Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love
Page 23
William’s deliberations were suddenly interrupted by an enthusiastic greeting.
“Darcy! What luck to find you available! Your servants are tyrants when it comes to interrupting you whilst you are at work. However, even Mr. Barnes could not deny me access with the door standing wide open. Besides, a footman let me in and I got ahead of your dutiful butler!”
The man in question hurried into the room at that very moment, looking very embarrassed. “Excuse me sir, I was answering Miss Georgiana’s summons and was not aware that Mr. Bingley had arrived,” Barnes cut his eyes to Charles as he was very perturbed not to have announced him.
“There was no harm done! Carry on.”
The butler backed to the door, bowing slightly before he exited. “Yes, sir.”
Bingley’s attention was on the servant and when he turned to see William’s scowl, he sobered. “Have I come at a bad time? Would you rather I return another day?”
“No, Charles,” William replied, taking this opportunity to stand and stretch his weary body. He had been so focused in his efforts to listen to what was happening in the rest of the house that he was totally unaware of how tightly his muscles had coiled. “I was just shocked to see you; that is all. I thought you were still in Liverpool.”
“I left Liverpool so quickly that there was no time to send a letter. I just wanted to get back to London and obtain your perspective on my troubles.”
William sat back down and waved towards a chair. “Have a seat.”
“Do you not wish me to close the door first?”
“Actually, I would rather you leave it open for now.”
Bingley’s brow furrowed. It was not like Darcy to talk business with the door open. “As you wish.”
Meanwhile William inspected his friend. “From the looks of you, I would say you came directly here without going home. Is it that important?”
“I did and yes it is! Mr. Carter has located the last ship that was reported lost.”
“Located it? Where?”
“Docked in Bristol Harbour.”
“How singular! So it was not lost at sea.”
“No. Apparently it has been in Bristol since it arrived in England under another name.”
“Then how was he able to locate it if the name was changed?”
“It seems Humphrey Grier is still the ship’s captain. He had not bothered to change his name. Carter located him which led to the ship. In fact, Grier was so confident of not being discovered that he was readying the ship for another voyage. Nonetheless, with help from a disgruntled sailor, Mr. Carter was able to prove that the ship had been sailing under another name and got an order from the local magistrate seizing it until all claims are settled.”
“And your goods?”
“The ship’s manifests were still in the captain’s quarters under the original name of the ship—that is the evidence Carter has in his possession. However, as of his last letter, he has not found the bills of lading to ascertain where the goods were delivered.”
“I have a distant cousin in Bristol who is a barrister. I am sure that at my request he will assist you. I shall write to him today.”
“Thank you, Darcy. I was confident that you would know someone in Bristol that I could rely on. You have friends and relations under every rock in England.”
“Not every rock, Charles,” William answered dryly.
“Well, very near every one,” Bingley declared, his eyes twinkling.
Just at that moment the sounds of lively female conversation caught both men’s attention. Without a word to Charles, William jumped up and practically ran to the door and out into the hall. Quickly recovering from the shock of his friend’s sudden departure, Bingley followed, catching up with William when he stopped near the grand staircase.
“What is it, Darcy?” Charles whispered, curious as to what emergency spurred his friend to act so swiftly.
“Shhh!” William cautioned, bringing a finger to his lips. His anxious expression did nothing to assure Charles that all was well.
Suddenly, a group of ladies rounded the opposite side of the staircase. Ignoring them, William quickly faced Charles, his back to the group as he proclaimed loudly, “Charles, I certainly understand your desire to get home and rest since you have been on the road for so long. I shall see you tomorrow then?”
Despite being caught unawares, Charles quickly picked up the charade. “Yes, Darcy. I appreciate the invitation to dine, but I must go home and wash the dust off. And our business can certainly wait until tomorrow.”
William winked at Charles when Georgiana exclaimed from behind, “Brother?”
He turned, hoping his innocent look was convincing. “I hope I have not interrupted your visit. I was just seeing Mr. Bingley to the door. I believe you have all met.” His eyes, now pitch black with longing, unsurprisingly drifted to Elizabeth and stayed on her while he spoke. “I am so very pleased that you ladies accepted my sister’s invitation—Lady Holmes, Lady Wilkens… Miss Bennet.” Her name was uttered in a lower tone, almost as a prayer. “It is a pleasure to have you in my home.”
As he addressed each woman in turn, William made a show of taking their hand. He ended up holding Elizabeth’s, and held it a little longer than proper. Lady Holmes did not notice his partiality as she was still spellbound by his attentiveness; after all, Mr. Darcy was a strikingly handsome man and cut a fine figure. For her part, Lady Wilkens had felt his magnetism so intensely that she had followed his progress as he moved to stand before Elizabeth. She was perplexed that Elizabeth seemed so affected she could not speak, and was pondering the significance of that when Bingley stepped forward to break the spell.
“Miss Bennet! Upon my word, it is good to see you again. What are you doing in London?” Charles’ declaration caused William to let go of Elizabeth’s hand and step back. Recovering her composure Elizabeth turned, warily studying the gentleman who had deserted Jane.
