by Brenda Webb
“Elizabeth?”
It was not until she realised that the voice belonged to William, that her heart began to beat again. Bringing her hands to her chest, she exclaimed with relief, “Fitzwilliam, you frightened me half to death!”
“Forgive me, my love. I confess I have been propped against that oak for the last hour. I must have closed my eyes for a moment and did not realise that you had come until you were upon me.”
While he was expressing his regret, Elizabeth bent down to retrieve the bonnet she had dropped in her surprise, and the ring that she wore inside her décolletage fell from its hiding place. As was her habit, she toyed with it as she rose to face him. The signet was a great source of comfort when they were apart, and she meant to tell him so. However, upon seeing how his expression had changed to one of alarm, all that she wished to say escaped her.
“What in heaven’s name are you doing in this park before daylight? And where is your escort? You led me to believe that a footman always accompanied you on your walks. You do realise that Wickham is still free and could be in London this very minute?!”
Elizabeth bristled, slipping the ring back into its hiding place. Indignantly she replied, “It is raining so there will be no daylight this morning. And since it is very early, there was no footman about, and I was not about to awaken one.”
William stepped forward to take her in his arms, holding her a little too tightly. He was relieved when she did not resist. He missed her ardently, so much so that he was almost ill whenever he thought of not seeing her whenever he wished. And since she was no longer staying with him, her safety was a constant worry as well. Nevertheless, the minute she became irritated, he regretted his words. He had no wish to disagree with her today of all days, as this could likely be their last meeting for some time.
Eager to calm the situation, he murmured in her ear, “Please forgive me if I spoke too harshly. It is only because I love you so dearly that I implore you to be careful. I cannot sleep now that you are no longer under my roof. How can I possibly survive if something happened to you? Surely, you realise that that is the reason for my censure?”
Elizabeth relaxed in his arms. “Forgive my fit of pique. I recognize that you are upset because you are worried for my wellbeing. It is only…” She sighed heavily. “I confess that my mother’s attacks have left me sensitive to criticism, any criticism, whether justified or not.”
“Was she very unforgiving?”
Elizabeth nodded against his chest, and he kissed the top of her head and rested his cheek there.
“I promise to work as zealously as possible to obtain a divorce, and just as soon as I have opportunity, I shall travel to Netherfield so that we can be together.”
Elizabeth sought his face. “Do you suppose Papa will let us see one another once you are in Meryton?”
“I pray that he will. Else we shall have to meet clandestinely. But be forewarned, I shall not be gainsaid on this matter. I cannot live without seeing you.” He steadied her chin with one finger, and all the love he felt in his heart now shone in his eyes. “I love you, Elizabeth Bennet. You are precious to me— a light in the darkness of my soul.”
She had sworn not to cry, but at this sweet avowal, tears rolled down her cheeks. “I love you just as fiercely.”
Relaxing into him, her hands slid inside his coat to his back, while his hands pressed her hips to his. A delicious throng of sensations ensued, and his desire for her became more evident as she sunk her fingertips into his skin, saying softly, “Never stop loving me.”
Instantly their lips were joined, the bond becoming more urgent as the kiss intensified. It was as though both sought the strength to survive the coming separation in that one kiss. Freed from traditional fetters, their hands found forbidden places and desire crushed William’s vaulted self-control. It was only when his horse whinnied, startling them both, that the spell was broken.
Opening his eyes and finding no one else in sight, he feathered less fervent kisses down Elizabeth’s face and throat before laying his head atop hers. With a half-breathless murmur of amazement and incredulity he whispered, “Do you know how much I adore you, my darling? I fear I have not the words to express it.”
Her face was buried in the crook of his neck and she placed a gentle kiss there. “In my opinion, you express yourself faultlessly.”
Lost once more in a satisfying embrace, it was some time before William walked Elizabeth back to the gate where she had entered the park. Pleased that they had encountered no one, as they reached the wrought-iron gate he leaned in for one last chaste kiss. Then, he stood guard as Elizabeth made her way back to the entrance of her uncle’s residence. At the doorstep, she smiled and waved, then entered the house.
For what seemed like an eternity, William did not budge but kept his eyes fixed on the door. Finally, convinced that she was safe, he turned and made his way back to the tree where he had tied his horse. And by the time he was nearing Grosvenor Square, he had come to a conclusion. He would assign several of his servants to keep Elizabeth under surveillance without telling her. Knowing the woman he loved, she would not be pleased, and most likely Mr. Bennet would take offense if he learned of it. But, at least it would give him some peace of mind.
Inside the Gardiner’s residence, Elizabeth was resigned to the fact that most likely she would not see Fitzwilliam again before she left for Hertfordshire. There was no doubt that her family would rise early tomorrow, and she would not be able to slip out of the house unnoticed. Thus, with a heavy heart, she entered the empty parlour and sank down onto one of the settees. At least the silence was a welcome respite.
As she reflected on all that had just transpired while her family slept, she began to pine for him and reached for the token of his affection. But it was not there! And neither was the necklace! Fitzwilliam’s ring!
