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

by Wells, Linda

  Darcy saw that Elizabeth was about to blow and de Bourgh’s hands were clenched. Mary was in tears and turned to run from the room. Georgiana took her hand and they left together. Furious, de Bourgh leaned down and spoke in a heated whisper near Lydia’s ear. “How dare you spread lies like this? You are an unthinking, hurtful, selfish little girl. You dress like a trollop, and you have the unchecked mouth of a common waif!” Lydia gasped and he would have continued except for the feel of Darcy’s hand on his shoulder. He stood and seethed. “Someone speak to her! Get through the wool that inhabits her mind!” Spinning away, he went in search of Mary.

  Elizabeth took Lydia by the arm and walked her, protesting, across the room to her mother and father. “Papa, Mama, Lydia was repeating opinions that I sincerely hope are not your own?”

  “Mama, tell her to let me go!” Lydia twisted.

  “Hold still and lower your voice, you are making a scene!” Elizabeth hissed.

  “I am not!”

  “Miss Lydia.” Darcy’s deep voice cut through her cries. “Enough.” Lydia stared up at his intense glare and her mouth snapped shut. He turned to Mrs. Bennet and said in a barely audible, but undeniably angry voice. “I need to clarify two points. First, Mary is not, and will not be attached to Mr. Collins. She will not be forced to accept his suit any more than this spoiled brat that you call daughter will.” Mr. Bennet watched the reactions of mother and daughter, and met Darcy’s furious glare. “Second, I assume, correctly I hope, that the views espoused by this uneducated, indulged, and intellectually neglected child are the remnants of old conversations that remained in her memory because of their vehement and endless repetition by her mother, and are no longer the topic of current conversation.”

  “I assume that these are the topics that we discussed in our last meeting, sir?” Mr. Bennet said quietly.

  “They are.”

  “I can assure you that they have not been repeated, but it seems that although one source of noise has been silenced, another equally loud one has not.” He looked at Lydia tiredly. “But she will very soon be on her way to school.”

  “I will not go.” She said flatly. Darcy glared at her again and she was silenced.

  “You know the conditions of our agreement, sir.” He nodded to Elizabeth, who let her go. “I will add another. My family’s name is linked to yours, your disgrace is mine. I will not have centuries of my family’s honour ruined by the behaviour of this foolish girl.” His eyes closed and he drew a breath. “Excuse me.”

  Elizabeth looked after him and saw that he was moving towards the front door and silence. She turned to her parents. Without a hint of emotion, she spoke quietly. “It seems that we cannot come to visit here without some sort of confrontation occurring, I am only grateful that the noise and activity of this joyous event has kept the neighbourhood from witnessing our shame. However, I will not risk the health of my husband by subjecting him any longer to this situation. Please say your goodbyes to Kitty, we will be leaving for London within the half-hour.”

  “Lizzy, please understand that we have not made any promises to Mr. Collins regarding Mary.” Mr. Bennet said softly.

  “The only one whose name has not been proposed for him has been Kitty’s, and thankfully she will be in school.”

  “Why does she get to go to London?” Lydia whined.

  “Because she wants to get away from you.” Elizabeth said coldly. Lydia searched the room and saw Kitty standing with Maria, as far away from her as possible. “Did you hear how Captain de Bourgh described you?”

  “yes.” She muttered.

  “Did you hear how Mr. Darcy described you?”

  “yes.”

  “Those are two very good, and very wealthy men expressing their opinions. Do you think that any other decent man would have one that is different?” Greeted with silence, Elizabeth took Lydia’s hand and waited for her to look her in the eye. “This is your one opportunity, Lydia. Listen to me. Take it and improve, or,” She turned her sister to look at Collins, “that could be the best future you can hope for.” Lydia recoiled and looked at her father, who nodded.

  Elizabeth let go. “I must go and find my husband. Excuse me.” She walked away and her progress was followed by Mr. Bennet.

  “Quite the formidable woman, Mrs. Darcy is.” A voice with an approving tone spoke from behind him. “She is how old? Nineteen? My goodness, I will enjoy knowing her very much.” Mrs. de Bourgh smiled when the Bennets turned to her. “Forgive me for listening, but I could not help it, my son was distressed because of this child’s behaviour, and I am rather protective of my own.” She cast a disgusted look at Lydia, nodded and moved away.

  “Mr. Bennet, why would Mrs. de Bourgh worry over her son’s distress over Lydia?” Mrs. Bennet fretted.

