Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love

by Brenda Webb

  The sound of carriages arriving and the voices of the servants as they rushed to open the doors caused William to stand. With a nod to Richard, he carried Elizabeth towards the first one in line. Richard hurried to catch up, grabbing the door and holding it open for his cousin. After placing her inside, William climbed in to take the seat next to Elizabeth.

  Slamming the door shut, Richard spoke through the open window. “Take care of her, Darcy. I shall see the both of you tomorrow.”

  As the carriage began to roll, William slid Elizabeth back into his lap. Instantly she pushed his unbuttoned coat apart, clasped the lapels of his shirt and buried her face in his chest. The familiarity of his cologne, the hardness of his body and the vice-like feel of his arms brought her immense comfort. And though she had sworn not to cry anymore, she could not suppress the flood of tears that ensued. They continued for several minutes while William whispered words of love and planted kisses in her hair.

  “When I thought you were going to die,” she sniffled, closing her eyes, “I was so afraid that I could not breathe and then… and when you offered never to divorce Gisela, my heart stopped.” With a voice breaking with emotion, she asked, “Would you have kept the vow never to see me again, Fitzwilliam?”

  Her doubt pierced his heart. Smoothing an errant curl behind an ear, he ran his fingers gently from there to her chin before caressing her face. “Surely you know that that was just a ruse to gain her trust. I would never have kept that vow.

  “Elizabeth, look at me.” Her teary eyes opened. “I would have promised her anything to save your life, but I could never have kept that vow! You are my world, my life. Do you not know that?”

  Big tears rolled down both cheeks. “Where is my ring?”

  Instantly William pulled the signet ring off his little finger and slid it on Elizabeth’s middle one. She examined it lovingly before entreating, “Show me that you love me.”

  It began tenderly, but Elizabeth’s responses became more demanding and William’s passion rose to match. They kissed deeply for many long, wonderful minutes, their tongues meeting and their hands gently caressing each other until he breathlessly drew back to study her. In the darkness, her eyes now resembled two black pools, pools in which he would gladly drown. And when she ran her hands into his hair and pulled his mouth back to hers, all thoughts of self-control were lost.

  The trip back to Percival Manor was free of any concern of what society or their families might think. Too much in love to care one whit about either, the circumstances of the last twenty-four hours had reduced them to nothing more than a man and a woman—a man and woman intensely in love and hungry for each other. Even if their flushed faces, red lips and dishevelled clothes and hair had not suggested what had transpired in the carriage, by the time Mrs. Watwood greeted William as he carried Elizabeth into the foyer of Percival Manor, it was plain to see that this couple was utterly in love and, without proper chaperoning, would likely end up in each other’s arms that night.

  Fixing on William, the housekeeper declared brightly, “Mr. Darcy! I am delighted that your mission was successful. Only seconds before your arrival, a servant returned to inform me of the outcome and to report the scope of the injuries. It seems the Lord has protected all of you.”

  Anxious to be alone with Elizabeth, William did not want to encourage her to talk, so he kept his answer brief. “Yes, God was on our side it seems.”

  The older woman addressed Elizabeth next. “I am Mrs. Watwood, the housekeeper for Percival Manor. I prayed for your safe return, Miss Bennet, and I cannot say how very pleased I am to be able to welcome you here now. It is a blessing to know you are safe within our walls.” Elizabeth smiled wanly and nodded.

  Shifting his feet with the weight of her, William looked to the top of the stairs. “I know that you will understand when I say that we are both very tired. So if you could just show—”

  “Of course! Where are my manners! You both must be exhausted, so I shall delay no longer. If you will follow me, I ordered the bedroom that adjoins mine prepared for Miss Bennet.” She looked directly at Elizabeth. “I intend to sit with you tonight, my dear. I would not be surprised if you suffer night terrors after all that has transpired.”

  Elizabeth tried to protest, “Oh, I have never suffered from—”

  She patted Elizabeth’s arm. “You poor thing! We will not be sure until you try to sleep, will we?”

