaking attempts.
To be honest, he wished all of his guests would depart so that he might be alone with Elizabeth. He needed to tell her of his feelings, no matter what the outcome. This not knowing was torture. He had to ascertain if she returned his affections.
He turned towards Elizabeth as she conversed with her sister, noting that her eyes often found his. He instinctively gave her a warm smile and was more than encouraged when she held his gaze for several moments, an attractive blush colouring her cheeks before returning her attention back to her sister.
It was time he confronted his greatest fear. He prayed he had gained her good opinion. He prayed she returned his love.
Now that the very young and pretty Miss Westcott was no longer in attendance, Caroline again found her voice of superiority and, as usual, directed her caustic comments towards Elizabeth.
“So Miss Eliza,” she asked, “what are you planning next? Lady’s companion? Book shop clerk or was it librarian? You seem to have a variety of employable talents.”
“I have not made any immediate plans, Miss Bingley,” replied Elizabeth. She would not reveal her upcoming employment.
Georgiana gave her brother a look of distress as she heard Miss Bingley’s derogatory comments towards her friend. Although he knew Elizabeth would not be intimidated by Miss Bingley, he was desirous to change the topic of conversation.
“Miss Bennet, will you be riding tomorrow?” he asked.
“If the weather holds, I hope to ride in the afternoon,” she replied.
“I would love to ride tomorrow also, Mr. Darcy,” interrupted Caroline.
“Caroline, you have not ridden since you were a child,” said her brother, “and even then, you were not very accomplished.”
“Oh, I am sure it will all come back to me once I am upon a horse again,” replied Caroline. “Will you not join us, Colonel Fitzwilliam?”
“I would like to see someone try to stop me. We could ride the south meadows. Might I invite you all to visit my cousin’s private orangery?” he asked with a devilish grin in Darcy’s direction.
~*~
A perfect afternoon for riding was upon them. Darcy, Elizabeth, Caroline, and Richard had agreed to meet at the stables after lunch. Darcy was the first to arrive. He hoped this outing would allow him time alone with Elizabeth, for he vowed he would not wait another day before telling her of his feelings.
He had no sooner approached the stables than Miss Bingley called to him. He immediately stiffened as he had no choice but to pause until she caught up with him.
“I am so looking forward to this, Mr. Darcy. I understand it is a privilege indeed to be escorted to your private orangery. I have heard rumours it can be quite an intimate setting.” She batted her eyelashes and gave him her most engaging smile.
“I hope it is not your intention to take advantage of me, sir. But I trust that you are a gentleman. Perhaps we might go on ahead and let Miss Eliza and Colonel Fitzwilliam follow when they are ready.”
As he was about to protest such a suggestion, he was relieved to see his cousin enter the stables.
Caroline let out a long sigh of frustration. She was running out of time. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst would be returning to take her back to London in a few days. She was determined to achieve her goal by then and, if necessary, would resort to whatever devious measures were required.
The colonel helped Miss Bingley choose a horse, one that was not too spirited, and helped her to mount.
“I see you have your own riding crop, Miss Bingley. For someone who has not ridden in so long a time, I am surprised to see you so well equipped.”
“It is my brother’s.” As she spoke, her horse whinnied, and she quickly grabbed the reins tighter to keep from falling. Colonel Fitzwilliam calmed the horse and patted its nose. “Are you sure this horse has been trained properly?” Miss Bingley inquired indignantly.
“You are pulling too tightly on the reins, Miss Bingley,” observed the colonel. “Relax your hold a little.”
As Richard mounted his horse, he noted Darcy leading a tall silver grey mare, recognizing it as the one Elizabeth had ridden several days before. He observed with some humour as his cousin ran his hands down the length of each of the horse’s legs and checked each hoof individually, making sure the animal was properly shod. He then handed the reins to Billy, one of his young grooms, while he went to seek out Marengo.
Elizabeth had been hurrying towards the stables as she was late changing into her riding habit. She had just crossed the threshold of the stable door and was headed for the groom who was holding the reins to her horse, when she heard her name called. She turned to look back. There she observed Georgiana walking towards her with Ellie.
“Ellie wanted to see you off,” said Georgiana.
The little girl started to run towards Elizabeth, letting go of Georgiana’s hand. “Izabet,” she called, her closest resemblance to Elizabeth’s name.
Caroline observed the charming scene, and the intense look of loathing she cast upon Elizabeth was undeniable. Her predatory nature took over. She smiled as she saw her opportunity and without hesitation she acted upon it.
Elizabeth heard the horse, and an instant later she saw a black blur from the corner of her eye. Observing her daughter running towards her and seeing the inevitable path of the horse, Elizabeth ran the last few yards towards Ellie, and, with time to do little else, reached her arms out and pushed her as hard as she could out of harm’s way as she herself reeled forward.
As the black horse approached Elizabeth, it reared up, causing one of its hooves to strike her head, knocking her to the ground.
“Miss Bingley! Pull up the reins!” yelled the colonel as he jumped to the ground and tried fiercely to grab the horse’s bridle before its hoof could again strike Elizabeth.
As Darcy heard the commotion, he quickly made his way from Marengo’s stall and ran to Elizabeth, dragging her body to safety while Richard struggled to get the horse under control.
“Lizzy!” he cried as he gathered her into his arms. He immediately noticed the blood on her forehead. He yelled over to Georgiana, who was now holding a crying Ellie in her arms. “Is Ellie injured?” he called to her.
“I do not think so, Fitzwilliam; I believe she is only frightened. She looks to be unharmed.”
“Richard, take Georgiana and Ellie to the house and have Mrs. Reynolds send for the doctor immediately,” he commanded. He then turned his eyes to Miss Bingley, who had dismounted the black horse and was now looking repentant.
The look he gave her sent chills throughout her entire being.
“Mr. Darcy, I don�
��t know what happened! Honestly, I could not stop the horse. It would not respond to me.”
He said nothing as he turned his attention back to Elizabeth’s motionless body. He rested her head on his arm as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, placing it over the laceration on her temple, trying to stop the flow of blood. When it had sufficiently subsided, he lowered his head and pressed his face to her cheek, holding on to her as if his life depended upon it.
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
Dr. Chisholm looked at the four faces staring at him as he left Elizabeth’s room upon completing his examination. Jane, Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Darcy all watched him and waited for him to speak.
“Besides the laceration on her forehead, I cannot find any other injuries. “I have stitched the cut, but I cannot tell how seriously the damage will affect her. We will have to wait and see how she progresses. If she demonstrates any signs of mental impairment, if she does not remember things, or is confused, I should like to be informed right away. She will most likely be in and out of consciousness for the next day or two. Should she awaken and be in pain, I have left some medication for her.”
Jane began to cry at the doctor’s words; her husband put a comforting arm around her.
“Are you certain she will be all right?” asked Darcy.
“Mr. Darcy, I cannot guarantee anything at this early stage, but her injuries do not appear to be life threatening. She is young and healthy; I see no reason not to expect a full recovery. We will have to wait until she awakens to see if the blow to her head has caused any harm.”
Darcy let out a tentative breath of relief. After the doctor had departed, Darcy went to the nursery to make sure Ellie was resting. The doctor had looked after her bruises and assured him her injuries were minor. She was lying in her crib when he entered, and she turned her sweet face towards him. “Papa.”
He went to her and bent down to kiss her forehead. “My sweet, sweet Ellie.” He did not want to pick her up, afraid to touch where she was bruised.
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