by J Dawn King
When they realized what Darcy had done, the name calling and threats became even viler. Each footman grabbed one of Lord Matlock’s arms and started pulling him towards the door. He was a large man with a wide girth, evidence of an adulthood of excess. His fury and outrage undermined his strength and the young men were able to easily lead him to his waiting carriage. Lady Catherine followed, spewing vitriol with every step.
Darcy was in a trance-like state as he looked to where Lord Matlock and Lady Catherine exited. He did not become aware of his wife’s presence until his gaze cleared and he realized the study door was now closed. He felt Elizabeth’s arms slip around his waist and her hands run soothingly up and down his back. Her head was turned so that it rested over his heart. Like him, she said not a word.
As the tension started to leave him, Darcy wrapped his long arms around her and pulled her even closer, in an effort to become one breath, one heart. He closed his eyes, focusing on the woman in his embrace.
Darcy did not take his aunt and uncle’s threats lightly. He knew that bringing down the Fitzwilliam family would cause such an uproar in the ton that it would mask what the siblings were doing. It would take a lifetime to repair the damage unless he took the offensive. No parrying. No defensive maneuvers.
“Elizabeth,” Darcy quietly spoke. “Are you familiar with fencing?”
The question was so unexpected that Elizabeth had to wonder if she had heard her husband correctly. She pulled back enough to look at him closely.
“I am not familiar with the practical application of the rules of fencing, though I have read much about it. Why in heavens name do you ask?”
The corners of Darcy’s mouth barely lifted at her answer. He was unsurprised Elizabeth had read about a man’s sport.
“Do you know the purpose of the lunge?” Darcy’s voice became firm as his mind came up with a plan of action to protect the Darcy name.
“I am, somewhat.” Elizabeth thought back on what she had learned so many years ago. “It is an aggressive move that covers much territory and serves to back your opponent into a corner, is it not?”
His smile became wider. “Yes, dear lady, that is its purpose.”
Elizabeth reacted with horror. “You have called out Lord Matlock?”
Darcy chuckled and pulled her back into him. “No, Elizabeth, we will not meet on the field of honor.” He could not help but breathe in the fragrance of her hair. Roses. It was a smell that had been the favorite of his mother, a pleasant memory from a pleasant scent. “I believe the best way to stop Lord Matlock and Lady Catherine is to publicly separate ourselves from them.”
“Ah, an offensive move. Do you believe they are trading on the Darcy name in some way, William?”
“I do.” Darcy realized that his actions would have a certain amount of repercussions to the three of them. “I believe I need to make Richard and Aunt Helen aware of the events of this evening and prepare them for what I believe will come. This will undoubtedly impact Georgiana’s ability to move freely in society when she comes out. Thus, a family meeting is in order. What think you, my bride?”
Elizabeth smiled up at her husband. The imaginings of her mind while in the music room had prepared her either for an outraged man or a broken one, depending on how the meeting went. She was completely unprepared for this seemingly calm, reasonable man. Elizabeth marveled that he was her husband. With that thought in mind, she squeezed him tightly and left to comfort Georgiana while he wrote to his cousin. It would not do for a note to be sent directly to Aunt Helen at Matlock House. Stealth and secrecy as to their purpose would need maintained. The meeting would need to be held at daybreak the next morning, well before Lord Matlock and Lady Catherine rose for the day.
***
Richard had arrived soon after receiving the missive the night before. He and Darcy spent almost an hour discussing their plans before he left to make arrangements, privately, with his mother.
They both arrived just after sunrise and the family joined together in a drawing room, the door firmly closed.
“Tell us of your plan, Darcy.” Lady Matlock had not been surprised when her husband and sister-in-law had returned fairly quickly to Matlock House the night before. Their bitter ire and spite were also not unexpected. Their specific threats against Darcy and his family were unforeseen. It was like both adults had lost all control and no longer had the ability to see beyond their own conclusions about how to fix the mess they were in. Richard had told his mother that Darcy had kept silent during the tirade of his aunt and uncle and Lady Matlock marveled at her nephew’s self-control. She would do anything within her power to help. There was no longer a place for her at Matlock House.
“First, Aunt Helen, we need to look to your comfort. If your husband was aware that you are at Darcy House, he could make your life increasingly difficult.” He looked to Richard. “This applies to you as well, cousin.”
“We spoke of this last night, Darcy.” Richard’s voice was firm with no hesitation. “Neither of us wants to be caught in the web when it becomes public what my father and Aunt Catherine have done. Therefore, if your offer of refuge is available to the both of us, we are determined to accept it.” He reached over and clasped his mother’s hand, tenderly patting the back of it with his other hand. “Since we first spoke after your marriage, I have gone with Gardiner to look at properties outside the city and have made an offer on a large parcel surrounding a small estate. The home is livable, though it needs some repairs and updating. I resigned and sold my commission two days past.”
“This is good news, cousin.” Darcy was relieved to have his aunt and cousin on board. And he was relieved that he could offer protection and a measure of security to his loved ones. He was most pleased that his cousin would no longer be in danger from the fight on the continent. The tension poured out of Darcy at Richard’s words.
