by Kate Speck
Darcy spoke in a tone that Lady Catherine had never heard before. “Lady Catherine, you have offended me and I will never see you again. Uncle and Aunt attended our wedding and they adore my wife and you have no right to come here to abuse my wife. Only due to your being related to my mother will I not leave you destitute. Leave now with this garbage and if you ever come near my wife again, I will have uncle ship you off to the continent. He has a debt to me and I will use it against you if you force my hand. Your daughter stays here under my wife’s excellent care.” He spoke in a determined and intimidating tone.
Lady Catherine had never seen Darcy yell or strike someone before and was afraid for herself. She took what little dignity she had left and kicked Mr. Collins, who was still kneeling, and commanded, “Get up, you fool. We leave now.”
She stuck her nose in the air and stormed out of the room to her carriage, which was still waiting by the entryway, and departed Netherfield quickly. She knew her life would be changed once she returned to Rosings, as she was aware her brother the earl would be furious with what had happened here today. Lord Matlock was more frightening than herself and he would not be merciful that she had offended Darcy and his wife in such a way.
Chapter 19
“Thank you for staying with my wife, Bingley. I arrived to see my aunt’s carriage out front and I knew trouble was brewing inside. If you will excuse us, I would like to check on my sister and cousin.” Darcy shook his friend’s hand and Elizabeth kissed Bingley's cheek.
After leaving the sitting room, Darcy quickly led his wife into the library for privacy. “Are you well, my love? I was so angry with both of them but you were so calm.”
Elizabeth laughed, “Remember when Caroline Bingley spewed her lies and you were calm, I think I have learned to find the amusement in it now.”
“And my love has increased to the point of becoming outraged if anyone touches you.” Darcy inspected her arm and kissed where a bruise was already forming. “I should have killed him, Ellie. No one touches you without your permission. You are mine and I will no longer tolerate anyone who speaks to you rudely. You are my wife and my soulmate. Never again.”
Darcy kissed her ardently and after ensuring that the doors were locked, he made love to her in the library with all the passion he held for his precious wife.
“I do believe we will need our own space desperately. Three more days to go, my love.” Elizabeth sighed her contentment as she lay in her husband’s arms on the couch.
“It was my fantasy come true, my love. Thank you for allowing me to love you here; if you only knew how tempted I was when we were here alone the first time.” Darcy smoothed her hair and kissed her chin. “I love you with all of my heart and body.”
“I love you, William.” Elizabeth replied with a smile. “Thank you for being my protector and for always championing me. I am indebted to you for rescuing me,” she teased. “Oh! You mentioned something about your uncle owing you a debt. I recall Lord George saying something of it as well. Exactly how many people owe you debts, William? It seems you have power over many.”
Darcy laughed, “I have many investments and have done a lot of businesses with various people. I did not drink excessively or gamble or visit brothels in my youth so most of my time was spent on managing my properties and seeking venture opportunities. My uncle was nearly destitute because of the viscount’s gambling debts but I helped him through it. Same with Lord George, although it was with his wife’s father.”
“It seemed you had spent your time and education wisely unlike Wickham and most of the young men in the world.” Elizabeth caressed his cheek. “You are the best of men.”
“I hope I have some accomplishments worthy of your notice, wife.” Darcy kissed her lips. “Fine ladies should not be the only ones who are accomplished. Remember, I can even sew very well now.”
Elizabeth laughed at his answer. “Not very well; quite well, I will accept. I am prodigiously proud of you and you are all mine, husband. I am glad no one caught you before you fell madly in love with me. Let us go check on your sister and cousin, William. They must be wondering what has happened.”
They straightened their appearances after several more tender kisses and headed towards Georgiana’s rooms, when Bingley came out of his study at the same time. Bingley had thought they were already upstairs and was surprised to see them exit the library.
Darcy winked with a smirk and Elizabeth blushed beautifully but smiled. “Wait till you are married, Bingley. You will understand.” Darcy responded.
