Memory: Volume 2, Trials to Bear, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Memory: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice)

by Wells, Linda

  “She is playing Mama, can you not hear her?” Kitty asked.

  Mrs. Bennet paused. “That is Mary?”

  “She is much-improved, is she not?” Jane smiled. “Lizzy would be so pleased to hear her.”

  “She would, I will tell her how well Mary is getting on with her music.” Mrs. Gardiner nodded. “I wish that Georgiana would play for us sometime, but Mary says that she only plays for her master, and when they go to spend time with Colonel Fitzwilliam at Darcy House.”

  “I wish that she could have come to Longbourn with you. She is a sweet girl.” Jane smiled.

  “She is but …” Mrs. Gardiner glanced at the other occupants of the room and caught Jane’s eye. “She could not leave her cousin alone.”

  “I imagine that he would have been quite happy to entertain Mrs. Carter alone.” Mr. Gardiner chuckled and entered with Mr. Bennet. “Well, where are these neighbours of yours? I am hungry.” He rubbed his stomach and Mrs. Gardiner shook her head. “Our sister always sets a fine table, my dear.”

  “Any more of her table and you will soon resemble your niece.”

  Mr. Bennet said nothing, but settled in a chair and looked at the book Jane was attempting to read. “Are you enjoying Mr. Shakespeare, Daughter?”

  Jane smiled a little. “Honestly Papa, I am afraid that the words stare back at me. I do not really understand it.”

  “Do you wish to?”

  “Should I? I will never be Lizzy.”

  “Lady Matlock will take you in hand this spring dear, and you will learn everything that you need to move in society.” Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “She will surely introduce you to special men.” Jane nodded and looked back at the book, then closed it with relief when the Lucas and Philips families at last arrived.

  The familiar families easily blended to share the Christmas dinner, Mr. Bennet regularly reminded his wife to stop bragging about Mrs. Darcy. Lady Lucas spent her time keeping her husband from telling the same stories of St. James’s and how he expected to see the Darcys there this Season. When the meal was over Jane helped to pour the coffee and tea, and was surprised to find Robert Lucas standing by her side.

  “Would you like some more?” She offered.

  “No, I am just escaping our mothers.” He smiled and appreciated her blush. “They try to top each other in their bragging. I am afraid that your sister’s success has quite surpassed my mother’s hopes for Charlotte and it does not sit well with her.”

  “I suppose that she will not rest until you are married well.” Jane smiled back at him and he shrugged.

  “I suppose. I hear that you are to be the toast of London under the care of an earl’s wife.” He saw her eyes cast down. “I hope that your mother’s disappointment over your courtship …”

  “I would rather not speak of it, sir. I am very happy for his engagement.”

  Lucas’s brow creased. “I did not realize that he has become engaged, forgive me. I … It rather shows that he was not all that serious about you, does it not?”

  “Mr. Harwick was serious, I will not allow anyone to speak ill of him.”

  Lucas saw her flushed face and touched her arm. “I always admired that about you, Jane.” She looked up and he smiled. “You cannot help but see the good in everyone, no matter the situation.”

  “I strayed from that this summer, to my detriment.” She set down the coffee pot and clasped her hands. “What are your plans, sir?”

  He studied her quietly. “I am to find a bride. Father is under the mistaken impression that his knighthood and Lucas Lodge will grant me access to the crème of London society, but I am not so foolish as to try. I know that I must supplement the income of the estate and have spent some time speaking to your uncle about investing in his business, as your new brother has apparently done.” Jane nodded and looked at him in fascination. “I do not want a grand estate; I honestly do not care to wander the halls of St. James’s. I merely wish to marry a lovely girl, care for my family, have a small brood of children, and live my days right here in Hertfordshire.” Lucas’ head tilted. “Now I just have to find the girl.”

  “I … I wish you luck in that.” She said softly and then looked down to her hands.

  “When your courtship ended, I believe that luck smiled at me.” He said quietly. “Unless your attention is drawn to a life such as your sister has. That I cannot, nor do I desire to, match.”

