by Leenie Brown
“At first, he selected Jane, but seeing as she seemed to have an attachment elsewhere, he decided I might suit just as well.” She smiled at the soft snort of disgust from Darcy. “So, he asked me to marry him, and I refused over and over and over again, but it was not until my mother started lecturing me about being selfish and headstrong that he decided I would not be the sort of wife of whom his patroness would approve. Mother tried to get Father to force me to accept him, but like I said, my father knows me well and would never force such an arrangement on me, entail or no entail.
“So, I am here until my mother makes peace with my decision or, as my father says, I find someone more agreeable to marry, which according to my mother is impossible since Mr. Collins was my only hope of an offer. After all, who would marry such a girl?” Elizabeth laughed.
“Who indeed?” The Colonel smirked. “Pray tell, why did you so soundly refuse this gentleman?”
“He is the most odious person I have ever met—and…” Her voice lowered to a whisper. “I have met Miss Bingley.”
Richard laughed loudly. “Can he be that bad?”
“Richard, he thinks Lady Catherine can do no wrong,” said Darcy.
“Oh, that is bad,” said Richard with wide eyes.
“My Lizzy?” Andrew looked directly at Mr. Darcy and then placed himself between the man and his favourite cousin. “Michael threw mud at me. Can you help me get it off my face? It is cold.”
She looked at Andrew. Mud was smeared across his cheek and splattered on his jacket. She crouched down to be on his level and gently wiped the mud away with her handkerchief.
“Thank you, my Lizzy.” With a glance at Mr. Darcy, Andrew gave Lizzy a kiss on the cheek. “I can kiss her because I am only a young gentleman, and she is my cousin,” he explained to Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Lizzy was about to stand when a small bundle came hurtling at her. “Glub, glub, glub,” said Michael as he threw himself at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth expelled the air in her lungs quickly as his weight knocked her off balance and made her sit down on the ground with a thud—Michael in her lap.
“Glub, glub, glub,” repeated Michael holding up a glove in his muddy hand.
“Michael, you must be more careful. Someone could get hurt,” scolded Elizabeth. “Mud is not for throwing at your brother,” she continued as she wiped his hand with her handkerchief and then helped him get his glove back on. “Do boys who throw mud get treats?”
Michael’s eyes got big, and he shook his head slowly.
“And would you like a treat?”
Michael smiled, his head bobbing up and down.
“Then, you will keep your gloves on, and you will not throw mud,” said Elizabeth firmly. “Now off with you. I will come make a boat with you in a few minutes, and we can set them floating before we go home.”
“Allow me to assist you, Miss Elizabeth,” said Mr. Darcy extending his hand to help her up.
“Thank you, sir.” She took his hand, and he lifted her to her feet. She blushed as she checked her hair and straightened her skirts.
Darcy looked at her with a hint of laughter playing at the corners of his mouth. “You seem to have a little something here,” he said tapping his nose.
Elizabeth put her hand up to her nose and felt the mud. “Oh, dear, I believe my handkerchief is of no use. Might I borrow yours, sir?” she asked, her face flushed with embarrassment.
Mr. Darcy took out his handkerchief and gently wiped the mud off the tip of her nose before taking her hand and cleaning it as well. “There, good as new,” he said returning his handkerchief to his pocket.
Elizabeth smiled at Darcy in appreciation.
“I am going to go make boats,” said Richard. “Maybe when you two are done there, you can join us? But, I would suggest Darcy that you steer clear of Master Andrew, or he may be calling you out for interfering with his Lizzy.” Richard laughed at the matching scowls that were aimed at him and walked away toward the river.
“I suppose we should join him,” said Elizabeth.
“May I escort you?” asked Darcy extending his arm.
She placed her hand on his arm and looked up at him with laughing eyes. “You might wish to take care, Mr. Darcy. Andrew is quite a possessive young man, and he will not be pleased to see another gentleman doing what he thinks is his responsibility. However, as long as your cousin does not inform him about what it means to call someone out, you might be safe.”