“I am visiting with my aunt and uncle in Cheapside, though this week they are out of Town, so I am staying with Lord and Lady Holmes,” she swept a hand towards Alfreda, “as a guest of Lady Wilkens.”
“And your sister, Jane? Is she also in London?”
“No. Jane has not left Meryton since Mr. Darcy summoned you from Netherfield.”
William and Audrey Ashcroft exchanged knowing glances. It was obvious that Elizabeth was testing her theory as to why Charles had deserted Meryton. Oblivious to it all, Charles acquitted himself and William without realising it.
“Darcy sent for me?” He chuckled aloud. “Oh my, I can just imagine it might have looked that way. But, actually he was just passing along a message from my solicitor. You see, one of the ships that transport my dry goods was reported lost.”
Elizabeth’s voice could barely be heard. “Lost? Lost at sea?”
“Exactly! And this was the second one! In fact, I have spent the better part of the last few weeks in Liverpool, assessing my warehouse there in light of the fact that there will be no new items delivered for quite some time. And, I have just today returned to London.”
“I… I see,” Elizabeth said hoarsely, glancing nervously at William. She found herself trying to make sense of the look on his face.
Audrey Ashcroft nodded to her nephew before addressing Elizabeth. “Fitzwilliam often advises his friends on business matters.”
Bingley laughed. “Yes, milady. I am afraid I would have made many an error in judgement without his help.”
William stiffened at the praise. “Please, that is enough tribute. I did nothing extraordinary. Beyond advising him whom to contact, there was nothing he could not have handled.” Then addressing Charles, he stated, “I shall expect you in the morning then, at eight?”
“Eight, it is!” Bingley turned to the ladies. “Lady Ashcroft, Lady Holmes, Lady Wilkens, Miss Darcy, it is always a pleasure. Miss Bennet, I hope to talk with you again soon, as I intend on returning to Netherfield, and I would like to know your thoughts on the matter.”
“I shall do that!” Charles exclaimed, donning his hat and giving it a pat. “I bid you all adieu.”
Only seconds after Charles had gone, the women began their farewells. William was still in a daze, digesting the news that Elizabeth was accompanying Lady Wilkens to Ramsgate, the location of their family estate. He was very aware that this meant that she was most likely going to accept Wilkens offer of marriage.
Audrey Ashcroft was giving instructions for a footman to summon the carriage, while Mr. Barnes came forward with the ladies cloaks and a maid handed them their gloves. She managed a quick glance to a stricken William, as she directed everyone onto the portico. Georgiana led the way and the visitors followed. Elizabeth hesitated only a second before she, too, walked out the door.
William could not let her leave without a word, so he called out, “Miss Bennet, I think you forgot something.”
Elizabeth turned, taking a few steps back. His aunt engaged Lady Holmes and Alfreda Wilkens in conversation as she quickly took Elizabeth’s place and followed them onto the portico, partially shutting the door behind. Effectively this left Elizabeth in the foyer and out of view and hearing of the others.
William stepped closer, his emotions soaring at the nearness of her. Several dark curls had defied her bonnet and he yearned to untie the offending object and bury his fingers in her unruly mane. Instead, he lost himself in the two dark brown orbs now studying him. Clasping her hands, he intended to pull her into an embrace.
Her voice was breathless as she resisted, “Sir, I do not think that I forgot—”
She ceased speaking when William stopped to bring first one then the other of her hands to his lips, kissing both with great deliberation. His voice was rough with emotion as he whispered, “Forgive me. I know that I have no right, but your presence in my home has made me so very happy, Elizabeth.”
Lowering her eyes as they filled with tears, she replied, “You should not call me—”
“Please do not forbid me,” He pleaded, bringing her hands to his heart. “I felt I must take this opportunity to tell you how I feel—how I have felt about you since the first time I saw you. I can no longer deny my love for you. I love you… most ardently.”
Seeing his eyes ablaze with hunger, Elizabeth entwined her fingers with his and pressed them tenderly. And as she met and held his gaze, tears escaped despite her attempt to hold them.
“You cannot imagine how deeply those words gladden my heart, Fitzwilliam… indeed, my very soul. So often my circumstances have caused me to despair, but to be assured that you love me… love me as I love you—” Her voice softened as his grasp strengthened. “Nonetheless, the truth is that you are married and I… I do not have the power to choose my future. I hope you will find some comfort in knowing that you will always own my heart.” Her voice broke at the last few words, and she pulled from his grasp to hurry from the house.
Her words were like a knife sinking into his heart and unsure if he could endure such pain, William moved unsteadily to stand in the shadows just inside the open entrance. He would bear any anguish just to observe her until the very last moment. And suffer he did, for at the bottom of the steps, Georgiana was embracing Elizabeth in the manner that he had longed to do since he had first laid eyes on her.
Lady Ashcroft stood next to the carriage, addressing each woman before they entered, and when only Elizabeth remained, she gently placed a hand on each shoulder and searched the face of the woman her nephew loved. It was evident that this young lady was suffering just as desperately as Fitzwilliam.