The couple left the grinning Bingley and visited Georgiana’s rooms.
“All is well, sister. I had to speaking scathingly to Lady Catherine and your brother had to punch Mr. Collins across the jaw, but everything is fine now and she will leave us alone.” Elizabeth turned to Anne de Bourgh, “I am pleased to finally meet you, Miss de Bourgh. I have heard that you enjoy reading novels and riding your phaeton.” She smiled at the shy lady and nodded to her companion.
“Thank you, Mrs. Darcy. I could not believe it when I saw the wedding announcement last week. Mama did not see it but I read it and I guessed she would do something irrational but I also knew you found happiness together and that I would be free. My cousin Darcy would have never married an unworthy lady and I am sorry for my mother’s harsh words. I am glad you were able to stand up to her.” Anne demurely stated.
“Well, it is a pleasure to have you here. Once my sister Jane marries Mr. Bingley, we will return you and Georgina to town with and Uncle Stephen will take care of you. I found your uncle and Aunt Lorraine the kindest of the all nobility I have ever met.” Elizabeth smiled.
Georgiana and Anne both giggled, “They must like you very much,” Anne replied. “Our uncle and aunt are usually known to be terrifying to most until they find something worthy about the person. And I can see why, Mrs. Darcy.”
“Call me Lizzy, please. May I call you Anne?” Elizabeth requested. After Anne nodded, she continued, “I already ordered a warm bath and some nice soup to be delivered and I will have the next room set up for you so you can be close to Georgie. We are only three doors down, Anne. You and I are most similar in size, although you are smaller, and I will have my maid Nancy take care of you until we can find one of the maids here to see to your needs.” She looked at Mrs. Jenkinson, “I assume you both have no other belongings with you?”
“No, madam. We were loaded into the carriage against my advice and we brought nothing.” Mrs. Jenkinson shyly replied.
Elizabeth squeezed the compassionate companion’s hand and spoke kindly. “I will ask Mrs. Nicholls to assist you in the meantime but I know the Meryton seamstress well and I am certain she will help us. I will send her a note to see if she and her daughters can come today.” She smiled. “We will have you fitted for several dresses and purchase new items for you. Aunt Lorraine will certainly take you shopping for beautiful new dresses in town as well, Anne, since you are now a free woman and can attend many balls and fabulous parties!”
The girls clapped in glee and Mrs. Jenkinson beamed in appreciation. There was a new future for the lonely young woman now and they could not be happier.
Darcy softly smiled, “We will see that everything is arranged and let you rest now. See you later for dinner, ladies. We will send word to Longbourn to expect two more tonight.” He bowed and left with Elizabeth.
“I like her, William. She has the innocence of a child but has an intelligence that she must have been hiding from her mother. How sad to have lived in such an environment...” Elizabeth leaned against Darcy. “My mother might be vulgar and unthoughtful at times, but I always knew she loved all of us. All her demands and fretting were so that we would have comfort and security.”
Darcy rubbed her hand, “I know, my love, and that is why I could be patient with her. She gave birth to you and is partially responsible for the strong and bright woman you had become. I love you, my dearest wife.”
After a passionate kiss on her lips, Darcy
released her to attend to her duties while he returned to Bingley’s study to return to his.
~*~
Dinner at Longbourn was wonderful and Mrs. Bennet immediately took a liking to the docile Anne. She had become like a mother hen to Georgiana already and also took Anne de Bourgh under her wings, by speaking kindly to her and providing several of Lydia’s dresses and accoutrements for her use as well, since Lydia had no longer use for the grown-up dresses. Even Lydia, who was allowed to attend tonight’s family celebration, felt sorry for the fragile woman and gladly offered to help with adding some ribbons to make Anne look brighter.
Georgiana and Mary especially made the extra effort to make Anne feel welcome, and for the first time in her life, Anne felt healthier and accepted with this amazing group of people in her life. Although she had a frail constitution, Anne was very intelligent and had learned much with Mrs. Jenkinson’s secret lessons. She made a vow to herself that she would learn how to treat others kindly and to be a generous owner of Rosings. She knew she could not handle managing Rosings on her own and was unwilling to marry, not only due to her weak health but also in order to avoid the possibility of being under the control of a man who might be similar to her mother.
