Mr. Darcy of Longbourn

by APRIL FLOYD

  There was a knock upon his door and Mr. Darcy sighed as he placed the letter in the top drawer of his desk. He would read it later when the pain of their parting lessened and he could think of her without regret.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam entered and sat in the chair on the other side of his desk. There was one solace; having his cousin, who was more like a brother, at hand.

  “I did not see our Aunt nor Anne in the parlor. Have they gone visiting?”

  Mr. Darcy nodded. “Aunt Catherine is having a wonderful time crowing to all her friends about the marriage of Georgiana to Mr. Bingley.”

  Richard sat and stretched his long legs out before him. “Well, at least she is happy to brag if not exactly happy for Georgie. Poor Anne, she must tire of it as much as you or I.”

  “I do not believe Anne pays much attention to her mother nowadays for Lieutenant Wickham has been a regular since the day you first brought him to Longbourn.” Mr. Darcy stood and brought out his decanter of port and two glasses.

  “Could you give your blessing if he sought it? Aunt Catherine would be apoplectic if it came to such an end. Best to turn his attentions elsewhere before it causes much rancor in your home,” Richard winked at his cousin and laughed.

  Mr. Darcy pointed a finger at the colonel as he poured the port. “Aunt Catherine has already said as much. You know she would never allow Anne to marry a soldier, much less a young charmer like Wickham. He and Anne would make a terrible match.”

  Richard’s countenance grew serious as Darcy handed him a glass. “I could marry her and see her well taken care of Darcy, for I do have tender feelings for Anne. But I could not for the life me take Aunt Catherine in the bargain. That woman…”

  “You cannot be serious!” Darcy exclaimed as he leaned against his desk. “You and Anne! I admire your generous spirit, cousin, but she might never give you children or even be able to carry out her wifely duties. Forgive my blunt speech, but I doubt you wish to live the celibate life when you take a wife.”

  Choking on the sip of port he had taken, Richard held up a hand to stop his cousin. When he was able to speak again, he shared the hope he had with Darcy. “Anne’s health has been much improved since seeing the doctor Miss Bennet sent to her. My father would provide a stipend for us as I will never work in London alongside my brother. I cannot stand to live in the Town. I could use that to fund that physician Miss Bennet sent to us.”

  Darcy finally saw his cousin was serious. The mention of Miss Bennet caused him to pause for a moment before addressing his cousin’s offer.

  “Am I to understand that you love Anne? Because if you truly do, I would be more than happy to have you as my steward. Mr. Givens is ready to retire in the next few months and I have not yet interviewed for anyone to fill his position. You would have a large cottage and plenty of land to farm if you like, or put in flower gardens for Anne. There is a smaller cottage Aunt Catherine could have that also sits on the property.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam swallowed the last of his port and motioned for his cousin to refill his glass. “Anne would have to accept me first and I still need to serve out my commission and speak with my father. I would be more than pleased to accept your offer if Anne will accept mine at some point.”

  The men clinked their glasses to celebrate their understanding and drank together. When Mr. Darcy returned to his seat, Richard broached the topic of Miss Bennet. “Has she gone, then?”

  Mr. Darcy nodded. “She is made for London and all its splendor. I was a fool to fall in love or think she might ever wish to remain in Hertfordshire.”

  “But you argued with her, Darcy. You told her you loved her and then told her all the things you could never accept about her. I do not know what you were thinking. Any woman would have run away from such foolishness.”

  “What would you have me do? Live a lie? She tried to ruin Georgiana’s happiness and interfered in Wickham’s life until he was left to soldier for his living. You know I despise a meddling woman,” Mr. Darcy said.

  “Be that as it may, Miss Bennet would have made the perfect match for you, cousin. She could have helped you make Longbourn the estate of your dreams with her dowry.” Richard rose and sat his empty glass on Mr. Darcy’s desk.

  “Her mother disowned her because she refused the proposal of her cousin. A duke. A duke could not win her hand, Richard. What chance do you think I have?”