  “Oh.”

  “I am Mr. Darcy’s age, but I will never approach a tenth of what he has.”

  “It is nice to visit Pemberley, but I do not feel comfortable there.” She looked back up at him and he smiled and touched her hand.

  “I am not going anywhere, Jane. Think it over, and perhaps I will at last be allowed to display the admiration I have felt for you for many years.” He bowed and walked away.

  Jane stared after him until Mrs. Gardiner approached. “What happened just now? Did Mr. Lucas make his intentions known?”

  “You were expecting this?” She turned and saw her aunt’s smile. “Why did you not tell me?”

  “Mr. Lucas spoke to your father, who brought your uncle into the conversation. Mr. Bingley’s interest was discussed.” She smiled and looked back to the young man talking easily with his younger brother and teasing his little sister. “You have much to consider, dear. Take your time.”

  Chapter 10

  “Eva.” Fitzwilliam called when he entered the drawing room of Harwick’s home, and reached for her to hold tight to his chest. “I could not wait to see you at the Morelands’. When I received the note that you had arrived last night, it killed me that I could not come to you that instant!” He kissed her forehead and squeezed harder. “Damn duty!”“Richard!”

  “Why did I have to play nursemaid to the General? Why last night?” He complained and looked down at her. “And why did I have to be at work again all morning? My mind was with you, not the boys!”

  “My mind was with you, but I understood the delay.” Evangeline laughed when he began kissing all over her face. “You are impatient!”

  “You know full well I am!”

  “And how does that serve you when facing an enemy?” She squealed when suddenly she was lifted off of the floor and into his arms. “Richard what are you doing?”

  “I intend to anticipate our vows, my love.” He growled and kissed her.

  “Richard!”

  “I am a desperate man!” He whined.

  “Put me down!” Evangeline demanded. “I will not be …manhandled by you!”

  “I would love to manhandle you, my lovely girl.” He whispered warmly in her ear.

  “Do I need to call my brother?” She said a little less convincingly. “He will kill you if he sees us in this position!”

  Fitzwilliam settled them onto a sofa and happily began kissing her throat. He lifted his head to smile at her. “Do you truly believe that your brother would support you? I am certain that he would be on my side. I saw how he could hardly contain his desire for Miss Stewart when he met me at the door and spoke of her.”

  “Richard how can you speak so plainly?”

  “Very easily my dear.” He laughed and kissed her soundly. “I will hold back nothing of myself from you, and that will have to include my soldier’s persona.”

  “Crude? I do not think that I like that.”

  “No, honest, love. Unendingly honest.” He smiled to see hers appear. “I am honest when I confess that I love you and want you. And I am honest when I say I will wait for our vows, but that I am very, very impatient.”

  “And I am honest when I confess that I am as well.” She whispered. Fitzwilliam laughed and she kissed him. “Now, manhandle me until my brother appears!”

  They heard Harwick in the hallway and groaning, Fitzwilliam reluctantly let her go, then rose to his feet. “I cannot remain in the same room with Harwick.”

  “Why?” She laughed and he looked down at his breeches. “Oh.” Evangeline tilted her head and studied the evidence of his declaratio
ns.

  “Say what is on your mind, woman.”

  Reaching forward she gave him a little pat and he groaned. “Very nice.”

  “Good Lord.” He kissed her and flew out of the room. Evangeline laughed, knowing full well what he was going to do, and walked across the hallway to her brother’s study. He was standing near his desk and looking through the pile of letters that had just arrived, and cocked his head at her. “Fitzwilliam just ran past the door on his way upstairs.”

  “Did he? Well he did say something about freshening himself before we leave.” She smiled and looked at her hands.

  “Yes.” He cleared his throat and took a seat at his desk after she chose a sofa near the fire.

  “I see that you are ready to go.” Evangeline inspected his careful attire. “You are quite handsome tonight.”

  “I have been ready for hours, I think. I missed her the moment I stepped into my carriage after I visited last night. I think that Fitzwilliam would have felt the same way about you if he had been here.” He smiled at his sister and shrugged. “Why did we agree to this interminable engagement?”