Seeing the delightful family around her, Anne hoped to find good friends near her in Kent and thought of ways to bring some of the acquaintances here to Rosings. Once her mother moved to the dower house, she would have the freedom to invite whomever she wished and prayed her new cousin Lizzy would be amenable to hosting a few parties next year when they resumed the Easter visits as was Darcy’s custom.
The Bennets, along with Bingley, Georgiana, and the Darcys, shared many laughter and they looked forward to the next day, when they would attend the Lucas party and clear the family reputation.
~*~
“Thank you for the invitation, Sir William. I was honoured to accompany Colonel Forster to your dinner party and we arrived early as you requested to have our private conversation before the others arrive.” Wickham charmingly expressed to the host after arriving at Lucas Lodge. “I know there are many rumours being spread about debts being held by Mr. Bennet and such, but I assure you, it is a conspiracy to smear my character and of course whatever paltry debts I do hold amongst the merchants will be repaid as soon as possible.” Lieutenant George Wickham smoothly informed the knight and his wife, “I do not know how anyone could think me so ill to have taken advantage of any daughters of a gentleman but it is possible that those who were jealous of my friendship with both Miss Elizabeth and Miss Lydia had spurned these tales because of my recent engagement. I hope to be cleared of any wrongdoings and speak with Mr. Bennet soon. It is all a misunderstanding, I assure you!”
Sir William smiled, “But of course, Lieutenant Wickham! I am certain you and Mr. Bennet can arrive to a resolution quickly. With your engagement to our lovely Miss Mary King, you will get these terrible rumours of owing such an amount to the merchants and the officers cleared up and have a wedding of your own soon. But I do consider Lizzy and Lydia to be very good girls and I do not understand who could have begun the dreadful talks of your... knowledge... of both girls! I know you assured me and the good colonel that whatever had been reported was untrue and that you would never harm those ladies, but who could have started such a thing? There are some who say it must have been Caroline Bingley but others say Miss Bingley had heard it from you. How do you believe the rumour began?” He asked.
Wickham spluttered for a moment, “But of course it must have been Miss Bingley’s lies! I had actually wished to court Miss Elizabeth in the beginning but then she went to London to pursue my good friend Darcy,” he explained while they sat in the sitting room. “Darcy had wronged me by giving away the living I was supposed to have, but I know that with his recent marriage to Miss Elizabeth, he must understand me better and perhaps reconsider it, should the position become available again, or if he finds it appropriate to offer me compensation for what I should have been given. I know Miss Elizabeth was very fond of me and Miss Lydia was also a good friend; she was always smiling at me and made sure to always shower me with her attentions.”
Lady Lucas cheerfully replied, “I have a surprise for you, Lieutenant Wickham. What great fortune it is that the Darcys were able to attend tonight after all and we asked the newlyweds to come early as well! They should be here any moment now. I will go and see if they have arrived out front. We can all talk openly about this little confusion and have a merry time tonight as friends.”
Wickham had not realised the Darcys would be attending, as Sir William had previously confirmed with him that neither the Bennets nor the Darcys would be joining the party.
“Is something the matter, Wickham?” Colonel Forster asked calmly. “I thought you would be excited to see your old friend again. Since Caroline Bingley is to blame for the awful rumour of those two wonderful ladies losing their virtue, you can clear this up and be best of friends with your childhood mate of yours again.”
Wickham gulped, “Yes, of course, sir, that is a great idea.” He looked around to see if there was a way to feign illness to get out of the home quickly.
Just then, the Darcys entered the sitting room with Lady Lucas. Elizabeth was resplendent in a beautiful dark blue dress and kissed Sir William’s cheek to greet him, while Darcy nodded to Colonel Forster.