  “I suppose there is none and yet I see that you pine for her. That you wish you could offer for her and hear her say yes. Put aside your pride, Darcy. It goeth before a fall as the good book tells us,” Richard left his cousin with these words.

  Mr. Darcy thought of the letter in his desk drawer and poured another glass of port. He told himself there was nothing she could say that would change what had passed between them.

  Chapter 16

  London seemed much gloomier than Hertfordshire and Elizabeth knew it was only her regret at leaving the country without speaking with Mr. Darcy. She hoped her letter would at least change his mind about her actions.

  Elizabeth was to help her aunt and uncle open Stafford House. Her cousins were to arrive soon and the wedding preparations would keep her mind and hands busy. Too busy to think of Mr. Darcy very often.

  Uncle Edward had written to his solicitor to have the house made ready for their arrival with the servants the man could find at hand. The hiring of more servants would fall to Aunt Madeline.

  “Lizzy, you do know you are welcome to use Stafford House as your own residence when we retire to Derbyshire again,” Aunt Madeline said as they stepped down from the carriage.

  Elizabeth smiled and thanked her. “It would make staying in London much easier.”

  Aunt Madeline placed an arm about her niece. “Your mother would certainly be quite upset at such an outcome, to have you in Town but not at Bennet House.”

  Elizabeth bit her bottom lip. She would not give in to the tears that had threatened to fall all the way to London. Between her mother and Mr. Darcy, she found it difficult to maintain her composure.

  The trio entered Stafford House and settled into the parlor to take their tea. Lady Madeline gave a cursory glance about the room. “It seems the servants have done a marvelous job in cleaning and airing the place. We haven’t been in Town in so many years, ’tis a shame and a waste of a beautiful home. But Peter shall have it soon as he is the eldest.”

  “I cannot wait to see him again, and Lottie,” Elizabeth said as she clasped her hands in her lap. The thought of the distraction her cousins would provide lifted her spirits.

  Uncle Edward opened the newspaper that lay upon the table beside his chair. “I assure you that they are eager to see you again, Lizzy, and to see Jane marry her Scottish beau. I do not think Maddie and I will be able to pry them free of London’s hold this time. Having you here at Stafford House will make it much easier to return home without them.”

  Elizabeth thought of living with her two eldest cousins and a genuine smile bloomed on her lips. Peter and Lottie were only a few years younger than herself and the three of them would have wonderful adventures together in Town.

  “I do not know whether I will remain in London after Jane and Lydia are wed. I thought I might return to Hertfordshire to see how the Bingleys enjoyed their wedding trip.”

  Uncle Edward gave his wife a knowing look. “And Mr. Darcy too? You will see how he is when you return there?”

  “I do not know, Uncle Edward,” Elizabeth replied before moving the conversation away from that dangerous topic, “After tea, I must go and see Jane even if Mother is still cross with me. I promised my beloved sister she might have me by her side until the day she becomes a married lady.”

  Her uncle rattled his paper and folded it as a maid rolled the tea cart into the parlor. Elizabeth knew he wished to speak to her of Mr. Darcy but veered away from the topic instead. “Janey might come here and stay, you know. That way, neither of you must deal with my sister’s nerves and disapproval.”

  Aunt Made
line shook her finger at her husband. “You will not provoke Franny Bennet to darken my doorstep in her anger. Such a visit will certainly not be welcomed in my parlor, Edward Gardiner.”

  Elizabeth giggled at her aunt’s countenance. Lady Franny and Lady Stafford were not the greatest of friends even in the best circumstances.

  “We may stay a night or two here together without Mother interfering, but I will spend most of my days with Jane and return here for dinner with my cousins and to sleep without worrying I might be locked in my room like a prisoner. Mother certainly would try such a thing if I provide her the opportunity.”

  Uncle Edward laughed but her Aunt Madeline nodded in agreement. “Pardon me dear for my unease where your mother is concerned, but I do not doubt she might conceive of such a thing.”

  Elizabeth could only agree. She had said it in jest but knowing how her mother felt about her disobedience, it was entirely possible.

