She watched as he reached up with his cane and rapped on the roof of the coach. He looked at her as the coach drew to a halt.
“So, how far down the road is your aunt’s home? I would not let you walk too far.”
She smiled at that. “It is quite close to the corner, sir. It bears the number twenty-three. So you will see it is not too far for me to manage.”
The coach had drawn into the side of the road, and the coachman was waiting outside the door. Mr. Darcy opened the door and spoke to him.
The man tipped his hat and nodded, before climbing back onto his seat.
Mr. Darcy sat back. “I have instructed him to stop just before turning into Gracechurch Street.” He looked at her. “You do know you might have some explaining to do to the housekeeper when she opens the door?” He sounded amused. “Your appearance is not what they might expect.”
Elizabeth began to laugh, but it turned to a cough.
“I am most sorry.” Mr. Darcy became solemn immediately. “Please take great care of yourself, Miss Bennet.”
“I will, sir.” Elizabeth could hardly wait to be safely at her aunt’s home and out of being indebted to Mr. Darcy, but she also felt a strange feeling of loss building inside her at the thought of leaving him.
It was almost empty, the small alleyway where the coach stopped next. She stopped him from getting out.
“No. Please, Mr. Darcy. It will attract much attention if anyone sees you, rather than if they only see me.”
“But I wish to ensure …”
“Mr. Darcy, I wish to attract little attention, and I have not far to go. I am most grateful for what you have already done.” She put as much strength and firmness into her voice as she could. “Goodbye.”
As she stepped down into the chill London air, she struggled not to cough. She must control it, must not give him any reason to prevent her making her own way down the street. She wondered why she was making so much of getting there alone. She hadn’t really done that, for without his assistance, she would still be back on the road and in very great trouble.
She looked carefully around her as she stepped into the thronging crowds of Gracechurch Street and turned left. She walked slowly, keeping her head down, her arms crossed protectively across her chest.
It took her a while, for she stopped often and looked around, making sure her breathing didn’t become laboured.
And so, as she came close to the house, she saw her father and Mr. Collins before they saw her. Deep in discussion, they stood across the road, quite plainly expecting her to seek refuge there.
Instantly, she turned her face away from them. What were they intending? How would they try to take her away in such a crowd?
Hastily, she started walking back the way she had come from. At first she thought she must try and find the entrance to the stable and enter by the servant’s entrance to find her aunt.
Then she shook her head. She thought that they must have prevailed upon her aunt somehow, perhaps made her believe that her betrothal to Mr. Collins was the best thing for her.
Now she dare not approach her aunt. As the thought settled, a darkness seemed to fill her. How would she fare in this world where she knew no family who would or could help her?
She tried to slip unseen through the crowds, happy that they were shielding her from her father, a sense of his betrayal of her making her angry rather than concerned for him.
Someone grabbed at her arm as she turned the corner.
“What have we here?” sneered a common voice, and her heart bounded in fear. She was discovered.
“A proper lady, no doubt. A lady trying to run away.” The voice was triumphant and his hand tightened on her.
“Let me go! Let me go!” she pulled away, but he dragged her back towards him easily.
“Not so fast, little lady. I can hide you from whoever it is you’re running away from.” He began to pull her down the alleyway. “You come this way, milady.” His laugh sent a shiver of fear down her.
“I won’t! You let me go! I will not come with you.” Fear coiled within her and started her coughing, a deep, rasping cough and she couldn’t catch her breath, so he was able to easily drag her further along the lane.
“You mustn’t worry about a thing, milady.” He tugged her on viciously. “I’ve got the perfect way for you to earn your board and keep.” His coarse laugh entered her very soul. “The gentlemen will all love you, no doubt about it.”
He reached some steps and pushed at a door. “You can start work today — as soon as you’ve cleaned up a bit.”
She tried to pull herself away, fear and the cough sending her throat as dry as when she’d felt herself surrounded by the flames.
Chapter 19
Mr. Darcy hurried along the road, pushing through the crowds of people, trying to keep her in sight. Gracechurch Street was a prosperous place, not at all like much of London, but it was a trading area, and on a working day, the numbers using it swelled tremendously.
She had been keeping to the edge of the houses, trying to creep along and not be observed too much, when she had suddenly turned and hurried off, her whole demeanour afraid.
Mr. Darcy stopped and looked over the crowds, trying to see what had disturbed her. He saw Bennet and Collins and his anger had him standing and staring at them as rage rose within him. They were hunting her down like a dog, not accepting her own wishes and wants for her future.
Angrily, he turned and looked around for her. He would follow her and offer again whatever she would accept, marriage or employment, the choice would be hers.
She was gone. In that moment, she had gone. Vanished from sight.
Chapter 20
Instantly, he forgot all but his need to find her.
Hurriedly he pushed his way through the crowds to where he had last seen her. When he reached there, he saw a tiny, dark alley just ahead.
Halfway down a man was dragging her through a doorway; she was almost off her feet, trying to fight back, gasping for breath, her hand clawing at the brickwork.