“Our biggest concern is Georgiana.” Lady Matlock looked to her niece. She noticed that Georgiana had not offered support of her youngest son’s change of circumstances. Richard had reported the sweeping changes in the Darcy home that had taken place with Georgiana and she agreed that the discipline had been warranted and beneficial. However, this was the young girl’s future and Helen was not aware how principled she was. She did not know Georgiana’s thoughts on the slave trade nor on any other social matter. She was surprised when her niece spoke up.
“I, too, am concerned about my future.” Georgiana had gained in confidence since being in company with Elizabeth. She understood that she was not as wise as she had thought she was and that she had acted as an immature young girl with Wickham. Yet, she was still a fifteen-year-old girl with a lifetime of dreams of being presented at court, dancing in beautiful ball gowns, wearing the Darcy jewels at elite social gatherings, and being sought after by the most eligible of men. What her guardians were suggesting would most likely end those dreams. This was unpalatable to Georgiana.
“As am I, sister, as am I.” Darcy loved Georgiana as both a brother and a father would. “Therefore, my idea is to make it public that Darcy House along with Lady Matlock and Richard Fitzwilliam, Esquire, have separated themselves from my aunt and uncle. I suspect this will drive both Lord Matlock and Lady Catherine back to their estates in Derbyshire and Kent respectively. The five of us shall remain in London and participate fully in as many events as are possible for you to attend, Georgiana. Since you are not yet out, this will be limited to the theatre, museums, and visits to Bond Street, Vauxhall, and any other occasions fitting for a young lady. We shall see and be seen with our heads held high. Will we have to face condescension? Possibly. Will it be the easy way? Not at all. Is it the right thing to do? Absolutely.”
The prospect of spending that much time in public was secretly thrilling to Georgiana. It was an opportunity rarely allowed to a female her age and one she knew her brother would never have undertaken had the circumstances not been so dire.
“Our mission now is to find a companion for my sister who is we
ll versed in propriety and decorum, one who is young enough to keep up with our social calendar, and one who will be a good influence to see Georgiana become a woman unparalleled in society.”
Lady Matlock knew just the woman. Mrs. Adriana Annesley was just a little younger than Richard, was gently born, and the widow of the second son of a baron. Her husband’s unexpected death had left her impoverished. Mrs. Annesley quickly found employment with a noble family caring for their impetuous daughter, Bernice. With the impending marriage of the young lady, Mrs. Annesley was in need of another position.
Once they had discussed the possibility of offering for Mrs. Annesley as Georgiana’s companion, Lady Matlock wrote a note that Darcy had a footman take around with direction to wait for a response. It was Lady Matlock’s desire that her son be placed in company regularly with Georgiana’s companion if Mrs. Annesley was secured for the position. She was a lovely, intelligent woman with a quiet beauty and a gentle spirit; perfect for her rambunctious Richard.
With that task completed, they chewed over the finer parts of the plan like a hungry dog with a bone until there was not a fragment of meat left. Each had their task and all were resolved to see it to its end.
***
Darcy and Richard climbed the steps to White’s. Darcy had been a long-time member of the popular gentlemen’s club and knew most of the occupants by name and reputation. It only took a few moments to find his targets. Fortunately, they were seated at the same table.
Mr. Gilbert Hurst, brother-in-law to Charles Bingley, and Sir Phillip Andrews were the ton’s most notorious gossips. It was well known that they put their wives to shame when it came to spreading news about town. They were not in the same sphere as Darcy or the Fitzwilliams, thus they were both surprised when the men asked to join them at their table.
“Mr. Hurst, Sir Phillip, I hope you are well.” Darcy smiled to himself at how easy this had been. It boded well for the future, he hoped. “Would you both join us in a libation? I would be pleased to put it on my account.”
Darcy thought Hurst might have actually licked his lips in desire had he chosen to look at the man that closely. He chose not to. Their greedy acceptance was expected.
“Has my father been by today?” Richard asked. The conversation had been planned before their arrival. Lord Matlock was the bait.
“No, Colonel, we have yet to see Lord Matlock.” Both men knew that Hugh Fitzwilliam would never acknowledge their existence unless they could provide some sort of service to him. Neither man wanted to appear as if they were out of the loop of anything brewing amongst the highest circles though.
“Two pieces of news, Hurst.” Richard leaned forward in his chair and lowered his voice to a whisper. Both men followed suit, unwilling to miss even one word. “First, I resigned my commission and am no longer a colonel. Secondly, I doubt that you will see my father in here for a long time.” With that, he sat back in his chair. The bait had been put on the hook and the men were ready to bite.
Darcy spoke as if unconcerned. “It really is too bad when you think of it, Colonel. Lord Matlock could have used his authority in the House of Lords to speak on something other than abolition, do you not think?”
Darcy and Richard noted how rapidly the men moved to better hear. Darcy’s view of the use of slaves was well known. He was in complete opposition to the practice. They assumed the colonel had the same opinion.