Instantly, Elizabeth was on her feet. She searched the parlour and retraced her path to the front door. Finding nothing, she ran out of the house, heading towards the gate with her eyes glued to the ground. Once she had gained the park, she immediately set off down the path they had walked only minutes before. When she reached the spot where she had dropped the bonnet, she spied the chain and ring lying next to each other on the gravel path. Relieved, she picked them up and kissed the ring before sliding both into the pocket of her skirt.
Intent on going back to her uncle’s home before she was missed, Elizabeth stood and was smoothing her dress, when a hand came from behind to cover her eyes at the same time a rag was shoved into her mouth. Strong arms held her immobile as a scarf was tied around her head, covering her eyes. Though she tried to struggle, she was no match for the blackguards who held her, and a rope was quickly secured around her hands and her feet.
She felt the sensation of being lifted and tossed over a man’s shoulder. Kicking and twisting, her heart was beating frantically by the time she was lowered into the door of a coach. Hands from within the vehicle pulled her forward and then shoved her into one corner.
The voice of an old woman exclaimed cheerily, “No need ta be fight’n us, dearie! It will set better if ya mind ya manners and sit still.”
Lizzy’s mind whirled with possibilities. Was she the random prey of a group of cutthroats that inhabited London? Or was her capture Wickham’s doing as Fitzwilliam had predicted? Would she be held for ransom or killed? And how long would it take for her family to realise she was not in the house but taken prisoner? Worst of all, how would Fitzwilliam react when he learned that she was missing? Her heart ached at the thought.
~~~*~~~
Nearing Hyde Park
Inside a coach
By insisting that they carry out his plans despite the rain, George Wickham had borne many complaints from his cohorts that morning. Reaching the park before dawn, he had been hopeful of catching Darcy’s purported lover during one of her usual early morning walks. What he had not counted on was finding her already in the park—with Darcy. In fact, he and Grady, Gisela’s serva
nt, had almost been discovered when they stumbled upon his nemesis’ horse and spooked the creature, causing it to whinny. At the noise, Darcy had searched the area with his eyes, but they had managed to stay hidden in the shadows. Only the fact that the lovers were engaged in more pleasurable pursuits prevented Darcy from being more inquisitive and discovering them.
Afterward, he had watched helplessly as Darcy walked the woman back to the gate and waited until she was safely inside her uncle’s house before leaving. Greatly disappointed, after Darcy rode away, Wickham had given the order to retreat, only to discover in a few more seconds that Miss Bennet had returned to the park. Amazingly, she had run up the gravel path towards him and Grady with her head down as though searching the ground for something.
Quickly, he had signalled the servant to duck behind a row of hedges as he did the same on the other side. Oblivious to the danger surrounding her, it was only when he grabbed her that she comprehended her blunder. Easier than he had ever imagined, she was his prisoner.
All of a sudden, Wickham remembered the chain he had pilfered from her pocket after seeing her pick it up in the park. Pulling it from inside his coat he held it up for examination.
It is most likely a present from Darcy since she was keen to find it, and it looks quite expensive. Slipping it back into his coat pocket, he smiled a sinister smile. It shall do nicely!
~~~*~~~
Darcy House
William had no more than dismounted his horse at the stables when he was confronted by one of the footmen, informing him that his cousin, Richard, and the Earl of Matlock had just arrived. Since Mr. Barnes often helped him avoid the earl’s calls, William assumed this was the reason for the notice. Nonetheless, he felt that he had no choice but to see his uncle today, especially since Richard accompanied him.
Sighing at the thought of entertaining company as downhearted as he was at that moment, he assumed his customary mask. “Please inform Mr. Barnes that I shall meet with my relations in a quarter-hour. I need to change into some dry clothes, and then I shall occupy my study. Afterwards, he may bring them to me there.”
As the footman nodded and turned to go, William stopped him with another question. “Have my aunt or my sister come downstairs yet?”
“Yes, sir. They are both in the dining room, I believe.”
Not wanting to see either of them until he had had time to master his emotions, William added, “Please ask Barnes to have a pot of coffee and some sweet rolls delivered to the study. I am famished from my ride, but I have no time to eat properly this morning.”
“Yes, sir!”
He watched the footman hurry to do his bidding, then slowly made his way to the back entrance of the manor. How dearly he wished for time to savour the memories of Elizabeth this morning, but apparently that was not to be!
I must pull myself together, as there is still much to be done. And heaven knows what news my uncle has come to convey. After all, he promised to report on his investigation concerning Mr. Lowell’s death and Lady Catherine’s part. I would not be shocked to learn of anything she might have instigated. And I hope that Richard has news of that scoundrel, Wickham.
In short order, he ascended the backstairs to the family wing and was nearing his bedroom door. Just as he touched the knob, Mr. Hobbs, who had been his father’s valet, opened it from the inside.
“Hobbs, you startled me!”
“I am sorry, Master Fitzwilliam!” The moniker the valet had used since he was in short pants almost brought a smile to William’s face. He had kept the old servant on, letting him act as his valet whenever he was in Town, as he had no family. “I was just putting your clean shirts in the wardrobe.” Eyeing his employer’s wet attire, he continued, “I assume that you will wish to change immediately.”