The man swore, reached forward and struck her.
Darcy never knew how he reached them in such few strides.
“Unhand her, you cur!” His fist struck the man’s face, and a shriek of pain and rage rang out.
Darcy reached over and took Elizabeth’s arm. Her tear-streaked face looked up at him, terrified.
“Sir! Take care!”
He swung round, his cane in his hand this time, and slashed the man across the face and shoulder. As he screamed and staggered backwards, Darcy turned back to Elizabeth.
“Come with me.” He lifted her to her feet, and she leaned against him, trembling.
He glanced around. There were several men there, but not enough, he judged, to be brave enough to risk a fight.
“Call the constable!” He called out to them. “We will find him again by the wound he bears. He will hang for this.”
She trembled against him even more, but his words had their desired effect and everyone melted away.
“Come, Elizabeth, you are safe now.” He didn’t even realise he had used her given name until she looked up at him, startled.
He smiled. “My footman will find us very soon. The coach is driving up and down the road until I summon them.” He looked back out to the brightness that was the road. “They will be surprised not to have me in sight.” He helped her walk towards the end of the alleyway.
She sighed. “I have failed at this just as I failed to walk here alone.” Her voice was hoarse and scratchy.
He chuckled humourlessly. “I think you are unwell. I have no doubt that if you had been properly fit you would have been able to give a more spirited account of yourself.” He sobered.
“But, Elizabeth, you are a lady. Being alone is a terrible risk.”
“I know that. Even more so, now.” She shuddered. “I never thought my father would pursue me here. He must be very sure that I can be persuaded.”
She looked up at him,
her face desperate. “I thought I would rather die than marry Mr. Collins. But when that man dragged me away, I thought there are other things that are worse than death.”
They were at the entrance to the street now and attracting curious stares. Mr. Darcy glanced behind them. The alley was clear. He stepped forward to hide too much sight of her with his own body and was much relieved when he saw his coach patrolling the street. It was moving towards them.
He signalled with his cane, and the coachman pulled over close to them, scattering the bystanders. The footmen leapt down and one opened the door and the other pushed his way through to them.
“How may I assist, sir?”
“Push the people back further,” Darcy growled, and as soon as he had some room, he guided her up and into the coach. He climbed in too, and the door was slammed shut, the whip-crack of the coachman only having left a moment for the footmen to have regained their seats outside.
Darcy reached across and drew the privacy blinds down. Elizabeth had her head in her hands, and he was very conscious that she looked so very small and alone.
He dare not reach out to her, she had been physically abused when the pimp had dragged her away, tried to abduct her. That would surely make her fear uninvited contact. But she must be very lonely.
“So much has happened to you today, Miss Bennet. I am so very grieved for you.” He considered her.
“I only wish to help, and not to cause you any more anxiety. Please tell me how I may help you.”
She stirred and looked up. Even through the grimy tear-stains and the white pinched exhausted features, she was a lady, though and through.
“You have already helped me, more than I can ever say. I am just so sorry to have placed you in such an invidious position, sir.”
He smiled, as gently as he could. “You have not placed me in it, Miss Bennet. I believe it is my doing entirely.”
Her lips twitched. “You are very kind, sir.” She glanced at the drawn blinds. “Where are we going?”
He hesitated. “We will go to my London residence. There I can keep you safe while you rest. I will call my physician to see you. You will rest for several days.” He made his voice quite firm. “Only then will you be able to decide what you wish to do.”
She nodded, quite obviously too exhausted to think further, and leaned back against the seat.
At his home, he summoned his housekeeper and told her to ready a guest room close to his sister’s room, allocate Miss Bennet a maid, and prepare a light meal for her.
She sat on the chair in the hall, quietly waiting. He turned to her.
“May I send for some tea while your room is being prepared? It will not be long, as we keep them ready at all times. It is just the flowers that need to be sent up.”
“You are most kind, sir. But I believe I would just like a glass of water.”
“Of course.” He glanced at the clock. “Would you like to retire now, or should I summon the physician?”
She shook her head. “I have the medicine still from the apothecary. If it will stop me coughing, I shall sleep very well.” She looked across the hall at the housekeeper.
“I believe my room is ready. It is most kind of you to accommodate me.” She pushed herself to her feet and curtsied. “Goodnight, sir.”
He bowed, trying not to think of how incongruous her curtsy looked while she was dressed in men’s clothing.
“Goodnight, Miss Bennet. If you want anything at all, send the maid for Miss Darcy. She will assist you in any way she can.”
“Oh, is she here?” her face lightened. “I am glad.” She hesitated.
“Perhaps I should wait and see her for a few moments. I have not yet been introduced.”
“Do not be concerned. I will explain to her how tired you are and she will be able to see you in the morning.”
He watched as the housekeeper took her upstairs. She clung to the bannister as if she was afraid she would fall.
As she turned onto the landing and moved out of sight, he sighed and moved into his library.
“Whisky.” He spoke to the footman. He needed a drink like he never had before.