Darcy laughed. “I did notice how he singled me out when he thought I had gotten too close to you before. I will only escort you to the boat making, and then I shall step away.” He lowered his voice and whispered, “At least for now, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Why Mr. Darcy,” she said, colour staining her cheeks, “are you flirting with me, sir?”
“I believe I am, Miss Elizabeth. Does that bother you?”
“Not in the least. In fact, I think I rather enjoy it.” She gave him a parting smile as she let go of his arm and walked over to where Andrew was busy building a boat with Colonel Fitzwilliam. “Come along, Mr. Darcy, ” she called. “Everyone has to make a boat, and Michael always needs help with his. Just stay clear of the mud, we are almost out of handkerchiefs.”
Darcy smiled and followed. Michael sat next to Elizabeth waving twigs and leaves in front of her.
“May I help you, Master Michael?” asked Darcy taking a seat on the ground.
Michael’s eyes grew wide in awe, and he handed him the twigs and leaves. Darcy began tearing thin strips of bark off the twig explaining to Michael what he was doing with each step. Michael put his little hand on Mr. Darcy’s big one so he could help tear the strips. Then, when it was time to assemble the boat, Michael climbed into Mr. Darcy’s lap and helped hold the sticks and make the knots. Elizabeth watched in amazement. Her eyes were soft and a small smile graced her lips.
Richard noticed the look on Elizabeth’s face and nudged Bingley who was seated next to him. He motioned toward Elizabeth and whispered, “For future reference, Bingley, it seems to work both ways.”
Chapter 4
Two days later, Elizabeth and Jane waited in the sitting room for the arrival of Charlotte and Maria Lucas.
“Charlotte must be shopping for dresses.” Jane speculated as she looked out the window again. “Or perhaps a new hat?”
Elizabeth gasped in horror, “Oh, Jane, you do not suppose Mr. Collins….” She could not bring herself to say it.
Jane’s hand flew to her mouth, and her eyes grew wide. “No, Lizzy, she would not. Would she?”
“I truly hope she has not accepted Mr. Collins, but Charlotte is not a romantic and has only ever wanted a secure position and a modest home.”
When the carriage containing Charlotte and Maria finally arrived, Elizabeth and Jane were relieved to hear that the sisters were merely in town to do some shopping and to order gowns for the Twelfth Night Assembly.
“Oh, Charlotte, we were so afraid that you had accepted Mr. Collins,” said Elizabeth.
“No, Mama was afraid Mr. Collins had set his cap for Charlotte, and that is why she sent us to town,” said Maria. “Last I heard, your mother was singing Mary’s praises to Mr. Collins, and Mary seemed to be encouraging her.”
“Mary?” said both Jane and Elizabeth.
“Consider her interests.” Charlotte began enumerating them. “The pianoforte, singing, reading sermons, moralizing to everyone about everything ─ they might actually make a good match.”
“I cannot imagine anyone with our cousin, but what you have said does make sense,” admitted Elizabeth. “What other news have you from home?”
Charlotte’s visage became grave. “I will tell you, but prepare yourself for a shock. In fact, I have been instructed by your father and mine to share it with not just you and Jane, but also your aunt, your uncle, and Mr. Darcy.”
“Mr. Darcy?” exclaimed Elizabeth.
“Yes, it is most important that he hear this. Do you know how we might contact him
?”
“That shall not be hard, Charlotte. He will be calling on Lizzy this very afternoon. He has been calling every day since we arrived. Although I must own that the first meeting was only accidental and then the second was arranged by his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, but the last two days were all his own idea.” Jane smiled at Elizabeth’s blush. “I believe the Colonel, Mr. Bingley, and Miss Darcy will join him today.”
“I told you he liked you.” Charlotte gave Elizabeth a happy embrace.
“Yes, you, Jane, and my aunt,” said Elizabeth. “Everyone seemed to know but me.”
“Not just you, Elizabeth. Mr. Bingley said that he and Colonel Fitzwilliam had to push Mr. Darcy to admit he admired you. Never have I met a couple so right for each other, Charlotte, and yet so stubborn that they will not admit they like each other. It is the most peculiar thing.”