“Yes, thank you. I should like that very much. Would you mind collecting what I shall need while I divest myself of these damp things? My cousin, Richard, and my uncle are waiting for me downstairs.”
Hobbs hurried to do as asked though he sniffed in disdain. “I would not rush to accommodate the Earl of Matlock, sir. He can very well wait for you, since he always shows up unannounced.”
Though he was right, William tried not to smile at Hobbs’ impertinence. His dislike of the Earl of Matlock was well-known to William, but the valet was loyal to a fault and so old that he got by with saying what others could not. Sitting down to remove his wet clothes, William changed the subject.
“Please find my black boots. They should be in the closet.”
Hobbs was not finished. “Lord Landingham left in such a hurry that he did not take his favourite duelling pistols. They are still in the bedroom he occupies when he is here. Should I send them to his estate, or do you expect him to return soon?”
William was wary of Hobbs’ reason for asking, but he feigned unconcern. “I think it best if you return them to him. I have no idea when he shall be in residence again.”
Not to be deterred, Hobbs continued. “I fondly remember when I was living at Pemberley the occasion when you took it upon yourself to inspect your father’s duelling pistols and managed to destroy the stained glass window over the French doors in the music room. You must have been about ten years of age. If Lord Landingham had not claimed that he was responsible for demonstrating how the pistol worked without checking to see if it was loaded, I think you might never have been allowed out of your rooms again until you left for Cambridge!”
William had not thought of that incident in years, and it brought a smile to his face. Quickly he suppressed it. Not meeting Hobbs’ gaze, it took a good deal of effort to control his voice as he replied, “He did save me on that occasion.”
“Actually, he saved you on several that I remember. Such as the episode with the fire in the hayloft and the time your father’s fishing boat ended up at the bottom of the lake?”
William’s head swung around. “You are perfectly aware that George Wickham was the perpetrator in both those incidences.”
“Yes, but your father was about to blame you before Lord Landingham intervened. Mr. Darcy never laid anything at that sorry lad’s feet, always declaring that it was your job as his heir to keep George straight. And I dare say that Lord Landingham taught you most of what you know about shooting and riding. In fact, though I should probably not say so, he was more a father to you than your own, God rest his selfish soul.”
Hobbs stopped just before exiting the door. “You owe him a debt of gratitude for all the support he has freely given you throughout your life.”
Seemingly satisfied that he had made his case, he quietly left the room.
Hobbs is right. I shall have to meet with my godfather soon and make things right between us.
~~~*~~~
Darcy’s Study
Behind the huge oak desk that dominated the room, William sat as still as a statue in his oversized, custom made chair. The Earl of Matlock and Richard, who inhabited the chairs directly in front of the desk, both marvelled at his calm demeanour in light of what he had just been told.
Suddenly vacating the chair, William moved to stand in front of the desk, sitting on the edge of it as he leaned towards his uncle. “Please repeat that.”
The Earl of Matlock looked taken aback, glancing to Richard first. Richard nodded and so the Earl began again to explain what he had discovered.
“Godbee is certain! He has examined all of Lowell’s papers and Ferguson’s, since I convinced that fool that he would be better off taking our side than Catherine’s. My sister ordered Lowell’s demise! His remains have just been found half-way between Wexford and Stafford Mills. Richard has already dispatched men to bring his body back to Town for burial.
“Meanwhile I ordered Edgar to Rosings, along with enough men to secure Catherine and bring her to London. While he is there, he is to search the house thoroughly and return with all her personal and business papers. I want everything brought to light in regards to her dirty plots and deals. I have no doubt that George Wickham and
Gisela were involved in some of her deeds. There was talk in Town that Wickham had been soliciting someone to do away with Lowell right before he travelled to Ramsgate!”
“And let us not forget Mrs. Younge!” Richard interjected. “The solicitor handling the case against that traitor informed me that they found a receipt showing that Wickham paid for a landscape and had it delivered to Gisela’s townhouse in London.”
William shook his head, incredulous at what he was hearing. If it were possible, his face turned even more crimson with anger. “No doubt a ploy to ingratiate himself.”
“And my sources report that Wickham made the trip between Rosings and Gisela’s residence often in the weeks before he arrived in Ramsgate. I would not be surprised if our dear aunt arranged Georgiana’s abduction, or at the least, knew of it!”
“Nor I!” The Earl added. “I have made it plain to Edgar that the family shall not suffer for any of the consequences of Catherine’s evil. He is to diligently search until he has all the evidence necessary to secure a place in Bedlam for her. I will proceed with my strategy—having her declared insane.”
William studied the floor for a long moment. “Do you know if Mr. Lowell left behind a family? If so, I shall help them in whatever manner I can and, of course, I shall see to his burial. He was an honest, decent man. It is the least I can do.” He ran his hands tiredly over his face. “After all, I am responsible for his death!”
Richard and his father both tried to protest, but William held up a hand effectively ending their objections. “I appreciate that you do not agree, nonetheless, had I not employed him to look into the joint venture, he would not be dead. I shall have to live with that.”
Richard and Lord Matlock exchanged defeated glances before the earl replied, “I shall enquire of Godbee, since he is a distant cousin. He will know about Lowell’s relations.”