“George Wickham,” Darcy’s demeanour changed quickly, “how dare you show your face anywhere after what you have accused my wife and sister-in-law? I would not be surprised if you are placing all the blame on Caroline Bingley.” He paused for a moment, “It does not surprise me at all that you told everyone how I wronged you of the living, which I paid £3,000 in compensation, and even went further in telling the residents of Meryton that you had taken the virtues of those near me. Why stop at my wife and her sister? Why not my cousin or my own sister? How about all the women I am acquainted with? You have certainly done your due diligence in spoiling dozens of maidservants but now, you are exaggerating of having gentlewomen. You disgust me.”
“Oh, dear husband, I cannot believe he could be so obtuse to spread such a thing. I am certain it was all a mistake,” Elizabeth interjected. Seeing the relief on Wickham’s face, she continued, “He would not dare risk my father’s rifle pointed at him and you know he is a coward through and through. I believe the word that he used was ‘sampled’ – that he sampled myself and my fifteen-year-old sister Lydia, whatever that means. How he could ‘sample’ young and innocent ladies remains to be seen but I would rather guess that his secrets would consist of flirting and maybe failing miserably in capturing the attentions of worthy gentlewomen.” She laughed loudly, “I can honestly believe he might think of telling others that he wanted to marry your frail cousin or your sister when she was fifteen years old since they are so wealthy. There is quite a number of fifteen-year-olds in this concoction of his, though, Mr. Darcy. What kind of a sick reprobate would try to work on such young girls?”
Darcy looked down his nose at the stunned man, “We will have to warn your good neighbours to keep their daughters aged twenty and younger from Wickham. It is only unfortunate that Miss King was tricked into an engagement but it will not last long, I am sure. He harms young ladies everywhere he goes through his defamation of character, in order to avoid paying his debts or to blackmail good people. I am certain he spread those lies about you and your sister because I asked your father to look into his debts.” He pulled out several papers and handed them to Colonel Forster. “I have purchased his debts before in memory of my father’s care for him and I had hoped him changed after purchasing his commission in the militia but I was wrong to not expose him to our neighbours. I hold £1,500 from London and Lambton and another £400 from Meryton that my father-in-law obtained. I understand he has more than £600 in gambling debts with the officers as well.”
“Wait here one moment, Darcy! You have no right to bring up my old debts. I will tell everyone about...” Wickham could not continue.
“Abou
t what? About leaving seven illegitimate children in Derbyshire? Of bedding prostitutes throughout university and gambling away the £1,000 from my father’s will as well as the £3,000 I paid you in lieu of the living during the past two years? What will you say? Something about sampling my wife? Sampling her sister? How you deceived young, innocent girls who like to smile at officers? I am certain you are only after Miss King’s £10,000 inheritance! It is common knowledge that you only paid her attention after rumours of her inheritance became public.” Darcy boomed.
Wickham stood and pointed his finger at Darcy, “I will tell everyone what I did, Darcy! Your precious wife liked me first and she was fully willing to...”
“If you speak further of my wife, I will cut your tongue out, Wickham.” Darcy growled. “She is innocent and you know it. Say one more word about my wife or my sister or Lydia, and you will not live to see tomorrow.”
Wickham saw the wrath in his former friend’s eyes and knew he could not expose any of his secrets or blackmail Darcy of the offences he had committed against him.
“Darcy,” Wickham spoke in a quieter tone, “I will be marrying my dear Mary and although his uncle wishes it were much later, the first banns will be read this week and we can be wed in three weeks. Once I have control of my wife’s fortune, I can easily pay off my debts. Let us forgive and forget now, dear friend. I respected your father and in honour of his memory, let bygones be bygones. We were good friends long ago, were we not? I had considered marrying Lydia at one point, you should know. I had only proposed to Mary King the day before discovering that you had married Miss Elizabeth and you and I could have been brothers! I always did enjoy Miss Lydia’s company very much but one must go where his heart leads and Miss King did tempt me to finally marry. Fifteen is truly too young to take as a wife.”