  Smiling innocently, she went towards the grand staircase, being careful to address the young maid who waited at the bottom with both her voice and a nod of her head. “Have you finished preparing the blue bedroom, Lois?”

  Lois’ eyes widened in surprise. “I… I do not recall being—”

  Mrs. Watwood cut her off. “You did find the new nightgown in the dresser, did you not?” Since the housekeeping was nodding, Lois nodded her agreement.

  “Good, good! Then, bring some towels to the dressing room and then locate Mr. Lawrence. He is still upstairs, I believe. Tell him to bring up the rest of the hot water.”

  Lois curtseyed. “Yes, ma’am.” She then hurried up the stairs to prepare the blue bedroom since it seemed that is what the housekeeper wished.

  Mrs. Watwood fixed her gaze on William just in time to catch his scowl. She almost laughed. “I took the liberty of having Cook fix a tray for each of you with soup, bread, cheese and a pot of fresh tea. I thought you might want a little nourishment before you retire.”

  William tried his best to intervene one last time. “I intended to stay with Miss Eliz… Miss Bennet tonight. Just to be sure that—”

  “A gentleman in a lady’s room? Oh no, that would never do! Besides, her bath will be ready shortly, and there is much to do before she is settled in for the night. I have plenty of hot water boiling, so you may have a bath if you wish. That should afford you some relaxation after the ordeal that you have endured.”

  William could not think of another argument, so he became mute as the petite woman ascended the grand staircase. A few steps up she turned to declare, “Are you coming?” At William’s nod, Mrs. Watwood continued without a backward glance.

  Terribly upset that their plans had been thwarted, William locked eyes with Elizabeth, and her gaze lifted his spirits. For there, shining in her ebony orbs, was the same love and desire that he felt. Somehow, knowing that she was just as disappointed made it a little easier.

  Leaning in for a soft kiss, he pulled back, offered her a frustrated smile and whispered, “I wish we did not have to part like this. Another time, Elizabeth, and soon, I promise, very soon. I love you so much.”

  “I know. I love you just as fiercely.”

  Sighing heavily, William dutifully began to follow Mrs. Watwood to the second floor. After depositing Elizabeth in the room that the housekeeper designated, he walked to the door and paused for one last glimpse of her. Mrs. Watwood stopped whatever she had been saying to address him, making it clear that he must leave.

  So he did, closing the door behind him as he walked woodenly down the hall. As he progressed, arms now bereft of the woman that he loved, he contemplated whether the housekeeper had any idea how much strength it took for him to walk away.

  Alone with Elizabeth, Mrs. Watwood began to undo her buttons, since Lois had not returned as yet. Hearing the young woman take a ragged breath, she decided to speak.

  “That young man loves you dearly.”

  Elizabeth blinked back tears. “Can you tell that I love him just as much?”

  “Oh, yes, my dear, it is evident. I may be old, but I once experienced a love like that.”

  Elizabeth turned to consider her. “What happened?”

  “We got married, of course! And we were in love for one and twenty years, until his death parted us.”

  “I… I am sorry. I did not mean to pry.”

  “Nonsense! I do not mind speaking of it.” She took both Elizabeth’s hands and looked into her face. “Please allow this old woman to pass along a bit of wisdom I have gleaned in a lif
etime.”

  Elizabeth nodded.

  “If it is true love, it will stand the test of time. Losing yourselves in a moment of passion may seem the thing to do, but it often creates more problems than it solves. Waiting until you are husband and wife is so much more fulfilling.”