  The next afternoon, Elizabeth released a breath to calm her nerves as her uncle’s carriage stopped outside Bennet House. Aunt Madeline took her hand and held it, marveling at how cold it was through her glove. “Lizzy, chin up and stiff upper lip my dear. Your mother will not prevail against your uncle today. Her abuse will have to come another time.”

  The Gardiners had insisted that Elizabeth must not go to see her family without them and so after breakfast, they had all prepared to meet Lady Franny together.

  When his wife and niece were out of the carriage, Edward Gardiner, Viscount Stafford, escorted the ladies up the steps and knocked happily upon the front door of his sister’s townhome.

  As the butler admitted them, Elizabeth held her breath in anticipation of her mother’s onslaught. Though her uncle was certain his sister would not dare berate Elizabeth before them, she was not as certain.

  They were led to the salon and when Elizabeth saw Jane there with their mother, she threw caution aside and ran to embrace her eldest sister. The noisy reunion startled Lady Francine and she rose, ready to admonish her girls.

  When she caught sight of the Gardiners, her reprimand died on her lips. “Edward and Madeline! How wonderful it is to see you have come to Town.”

  Edward Gardiner embraced his capricious sister. “We would not miss Janey’s wedding for all the world. We have brought Elizabeth home again. I would hope that you might make amends with her before we see Jane wed.”

  Lady Francine would not look again at Elizabeth nor assure her brother’s hope. “I have not the time to deal with Lizzy now for there are two weddings to come, as you know.”

  Lady Stafford only smiled and nodded when Lady Francine took her hand to welcome her to Bennet House. The two moved to seats before the fireplace while Edward Gardiner went to find his brother-in-law.

  Elizabeth, her hand in Jane’s, followed her eldest sister to the table across the room where they had played cards and helped their younger sisters with their lessons. They sat together and Elizabeth cast a glance to their mother.

  “Lizzy, do not worry yourself so over Mother. She is so taken with my wedding and Lydia’s, and bragging to her friends, that she has little time to set herself against you again. Grandfather’s letter arrived yesterday and she is worried that he will not be pleased with her rash decision to disown you. He is coming for the wedding,” Jane’s happiness was apparent in her voice.

  “Thank you, my dear, for saying that Grandfather is coming. His presence will certainly put Mother in line. And I shall be so very happy to see him again, too.” Elizabeth reassured her sister but her voice trembled with emotion.

  “What is wrong, Lizzy? You seem sad. Were you unhappy to see Bingley wed that girl in Hertfordshire? In your letters, you seemed resigned to the fact, even pleased I thought.” Jane’s brow furrowed as she spoke.

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I am quite pleased for Mr. and Mrs. Bingley! I was mistaken about her feelings and made my apologies to Charles for it. They are a lovely couple.”

  “And what of Mr. Darcy? I had thought you might write to say you were to be wed not long after Bingley.”

  “I had hoped you might forget all the things I had written, Janey. It is too painful to speak of still but you have always been my confidante,” Elizabeth said and bit her bottom lip to fight the tears that threatened. She cast her eyes down to the table and breathed deeply.

  Jane dipped her head and lifted Elizabeth’s chin. “If he turned out not to be the man you thought he was, then I am deeply grieved to know it. Are you certain, Lizzy? For you said so many wonderful things.”

  Elizabeth swallowed the lump in her throat. “Wickham is in Hertfordshire, Janey. I saw him again at Mr. Darcy’s home. He is in the regiment there as a lieutenant with Colonel Fitzwilliam. He lied to Mr. Darcy about all that happened with our family and then the man I thought I knew had the nerve to tell me how ardently he admired and loved me before insulting my character. I could not bear it.”

  Jane moved closer and embraced her sister. “He is not worthy of your love if this is true. But did you not tell him of Wickham’s lies? If you loved him, he deserved to know the truth. I daresay the young ladies of Hertfordshire are in danger of the same treatment Lydia received from the scoundrel.”