  “He was trapped talking to Mary before I went over to rescue him.” Lydia sniffed and Mrs. Bennet’s eyes widened as the impossible chance of a match struck her.

  “You will not speak to another man again until you are out.” Mr. Bennet informed her. “Thank heaven you will soon be in a school populated solely by women.”

  “Mama …”

  Fresh from her realization she spoke vehemently. “No Lydia, you must go. Lizzy spoke the truth. Captain de Bourgh is a rich man and he was unhappy with you. You must go to school and learn how to attract one yourself.” She glanced sadly at Jane with Lucas. “You are so beautiful.”

  Outside on a bench beneath the shade of an oak tree, Darcy sat with his eyes closed, and tried to let the gentle sounds of the clucking chickens wash away the growing pain in his head. Elizabeth approached and standing behind him, gently massaged his neck and shoulders. “How are you?”

  “The preventative dose was an excellent suggestion, love.” He said softly and leaned into her touch. “It is not as bad as it probably would have been.” He sighed. “I do not know that I can comfortably come here again. I have been feeling so much better, but the anticipation of … well just about anything occurring …” He tried to smile through the throbbing of his head. “Even our little tryst did not manage to overcome it.”

  “Then we will just have to relax you again when we arrive at home.” She kissed his nose and he leaned back against her breasts. “Peter is talking to Mary and Georgiana.”

  “Is he?” Darcy smiled and snuggled his head against his pillows, relaxing into her gentle caress. “What are they doing?”

  “He has them laughing.” Elizabeth smiled. “He is a bit of a rake.”

  “He is very shy.”

  She leaned down and kissed his ear. “I know. He reminds me of you.” Darcy chuckled. “ahhh, that is better.”

  “Is everything well?” Jane asked as she and Lucas approached them. “I could not hear it, but I saw Lydia’s face.”

  “Could anyone else hear?”

  “No.” Lucas leaned against the tree and studied Darcy’s face, his eyes remained closed. “There is enough noise in there to block out her whining.” Jane looked at him and he shrugged. “I am calling a spade a spade, my dear. It is no secret that your sister is in need of discipline.” He laughed, “And it seems that it took Darcy and de Bourgh to swoop in and deliver it, the evil brother and the handsome stranger.”

  “Evil?” Darcy said softly.

  “You do not bring her gifts.” Jane said before Lucas could answer.

  He glanced at her and looked back at Darcy. “After Elizabeth left, I spoke to Mr. Bennet. I told him that I will not tolerate the poor example of behaviour that Lydia presents for my younger siblings, and that he either check it, or I would speak to my father about denying her access to them and our home.”

  “That was well done.” Darcy smiled slightly. “You do not have the authority to dictate to Mr. Bennet since you are not master, but you do have the authority to threaten. And surely Mr. Bennet knows well enough that you are the one who truly is in charge of this home.” He grimaced and held his breath for a moment, and slowly let it go. Elizabeth continued to gently rub his neck. �
��And she will soon be gone to school, so it is unlikely that you will need to carry through with it. I think that the important point is that you are making it clear that you are not to be taken lightly.”

  “I have had an excellent teacher.” Lucas said softly and Darcy did not respond.

  “Jane, you must decide on your response, as well. If Mama complains …”

  “I will follow whatever my husband and Sir William state are the rules of our home, Lizzy.” Jane spoke quietly. “And I know that I must determine what we will do when Kitty and Lydia are gone. Mama will not like keeping her own company, but she will not be able to spend her days here, either.”

  “Are you certain you do not have any tenancies available at Pemberley?” Lucas smiled and Darcy chuckled. “I know, I know, this is our home.”

  “You will do well by it.”

  “Eliza?” They looked up to see Charlotte approaching with Michael. “Are you …” She stopped when they came around the gathering to see Darcy’s position. “Are you well, Mr. Darcy?”

  “I will be.” He slowly blinked open his eyes and grimaced with the light. “Eventually.”

  “So are we all chaperoning my brother?” Michael laughed and looked over to the other gathering. “He has been a bundle of nerves in anticipation of our wedding.” He smiled at Charlotte, “and it was not out of concern for me.”

  “Leave them be, Michael.”

  “What sort of brother would I be if I did not harass him? Just because I am a vicar, it does not mean that I am without humour.” He laughed. “Collins was lobbying to see me ousted, though.”

  “What?” Darcy stared. “It is a life appointment!”

  “He suggested that Peter break up Rosings and give me half.” He saw Darcy’s eyes roll. “Even I know that the estate must be intact to keep the family strong.”