“Yes, when it comes out that he and my aunt have supported the illegal trading of slaves and then used those slaves on their sugar plantation in the Indies, it will expose him for the hypocrite that he is.” Darcy shook his head. “It is truly unfortunate that we have had to separate our households completely from such a travesty.”
Both Hurst and Andrews’s jaws dropped to their chests. This was the juiciest type of news. Lord Matlock had stepped on many to gain the power he held. He was an arrogant braggart and many would rejoice at his fall. Lady Catherine had never been well tolerated in society, rarely leaving her estate in Kent. Like her brother, she had regularly given offense, even to those who held higher positions in society.
“Richard and I are resolved to do everything within our power to protect Lady Matlock and my sister from the harm that will befall the Fitzwilliam family in case this is made public.” Darcy saw the men look at each other in speculation and knew the hook had been set. Gentlemen, who were truly gentlemen, would do everything possible to protect innocent women from harm. Both Hurst and Andrews were gentlemen.
“Yes, Darcy, I will use all of the skills I have honed on the continent against any person, male or female, who speaks against my mother, your wife, or your sister. Is that what you desired to know, cousin?” With that, they reeled the men in.
“Thank you, Richard. I am happy to have your support.” When the waiter delivered the drinks, Darcy and Richard pushed theirs in front of Hurst and Andrews. “Enjoy!”
With that, they walked out of White’s and headed to their next target. Lady Matlock had taken Elizabeth and Georgiana to call on Lady Jersey, one of the patronesses of Almack’s. There, the same conversation would take place.
It was a busy morning with Darcy, Richard, Lady Matlock, Elizabeth, and Georgiana traveling from one end of London to the other. However, due to the well-planned campaign, they all found the news had already spread before they could reach their second destination.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Fitzwilliam Darcy was a private man. Knowing that he had deliberately started talk about his family went against all he stood for. Yet, justice demanded him to act against his own inclinations.
As suspected, Lord Matlock retreated to his country estate leaving Matlock House in London to his wife and youngest son. His eldest son, Viscount Stanley, quickly followed his father, showing his allegiance and his probable involvement in his father’s business.
Lady Catherine refused to accept that her position in society was damaged by her own actions. She was heard to proclaim repeatedly to those who delighted to watch the woman’s downward spiral, “Do you know who I am?”
It was not until four days later that Darcy and Elizabeth came face-to-face with his aunt. Her mood was volatile. Darcy’s was resolute. As a relief from the pressures of family and business, Darcy escorted his wife to the opera. Their private box was visible from the floor and the boxes to the sides of the theatre. Elizabeth was wearing a new dress of emerald green silk shot with gold threads. Darcy’s valet had inquired of Elizabeth’s maid to determine the color so matching jewelry was provided. In Darcy’s eyes, the gemstones paled when compared to his wife’s eyes. It was his pleasure to escort her up the stairs toward the privacy of their box.
The couple had just reached their seats when they both became aware of a disturbance in the upper level of the theatre to the right side of them. Both Darcy and Elizabeth heard their family name being shouted and looked to see Lady Catherine leaning precariously out of the Matlock family box. Her arm was extended and her finger pointed. Vicious, vile words streamed from her mouth, words that called into question Elizabeth’s birth and morals. Lady Catherine’s actions brought the attention of those seated on the floor as well as in other boxes.
Darcy wanted to storm around the theater and help his aunt over the side into the pit of the orchestra. Taking a deep breath, he let it out slowly through his nose. Elizabeth clasped his hand tightly. At a noise behind them, they both turned to see who had the temerity to disturb them. Both were shocked to see the Duke and Duchess of Devondale.
They were a stately couple befitting their title. His Grace was as honorable as he was wealthy. It put him in direct opposition to Lord Matlock over the years. Their history together was one of disgust on the Duke’s part and jealousy on the part of Hugh Fitzwilliam. The Duke and Darcy’s father had attended Cambridge together and remained friends afterwards.
“Darcy, I understand you have recently wed. Would you accept the best wishes of both the Duchess and I?”
Darcy and Elizabeth had risen as soon
as they realized who had stepped inside the curtain. Now, they bowed and curtseyed.
“Certainly, Your Grace.” After introductions were made, the Duke looked past Darcy’s shoulder to where Lady Catherine was standing. Her arm was still extended, but her tirade stopped as soon as she recognized who was with her nephew.
“Darcy, I fear there is a poisonous snake in the grass that needs its head chopped off. Excuse me for but a moment.”
“Your Grace.” Darcy bowed as the man backed out of the box, leaving his wife behind. Darcy seated the Duchess next to Elizabeth and offered to retrieve a glass of punch for her or otherwise see to her comfort.
By the time Darcy returned with two cups of punch for the ladies, the Duke had returned to the box and was seated next to his wife. He entered to the sound of Elizabeth’s laughter and pleasure in the woman he married rose in his chest until it threatened to take his breath away.
As he sat next to Elizabeth, he was surprised to find the two women discussing lemon tarts. When Elizabeth described the four produced by her and Georgiana, the Duchess countered with the results of her own attempts. Darcy was stunned that the wife of a peer of the realm had spent time in the kitchen.