  Elizabeth blushed but said nothing. The point was taken.

  ~~~*~~~

  Chapter 44

  Darcy House

  London

  The Drawing Room

  The next morning

  Georgiana glanced to Lady Ashcroft, who stood to move nearer the windows and took a seat on a sofa where the sunlight would help her see with greater clarity. She knew that would be her aunt’s destination when she pulled a small embroidery frame from the generous bag that always followed her from room to room. It was filled with her current projects, and Georgiana never failed to marvel at how accomplished her companion was—either knitting or embroidering whenever she sat still for longer than a moment. But it was the portable frame that her aunt seemed to employ the most, as it allowed her to embroider the smaller pieces when she was not in the music room. It was in that room that she kept her largest project, a tablecloth, in the huge standing frame. That was the endeavour she worked on whenever she had time to listen to Georgiana practice.

  Now firmly ensconced on the end of the upholstered piece of furniture, Audrey had discarded her slippers, as was her custom, and wrapped her stocking feet and lap with a knit coverlet. Georgiana would have sworn, if she were asked, that her aunt was completely untroubled at that moment.

  As for herself, she had been unable to rout the anxiety that threatened to overwhelm her whenever she pictured all that might have gone wrong when her brother rescued Miss Elizabeth. Were they all unharmed, as Fitzwilliam had written, or was that a ruse used to placate the child he still considered her to be until he could deliver the news himself? Was her father still alive? Was Richard or her uncle?

  Now studying her aunt more closely, Georgiana realised that while her eyes were focused on the linen napkin in the frame, her mind was assuredly not, for her needle did not move with its normal alacrity. Instead, she watched as she made a few stitches before abruptly stopping to remove everyone of them. This was something she had never seen. Her aunt’s stitches were always perfect! That was the exact moment when it dawned on Georgiana that she was not alone in her concern.

  “Aunt?” Lady Ashcroft looked up to meet her niece’s gaze as she walked towards her. “May I please read it again?”

  Audrey smiled in the motherly way that she had come to treasure. “Dear girl, I do not think it has changed since the last two times you read it.”

  “I know,” Georgiana pleaded, “but I just want to read what Brother said again.”

  Indulgently, Audrey pulled the missive that had been delivered only an hour before from her pocket and held it towards her niece. Georgiana rushed to take it, plopping down beside her on the sofa. She read silently, and once finished, smiled widely and handed the paper back to her aunt.

  “Satisfied?”

  “I shall only be satisfied when they arrive. Do you suppose they are close by? If they left as early as Brother said they might, would they not be here by now?”

  “Perhaps, but they could have been slowed by the roads. You know it has rained more than once since they left to rescue Miss Elizabeth, and that means more ruts in the road. I am sure they will not press the horses under those circumstances, and it is possible that Fitzwilliam will stop often to rest them.”

  “Oh, I do pray they get here soon! I am too excited to practice my music or give thought to what I read. I find myself scanning the same page over again and still not remembering what it was about. I shall go mad if they do not come until late today.”

  Lady Ashcroft laughed. “I doubt you shall go mad, Georgiana, but—”

  Just at that moment, Mrs. Barnes appeared in the doorway, and they both looked her way. “Madam, there are two visitors here to see you—Mr. Bennet and Miss Bennet.”

  Audrey leaned in to whisper to Georgiana, “I expected this when I sent the note to Gracechurch Street.” Then she addressed Mrs. Barnes. “Thank you. Show them in, please.”

  She quickly replaced her slippers, and she and Georgiana stood, awaiting Elizabeth’s family. As they entered the room, Audrey noted that Mr. Bennet was not limping as badly as he had previously. Therefore, after the usual greetings and after they had all been seated, she mentioned it.

  “It appears that your injury has improved, sir.”

  Mr. Bennet nodded, offering an artificial smile. “Whenever I am able to lie down for a number of hours it improves significantly.” Then his demeanour became as sombre as the first time she had met him. “Jane and I appreciate that you notified us of Lizzy’s recovery. It seems that you, at least, have our interests at heart.”

  The slight to William did not go unnoticed, and as Georgiana gasped, Audrey reached to take her hand.

  Mortified, Jane grimaced, stammering, “I am sure that no slight was intended by Mr. Darcy. I can only imagine he was greatly occupied with getting my sister safely back to London.”

  Mr. Bennet looked to Jane, his expression leaving no doubt that he did not agree with her view of Mr. Darcy. However, it was to him that Audrey made her point.

  “Indeed, my nephew had only one thought on his mind and that was to return Miss Bennet as quickly as possible. Due to the injuries and having to leave men behind to escort the prisoners back to London, Fitzwilliam had only one servant to spare. Thus, he sent him directly here while expressing his desire that I inform you immediately, sir. He did the same for my brother’s family who did not receive separate notice, either.”

  Sheepishly, Mr. Bennet nodded. “Forgive me if I have offended. I am deeply grateful for Mr. Darcy’s successful rescue of my child. In light of the gossip circulating about him and my daughter, I have not been in the best frame of mind since coming to London. Then, after I learned that my Lizzy had been taken—”

  Lady Ashcroft intervened sympathetically. “No apology is necessary. Moreover, your injury cannot have made all that has happened any easier to bear.”

  Georgiana relaxed with the new tone of the conversation, and when her eyes met Jane’s, they exchanged smiles.

  “You are too kind,” Mr. Bennet pronounced. “Now, I have calculated that my daughter should be here within the hour. Is that your judgment as well?”

  “Yes, and you are welcome to wait with us. My nephew has an extensive library, and I am confident you shall be able to find something of interest, if you care to read while you wait.”

  Not able to hide his eagerness at the prospect of an excellent library, Mr. Bennet smiled sincerely for the first time. “If it would be no bother, I should like that very much.”

  “No bother at all.” Lady Ashcroft said. “I shall call for refreshments to be brought to the library then, and we shall all retire there to wait.”