“Most peculiar.” Mrs. Gardiner gave a small laugh at Elizabeth’s scowl. “I am so glad to see you have arrived safely, my dears.” She gave both Charlotte and Maria a welcoming embrace. “Miss Maria, I do believe you become more and more the image of your mother each time I see you.”
Maria blushed at the compliment. “Thank you for allowing us to stay with you, Mrs. Gardiner.”
“It is no trouble at all,” Mrs. Gardiner assured her. “I enjoy having so many young ladies about for company.” She looked at Charlotte. “Now, I have had your things taken to your room ─ the same one as you had on your last visit. Would you prefer to freshen up or have tea first?”
Charlotte cast an uneasy glance at her sister. “As much as I would love to freshen up before tea, we have some news of an urgent and serious nature that cannot wait for such luxuries; I am afraid. I need to share it with you, your husband and Mr. Darcy. It relates to Mr. Wickham.”
Aunt Gardiner gasped as she sat heavily in a chair. “Wickham?”
“Yes.” Charlotte seated herself next to Mrs. Gardiner and took the lady’s hand. “I believe your husband sent a letter to Mr. Bennet regarding Mr. Wickham and warning him to keep his daughters away from the man.” Mrs. Gardiner nodded. “Mr. Bennet took the letter very seriously and shared the information with my father, his closest friend. He told no one else.” Charlotte looked at Jane and Elizabeth and gave them a small but knowing smile. “Lydia was not happy with her father when he refused to allow her to visit with the officers. She spoke loudly of how unfair it was that her father would not let her see the officers and how it was her uncle from town who was a friend of Mr. Darcy’s who was to blame. She spoke in great detail about the unjustness of the situation and shared her speculations about why Mr. Darcy would be so set against particular officers. She said all this while shopping one day with Maria, which is how I know it was said.”
“Mr. Wickham was in the store.” Maria’s voice trembled. “The look on his face upon hearing Lydia was frightening. I told my father about it as soon as I got home.”
Charlotte placed an arm around her sister’s shoulders and drew her close. “That was in the morning three days ago. No one has seen Mr. Wickham since.”
Aunt Gardiner’s face was ashen. She rose and paced the room. “Roberts,” she called to the butler. “Please send someone to Mr. Gardiner’s office and tell him he is needed at home as soon as possible.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Roberts bowed and went to find a messenger.
“Elizabeth, is Mr. Darcy calling this afternoon?”
“Yes, Aunt. He, his cousin, his sister and Mr. Bingley are calling. They should be here at any moment actually.”
“His sister? Oh, dear.” Mrs. Gardiner sat down once again and waved her handkerchief in front of her face.
“Aunt, is there anything we can do?” asked Elizabeth. “Would you like some wine?”
Mrs. Gardiner’s hand stilled, and her eyes regained their focus. “Yes, I believe I shall have a small glass. In fact, I shall set up some wine and port for our visit this afternoon as more than I shall need it.” With that she hurried out of the room to arrange for refreshments and wait for her husband
~*~*~*~*~*~
It was the four young ladies from Meryton that greeted their callers.
“Miss Lucas, Miss Maria, it is good to see you again,” said Bingley in his regular jovial fashion. “You know Darcy, but let me introduce you to his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and his sister, Miss Darcy. Miss Darcy, Richard, this is Miss Lucas and her sister Miss Maria from Meryton.”
“What brings you to town, Miss Lucas?” asked Mr. Darcy.
“You have not angered your mother by refusing a proposal have you?” Richard winked at Elizabeth.
“No, sir. But to be truthful, avoidance of a proposal from that very gentleman is one of the reasons my mother has shifted me to the Gardiners,” Charlotte said with a laugh.
Elizabeth laughed at the Colonel’s stunned expression. “Currently, he is considering my younger sister Mary. Perhaps my mother will be forgiving me sooner, rather than later.”
“Oh, I hope it is not too soon. We have been enjoying your company, Miss Elizabeth,” said Bingley.
“Have no fear, Mr. Bingley. Neither Jane nor I intend to run back to Meryton.”
The group was just settling into conversation when the Gardiners appeared. After making the appropriate introductions and polite greetings, Mr. Gardiner took a seat and motioned for his wife to lead the conversation.