  “So that your new bride will be properly outfitted.”

  “And what of you?”

  “I do not need so many things, I can order them now and they will be ready for when we return, besides I have been married before. I was happier to spend the time with the girls.” Evangeline smiled sadly.

  “You will always be welcome to visit.” Harwick reassured her. “You are not disappearing from their lives.”

  “It will be a long time, though.” She sighed. “Well, at least I will see them at the wedding.”

  “And they will have a mother again, and perhaps someday they will have siblings. Just as you might have your own children.” He coughed when he felt his emotion rising and reached for the letters. Brother and sister became quiet as they were lost in their thoughts, then he began to chuckle.

  “What is it Jeffrey?” Evangeline smiled to see Harwick wiping his eyes. “You laugh so easily now, what has tickled you this time?”

  “Darcy.” He smiled and held up a letter. “He seeks advice from an experienced man for managing a very emotional wife.”

  “Poor Elizabeth.” She settled back and saw his raised brows. “She is bearing the child.”

  “He is bearing with her.” He laughed to see her pursed lips, then watched her expression change to worry.

  “She is so young.”

  “She will be well, Eva.” Harwick reassured her.

  “She will be magnificent.” Fitzwilliam proclaimed as he returned.

  “Richard!” Evangeline stood and was soon resting in his arms. “Where have you been?”

  He cleared his throat to speak when he sensed her need for reassurance. Hugging her tightly, he whispered a promise, then kissed her hair. “Have you not noted my impressive new uniform? I had it made in honour of your arrival. I have to keep you interested, my dear.” He stood back and let her admire him. Harwick snorted to see his sister blush, and Fitzwilliam smiled at him then sobered. “Besides, mourning for Anne ended today, so I felt that it was not right to wear anything quite so … bright, before the black was off of my arm. I can honestly say that I only mourned her life, not her passing. I was happy for her release.”

  “Knowing so much of her story now, I can only agree with you.” Evangeline squeezed his hand and they settled on the sofa.

  “Have you heard from de Bourgh? How has your Aunt dealt with the past six weeks?” Harwick asked sombrely.

  “She remains in the dower’s house, seeing and speaking to nobody but her servants. Mother said that an odd sense of peace has fallen over her. I am not sure that is the correct term for it. I wonder what she is thinking.”

  “Perhaps it is the release after years of vigilance and uncertainty.” Harwick said thoughtfully. The three contemplated the theory in silence, and then Evangeline noticed Fitzwilliam’s expression. She recognized it as a sign that he was drifting into a dark place, and nudged him, startling him from his thoughts.

  She smiled and brushed his coat. “You are very handsome, sir.”

  “Hmm.” He took her hand and kissed it. “Well, this is purely for you. I was afraid that when you saw me again, you would be disappointed that your memory was better than the real man.” His gaze fell down to her hand in his and stayed there.

  “Richard, do I look or act even remotely disappointed?” She asked softly.

  “No.” He said quietly, then looking up at her, he shrugged and smiled. “Do not mind me.”

  “I love your ring.” She touched the band containing her hair.

  “I had to have one. Darcy was hanging on to his like a lifeline.” Their eyes met and hearing Harwick turning over a letter, remembered that he was still in the room. Fitzwilliam resumed his normal cheer. “Speaking of Darcy, did I hear you mention my stodgy cousin when I entered?”

  “I did.” Harwick looked up from his work and smiled. “He is suffering as all husbands do.”

  “He has a volatile woman in his home.” Fitzwilliam laughed and smiled at Evangeline. “You spent some time with Elizabeth, what is your opinion of her?”

  “You know full well that I like her very much, just as you do. I admire how she has taken on Pemberley and Darcy.”

  The men laughed and Harwick held up the letter. “Darcy should be admired for taking her on. I knew that she was like Ellen when I first met her. I believe that I can give him some excellent advice.”