  ~~~*~~~

  On the road to London

  Just as William’s aunt had foreseen, the deep ruts in the roads made the trip back to London from Teddington longer than normal. In fact, the channels were so burdensome that one of the horses on their coach had thrown a shoe, which caused yet another delay, as they had to stop and exchange that animal for another. Thus, the other two coaches, those containing Lord Landingham, Lord Matlock, Colonel Neilson, Mr. Gladstone and all the men who had not stayed behind to help Constable Carver, were most likely a half-hour ahead of them.

  This state of affairs had caused William to ponder Mr. Bennet who, no doubt, would be waiting at Darcy House. What would be his reaction upon learning that Elizabeth was not among the first to return? Would her father think that he had spirited her away for, if the truth be told, the notion had crossed his mind, but William had rejected the idea, as it would only serve to further discredit Elizabeth. However, he had been selfish enough to order the driver to slow the coach even more on the last portion of their trip.

  Though he had
not been able to sit next to or touch the woman he loved for the entire trip, William sat across from her and had the joy of drinking in her beauty and enjoying her blushes whenever their eyes met. Though their coach was shared with Charles, who sat on the side next to Elizabeth and Richard, he barely heard a word of the gentlemen’s conversation. For shortly after the trip began, Elizabeth closed her eyes as though trying to rest, and William assumed his normal role of silent observer. On the few occasions when Charles or Richard prodded for his opinion, he only murmured something vague, which seemed to satisfy, and they were on to a different subject.

  Nonetheless, he was well aware that Elizabeth was not actually asleep, for occasionally, he would catch her fingering the ring under her glove or peering at him though barely opened lids. This served to stir the fire that had smouldered inside him since the carriage ride to Percival Manor last evening. It took all of his self-control to remain seated, and briefly he pondered what his friends would think if he pulled Elizabeth into his lap and kissed her soundly. Would they condemn him as a rogue, or would they think him a man hopelessly in love?

  The unmistakable sound of coach wheels mounting a wooden bridge penetrated his consciousness, and William glanced out the window in time to see the extraordinarily large waterwheel that served Stretton grist mill. It was an exhilarating sight as the water was scooped up on one side and then spilled over the other, causing the wheel to revolve in an endless pattern.

  “It seems Stretton Mill 21 is busy today! I do not think I have ever seen so many wagons waiting to be loaded,” Richard observed.

  “Stretton?” Bingley added. “That mill has been around for ages! My father talked of coming here to buy grain for the warehouse when I was but a lad. He claimed their corn meal was the finest.”