Mrs. Gardiner gave her husband’s hand a small squeeze and then remained holding it. “Gentlemen, Miss Darcy, an account has reached us from Meryton of a very unsettling nature. Due to this news, which the Miss Lucases have been instructed to share with not only Mr. Gardiner and me, but also you, Mr. Darcy, I fear our visit this afternoon will not be a pleasant one.” She released her husband’s hand and nodded toward the wine she had set out. He gave a slight nod of acknowledgment and rose to begin pouring.
“When Jane and Elizabeth first arrived, they, in the course of our conversation, mentioned that a Mr. Wickham had been stationed in Meryton. Because of my family’s dealings with that man, I immediately had my husband write to Mr. Bennet warning him to keep his daughters away from Mr. Wickham. Thankfully, he received the news with the gravity it required and put measures in place in an attempt to protect his daughters.” Mrs. Gardiner accepted a glass of wine from her husband.
“Your family has had dealing with Mr. Wickham?” Richard asked. “They must have been of a serious nature to prompt such immediate action on the part of both your husband and Mr. Bennet?”
Mrs. Gardiner nodded. “Indeed, they were, but I will get to my family’s story in a moment. First, I would like to have Miss Lucas share what she told me earlier about an incident in Meryton.”
Elizabeth noted the exchange of hard looks that passed between Darcy and Richard as Charlotte repeated what had happened at the store, pausing to allow Maria to speak of seeing Mr. Wickham in the store.
“And no one has seen him for three days?” asked Richard.
“That is correct,” said Charlotte.
“And you believe he may come to town to see Darcy because a young girl has been denied his company and he believes Darcy is spreading tales about him?”
“Yes, in a matter of speaking, I suppose you could state it that way, Colonel,” said Mr. Gardiner. “However, our concerns go further than that. Our nieces are known to both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham.”
“Mr. Wickham knew of Jane and Elizabeth visiting their uncle. Had he not known, Lydia’s complaining would have alerted him to that fact.” Charlotte looked to Mrs. Gardiner and then Elizabeth. “She did not just mention Mr. Darcy’s name. She also mentioned Elizabeth and said she did not see how Lizzy could abide being friends with such an unpleasant gentleman.”
This information brought a greater understanding of the situation not only to the gentlemen but also to Elizabeth. “You…you fear for our safety, Uncle?”
“We do.”
“And your dealings with him, Mrs. Gardiner?” Richard leaned forward in his chair.
“I had a niece named Elise Cooke. She was the daughter of my eldest sister.” She turned to Mr. Darcy. “You may remember her. She was fortunate to gain a position caring for your mother during her illness.”
Darcy’s brows furrowed. “I believe I do remember her. She was very kind to both Georgiana and me. She actually spoke to me when I asked her about my mother. And she comforted my sister with songs and stories on many occasions.”
Mrs. Gardiner smiled sadly. “Elise found her duties well-suited to her generous and gentle nature. It was that nature combined with her beauty which drew young men to seek her attention. One of those young men was Mr. Wickham.”
Darcy’s face blanched and dread gripped his heart. Wickham and young maids had never been a good combination.
“But, Elise knew of Mr. Wickham’s reputation. She had been warned both of his habits and his charm. As a result, when he tried to draw her into conversation, she was civil but did not allow herself to be taken in by his pleasing manners and his smooth tongue. However, instead of being put off by her dismissals, he seemed to find them a challenge to be overcome.” She paused and darted a quick glance at her husband who nodded his encouragement. “I am aware that the remainder of my tale is truly not fit for maidenly ears, and it is not my wish to be indelicate. I will not excuse my nieces from this discussion, but I would understand if Miss Darcy or Miss Maria were to be asked to leave the room. There are many books, even a few novels, in my husband’s study that might be entertaining.” She lifted an impertinent eyebrow and smiled at the two young girls before directing a questioning look to both Charlotte and Darcy.
Charlotte shook her head. “Maria already knows the content of your letter to Mr. Bennet.”
Darcy looked at his sister. He knew she was far better acquainted with the devious nature of a man such as Wickham than most girls her age. “Do you wish to remain?” he asked.