  “I do not think that I like the way you speak of her, as if she is a problem to be handled.” Evangeline glared at them both and sat up. “I am going to speak to Laura about you Jeffrey, and give her advice on handling you!”

  “Eva.” He sighed when she stood and left the room. “Sorry about that, Fitzwilliam.”

  “No, I do not mind at all. I like seeing this fire blazing from her. She is not afraid to speak her mind. I have a feeling that she suppressed it for a long time.” He raised his brows and Harwick nodded. “Well, two weeks to our weddings, are you prepared?”

  “I was prepared when I proposed.” Harwick sighed. “This engagement only confirms that Laura is absolutely suited for me, we share so many interests, she has given me a smile, the girls loved her when they met … I could hardly fathom my life taking such a turn, or even consider anticipating the future with such elation again.”

  “And what of Ellen?” Fitzwilliam asked softly.

  Harwick smiled and looked down at the ring on his finger. “I will never forget her, but on my wedding day, I will let her go and love the living woman whose hand will be in my grasp.”

  “Love?”

  “Darcy once told me that I should love or not marry at all. He was correct.”

  “He is annoying with that.” Fitzwilliam laughed and turned his head when he heard Evangeline in the foyer, asking for her coat. “It seems that my love is ready to depart.”

  “I cannot wait to see my Laura.” Harwick jumped to his feet.

  “It has only been a few weeks for you.”

  “You say that as an accusation!” The future brothers walked out to join Evangeline, and soon they departed for the townhouse occupied by Lord and Lady Moreland, to greet the gathering of family.

  LORD MATLOCK gave his son a nudge and winked. “Harwick is hopeless, trying to maintain his proper behaviour. Look at how his hands keep clenching! He is itching to hold Miss Stewart.”

  “Then hand the man a glass!” Fitzwilliam laughed. As if on cue, Stewart approached his future brother and gave him some wine. “Good job, man!”

  “How is that little love affair going?” Lord Matlock nodded over to a sofa where Julia Henley was sitting with Evangeline and Laura.

  “Difficult to say. He absolutely refuses to call it a courtship. I suppose that he is a bit gun shy of the process after behaving so poorly over Elizabeth.” He laughed. “Can you imagine Darcy without her? What would he be today if he had let her go? Where would we all be now?”

  Lord
Matlock considered the question. “You would not have met Mrs. Carter, would you?”

  “No, perhaps Stewart and Miss Henley may have met since she was eyeing him already, and the families are friends. Harwick and Miss Stewart though,” he shook his head, “I do not know if that would have occurred. He had his mind set on marrying quickly and for different reasons. If it was not Miss Bennet it would have been some other girl who caught his eye at a ball. No, I would say that Darcy’s love affair has certainly been the reason for several others.”

  Lord Moreland approached and gestured to Harwick. “What do you say, put these two boys out of their misery and marry them off tomorrow?”

  Fitzwilliam’s eyes lit up. “I second that notion!”

  “Now, now, Son, restrain yourself!”

  “Why?” He demanded. “The house is almost finished; we can step around a few drop clothes for a week or so!”

  “No, you fought the Carters too hard to get them to agree to the repairs.”

  “It is their property; they should have been keeping it up. They tried to take it away from her when they learned she was remarrying, we had to get the attorneys to read that settlement. For her lifetime the house is hers. She earned it.” Fitzwilliam glared. “They should be grateful that such a woman as Evangeline ever agreed to marry that bastard.”

  “Richard.” Lord Matlock warned. “I did not mean to raise your ire. Calm yourself.”

  “Yes sir.” He caught Evangeline sending him a worried look and attempted a smile.

  “She is becoming adept at reading you.”

  “And I am doing the same with her. Something was bothering her at Harwick’s home, but it was not the moment for discussion. I believe that it was about Elizabeth’s pregnancy. I have not heard of any troubles, have you? I imagine that the women might share things amongst themselves that they would not say to us?” Fitzwilliam looked at his father worriedly.

  “Your mother would tell me if there was a problem.” Lord Matlock smiled. “Of course Audrey is due any moment now, so that might be on her mind as well.”