  Elizabeth rested her head against Jane’s shoulder, taking comfort that eased her pain. “I wrote to him and had it delivered as we left Netherfield. I knew I had to at least warn him of the treachery Wickham was capable of even to those who knew him best.”

  “Well, you have done what you ought. I wonder if Mr. Darcy will reply to your letter. Do you think he might?”

  “I doubt it very much and so I must forget him, Janey. I do not know how I might when he said he loved me.” Elizabeth’s tears began and Jane rose and took her away from the salon to her rooms upstairs where they might grieve together in peace.

  In a few more days, Peter and Lottie Gardiner arrived in London with their younger sister and brother, and Elizabeth was at Stafford House to meet them. Jane had come to visit as well and the cousins were happily reunited.

  Aunt Madeline fussed over each of her younger children before turning to her eldest. “Come, Peter and Lottie, and give your dear mother a kiss and hug. I have missed you both so terribly.”

  Lottie went immediately to her mother and hugged her tightly. “Oh, we have missed you too Mother!”

  Elizabeth envied the Gardiners their physical displays of affection. Her own family was not one for hugs and kisses but they certainly did know how to fuss and argue as loudly as possible no matter the setting.

  When they were all inside at last, Edward Gardiner left his study and met his wife and children and nieces in the parlor for tea. “What a wonderful afternoon it is with all my favorite people under my roof.”

  The children hugged their father and mother while Jane and Elizabeth looked on. Peter and his younger brother, Adam, favored their father while Lottie and the youngest of the family, Sophie, favored their mother. They were a lovely family and Elizabeth was pleased to be counted in their number.

  “Uncle Edward, will you play cards with us after tea?” Elizabeth asked.

  “I should, Lizzy, but I have a few matters to see to before tomorrow. I do not wish to miss a moment of Janey’s wedding and so I must beg off.”

  Lottie and Sophie began peppering Jane with questions about her dress and her future husband while Peter and Adam told their mother of the trip from Derbyshire to London. Elizabeth turned to her uncle and asked about his distractions in his study. “You must have something planned for Jane’s wedding day.”

  “I thought to keep it secret, Lizzy. I will tell you if you promise not to tell Janey,” Edward Gardiner raised his eyebrows as he looked at Elizabeth expectantly.

  “Oh, I do love surprises and I will not spoil it for her, I promise!”

  He leaned closer and whispered to his niece, in truth delighted to have someone to share his plans with before the temptation to tell Jane became too great.

  “She will be so happy, Uncle Edward!” Eli
zabeth exclaimed in an excited whisper.

  “Be sure you do not forget and tell her. I promised my sister when you girls were born that I would surprise each of you with a different gift from our dear mother. If she were alive today, she would do the honors but it falls to me.” Uncle Edward’s voice grew hoarse near the end and Elizabeth could see the talk of his mother saddened him.

  She placed an arm about his shoulders and nodded at the rest of their family now spread around the parlor. “She is with us in spirit, Uncle.”

  Chapter 17

  Anne de Bourgh was in the parlor at Longbourn when Hill ushered her visitor inside. “Miss Anne, the lieutenant is here to see you. I told him your mother is out, but he insisted he must speak with you. Shall I call for Mr. Darcy to join the two of you?”

  “My cousin is busy in his study. You may wait here while we talk or go about your duties. Mother would not mind if you left the parlor doors open and finished your work in the kitchen.” Anne stood and dismissed the housekeeper and curtseyed before Mr. Wickham.

  “Miss Anne, how lovely you are today! I am pleased to know you are well enough for a visitor.” Wickham smiled at her and took one of her hands and held it gently in his own. He cast a glance at Hill who remained in the room by the door that led to Mr. Darcy’s study.

  “Oh, I have been healthier than I can recall since seeing Miss Bennet’s physician. She was so kind to do such a favor for me. I do hope she comes back to Hertfordshire to visit the Bingleys again.”

  Lieutenant Wickham’s countenance changed for just a moment and Anne worried that she had offended him. “I know you only met her the once when you first came to Longbourn, but she is a kind lady if a bit hard to know at first.”