Chapter 21
So very much had happened since that morning when he’d left here early with Bingley.
“Thank you.” He took the glass from the footman. “Please send Miss Darcy’s maid to her to say that I am home, and arrange a few cuts in the dining room since I have missed dinner.”
The footman bowed and left the room. Mr. Darcy looked at his glass. Never was a drink so warmly welcome. He thought back to when he saw her about to be dragged through the doorway.
He shuddered. Another instant and she would have been gone from sight. He might never have known where she was, never been able to find her.
No, he dared not lose her. He must marry her, must persuade her to agree. He put down the empty glass. But he must not make her feel forced or obliged. He knew from the risks she had been prepared to take just how much she valued the freedom to make her own choices.
He moved to the fireplace and stared down at the darkened coals. He wondered if she’d really known the risks that she was taking.
Maybe she would have been able to do this if she had not been caught in the fire. He shrugged. But she had no money. How would she have eaten, found shelter when she travelled nearer the town?
And even after finding employment, she would be fair game for many employers. It was possible that she would find a kind home, but also entirely likely that she might be used and abused, thrown out if she became with child.
He shuddered and turned away from his thoughts. She would not fare well under such circumstances. The fine wit and spirit that he so admired would soon be gone, used up in poverty and toil, her beauty scarred by exhaustion and resignation.
As he turned, he saw his sister outlined in the doorway.
“Georgiana.” He bowed and moved towards her.
“Fitzwilliam.” She curtsied in return. “You look very tired, dear brother.”
He looked at her. She was growing into a delightful young woman, and he knew that although he still saw her as a child, he needed to begin to tell her some of his affairs. He was sure that the dreadful affair in Ramsgate the previous year had been partly because he had sheltered her too much from the risks of the world.
“Would you be kind enough to join me in the dining room while I partake of a late supper, or are you too fatigued?”
“I would be happy to join you.” She walked demurely beside him, and he began to wonder what he should say to her of their guest.
He held her chair for her and heaped his plate with food. Now Elizabeth was safe, he felt ravenously hungry.
“I am sorry I did not return in time for dinner and you had to dine alone.”
She bowed her head. “I knew you must have been engaged on something important.”
“Yes.” He cleared his throat, not knowing how to begin to tell her.
But she was looking at him, her face curious. “So who is this lady you brought home with you, Fitzwilliam?”
She knew. He swallowed. He had to start somewhere. “I recall we talked at dinner last night with our guests about the ball Mr. Bingley hosted at Netherfield. Do you remember the name Miss Bennet being mentioned?”
Georgiana’s eyes sparkled. “Yes. I remember Miss Bingley seems quite determined to separate her brother from Miss Bennet.” She smiled. “I formed the impression that she is not approved of.”
Mr. Darcy scowled. “Yes. Well, I think Mr. Bingley is able to form his own opinion. And rather than it being Miss Jane Bennet in particular, I think it is the family that does not meet with her approval. Anyway.” He cleared his throat. “There are five sisters. Miss Bennet’s next sister in age is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” He hesitated. “She is our guest for the next few days.” He looked at his sister. “Do you think you could be kind to her, assist her to feel at home here?”
He stood up, his appetite fading. “She has had a difficult few d
ays and has been in some considerable danger. I wish her to feel safe here and ensure she takes several days’ rest, so she may have time to consider what she wishes to do.” He smiled, feeling anxious. “I think you will like her, she has a friendly disposition.”
Georgiana placed a hand on his arm. “Do not be concerned, brother. I will do my best to assist her to feel at home.” Her eyes were thoughtful, but, to his relief she asked no questions.
“Thank you.” He hesitated, but she deserved the truth. “In the course of my ensuring she was safe, I must tell you that she has been severely compromised.” He watched as her eyes widened and she looked fearful.
He took her hand. “Please do not concern yourself, Georgiana. I knew it was entirely possible that it would become necessary, and I was conscious of it. I — would be delighted if she were to accept an offer.” He made a rueful face. “But she is a lady who knows her own mind. I think she will refuse.”
“Refuse you?” Georgiana sounded incredulous.
He smiled. “She has an independent air and a ready wit which I find captivating. But I think she will not find her choices easy just now. I believe she might tell you …”
He frowned and went to the doorway, having heard a thunderous knock on the front door.
He stood there, watching as the footman answered. An express post! He went forward and took the letter from the servant and returned to the dining room.
He broke the seal and read quickly, sensing his sister’s eyes on him.
Bingley had returned to Netherfield Park, from where he had ridden to Longbourn to call upon Miss Bennet. Of course, he hadn’t known Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins had gone to London.
Dear Darcy,
I thought you would need to know the state of affairs I have discovered at Longbourn because it might affect your actions.
I rode straight there, only stopping at Netherfield Park to arrange a groom to ride with me. I felt it was important that the family be aware that I was not afraid to stake my claim, as it were, to Miss Bennet’s affections.
Compromise and Obligation: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation Page 8