“I am so glad you came, Miss Elizabeth. It was as though you were destined to be here,” she said softly. Elizabeth’s eyes filled quickly as she turned and entered the carriage. Both hostesses waved until the conveyance was out of sight, and as they mounted the steps, Lady Ashcroft whispered to Georgiana, “I wish to speak privately with your brother, dear.”
Entering the house, the hurt on her brother’s face was unmistakable, so Georgiana ran to place a kiss on his cheek and, without a word, climbed the grand staircase to her room.
Lady Ashcroft waited until Georgiana was out of sight before walking over to William. Reaching up to cup his cheek, she murmured, “We need to talk.”
They returned to the parlour where William walked woodenly to an overstuffed sofa and sat down. Moving to the liquor cabinet, his aunt poured a measure of brandy and handed it to him.
“Drink this.”
He complied, drinking it all at once.
“Another?” He nodded, so she poured a like amount into his glass, which he downed in one gulp as well. “That is enough.”
She sat next to him, taking his hand in hers. “I know this was not easy for you. But, I was heartened to see that it was not easy for Elizabeth either. Tell me, was she receptive at all?”
“I could not tell. I have no experience in judging women. I told her that I was happy to have her in my home… that I love her. She said that she felt the same way.”
“I knew it!”
“In hindsight, I should not have confronted her. I had vowed to let it be, but the moment I knew she was to be in my home—” He dropped his head with a ragged sigh. “I made her cry.”
“Do not torture yourself. Tears are not always a bad sign. At least you are certain that she loves you.”
“But, she also reminded me that she could not choose whom to love. Was it cruel to force a meeting?”
“Well, I am a woman, and I know that a woman in love will often do whatever it takes to be with the man she loves. Let her be the judge of what she wants.”
“But you heard her say that she is going to Ramsgate with Alfreda Wilkens. That means she will be with him!”
“Unfortunately, that is so. Penelope Holmes told me that John Wilkens travelled ahead to handle some estate matters. Alfreda and Elizabeth will leave so as to arrive in time for their aunt, Lady Hawthorne’s, birthday.”
“Wilkens brags to all that will listen that he will inherit all her wealth when she dies.”
“And I can just imagine that he cannot wait until she does. Nonetheless, Violet Hawthorne is an old friend of mine.”
“I was not aware of that.”
“And since Georgiana and I will also be travelling to Ramsgate next week in order for her to take art lessons, we shall be guests of Lady Hawthorne. So I will be able to watch over your Elizabeth while I am there.”
William perked up a bit. “You will see that she is well whilst she is in Ramsgate?”
“I shall make it my business to call on her often. And since she and Georgiana are good friends now, it would not be unusual for them to spend a good deal of time in each other’s company.”
“I pray you can influence Elizabeth not to succumb to pressure and agree to marry that miscreant! Even if she does not wait for me, she is too good for him.”
“I shall do my best, Fitzwilliam.” She squeezed his hand. “Now, what say you to explaining your relationship with Elizabeth to Georgiana? She suspects that you have feelings for one another, and it is my opinion that she needs to know what has transpired between the two of you.”
“Is she old enough to know of such things?”
“She is a lot more aware than you realise. And it is better for her to hear the truth from you than rumours and gossip from someone else.” She stood and reached for William’s hand. “She trusts you. Tell her the truth.”
William stood and embraced his aunt. “I am told that I do not have a talent for expressing myself well. But I thank God every day that He sent you to me when Mother died. I do not think I could have survived these last two years without your support.”
Audrey Ashcroft pulled back to look into his face as tears threatened. “I do not know where you got the idea that you cannot express yourself. You just did very wel
l.”
She pecked his cheek and pushed him playfully towards the door. “Go. Before you turn back into the old Fitzwilliam—the one who keeps all his secrets hidden.”
William stopped at the parlour door and looked back. “It still uplifts my spirits when you sound just like Mother.”
She smiled lovingly. “I am glad.”
~~~*~~~
In The Holmes’ Carriage
Lady Holmes seemed lost in a world of her own as she watched the world from the window of her carriage and reminisced about the pleasant experience she had just had at Darcy House. Alfreda Wilkens’ thoughts, however, were of an entirely different nature.
Though she had enjoyed the day with Georgiana Darcy and her aunt, she was not blind to the way Mr. Darcy had looked at Elizabeth when they encountered him in the foyer. Furthermore, she could not help but wonder at his calling Elizabeth back into the house under the guise that she had left something behind.
Was he only creating an opportunity to talk with her alone? And if so, why?
Elizabeth, who was staring out the window on the other side of the carriage, seemed to have suddenly changed moods as well. From being quite gay when they left the music room minutes before, she now seemed sullen, even sad.
“Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth cut her eyes to Alfreda, hoping that if she did not fully turn she might not notice the tears pooled in them. She waited for Alfreda’s question.
“What was it that you left in the foyer?”
Elizabeth held up her gloves. “I dropped one of my gloves.”
“Oh.” Alfreda was almost sure that Elizabeth had both her gloves when she came to the door.
Seeing the unbelief in her friend’s eye, Elizabeth offered. “I… I thought I had them both, but one fell from my grip.”