  “Exactly.” He murmured. “When our son is born, we will ensure that for Pemberley.”

  “Lizzy, are you?” Jane asked excitedly.

  “OH!” Elizabeth blushed. “No, no.” Darcy looked up to her with a little smile. “We are in no hurry.”

  “Well, we are going to say our farewells.” Charlotte smiled at them all. “And depart for Hunsford. It is a long journey.”

  “You are welcome to stay at Darcy House tonight.” Elizabeth offered and Darcy took her hand to kiss. “It would make your journey easier, would it not?”

  “Well, yes,” Michael smiled, “but my brother has already invited us to join him and mother at his townhouse for a week of honeymooning.”

  “He did?” Charlotte gasped.

  “Did I not tell you?” He winked and raised her hand to his lips. “Surprise.”

  “Maybe Collins could fill in for you.” Lucas offered to the collective groans of the friends. He laughed and took Jane’s hand. “It was just a thought.”

  25 SEPTEMBER 1810

  The Globe Inn

  Dumfries

  Dear Darcy,

  Well here we are at last. How many times have you told me of the angling by the shore, and the amazing variety of fish to be had? I have enjoyed myself immensely here this past week. Hurst’s skill with a rod is rather frightening, he can but glance at the water and already his line is tugging with a furious dogfish or bass. Naturally, staying at an inn, we do not have much use for our catch, so we simply turn it in to the innkeeper, and he is pleased with the gift. By the way, I picked up a memento for you. Mrs. Darcy mentioned your fondness for the poet Burns once and lo above our table last night, I saw a plaque applied to the wall saying this is where he sat writing his verse! Last night we were treated to a round of his songs by a lusty group of drunken Scotsmen. I would have lent my voice to the chorus, had I understood what they were saying, however, I was glad to drink along with them. I hunted about for a souvenir for you, a book of poetry that I actually chose as opposed to those sonnets your fair wife found for you. Do you still carry that about?

  Louisa wished to tour a bit so the other day we wandered off to Gretna Green, settled in a tavern and watched a fair number of weddings across the way at the blacksmith’s and then a few more couples came in and declared themselves to the witnesses within the tavern. Hurst and I had a good time, wagering on which couple would pay the extra fee to take advantage of the bed in the next room, then we bet on how fast the bride and groom would reappear, properly consummated. It is a fascinating and doubtless quite profitable industry! I was regarded with great interest at first, it seems that gentleman pay a particularly high fee for the privilege of eloping, and after many times being given the long face for having been jilted, eventually Hurst and I just played along, and accepted their offers of whiskey.

  Mrs. Darcy, I hereby offer my sincerest apologies if I have offended you, I only wish to make your stoic husband smile. I hope that you both continue to heal and that this new journey to London assures you that the town is not cursed; it only contains a few cursed inhabitants. I wish you very well, I hope that your sisters are happy in their new school, I hope that my sweet Rosalie is growing and taking an even firmer grip upon her papa’s heart, and I want you to know that I miss you all deeply. My visit to Pemberley cannot come soon enough.

  Sincerely yours,

  Charles Bingley, Esq.

  Elizabeth wiped a tear that appeared in her eye. “He is such a dear man. We must find him someone to love.”

  “Lizzy.”

  “I know.”

  “So you are not offended with his story?” Darcy took the letter from her hand and set it down on the table beside the sofa.

  “No.” She laughed and snuggled into his chest, “He is just seeking that elusive smile.”

  “Hardly elusive when I have my girls in my arms.” He looked down at Rosalie’s peaceful face. Elizabeth adjusted the ribbons on her little cap and he kissed her hair. “No caps for you, love.”

  “Mama is apoplectic about it.”

  “Your mother is apoplectic about everything.” He sighed. “Indulge me. I will provide funds for feathers, hats, jewels and pins, but please love, no caps.”

  “Bonnets?”

  “If you must.”

  “I love your hats.” She looked up to his smile. “I like your top hats the best.”

  “I do, too.” They kissed until Rosalie squirmed as their bodies pressed against her and she protested. “I am sorry, little love.” Darcy hurriedly readjusted her, while Elizabeth covered her again. The couple’s eyes met and they resumed their kissing. “Lizzy?”

  “hmm?” She sighed as his lips fixed under her ear. “When do you wish to begin again?”

  “You mean, try and have another child?”

  “Yes.” He lifted his head and smiled into her eyes. “Whenever you are ready, I will be, too.”

  “Is this because Alicia is with child?”

  “No.” He sighed and looked at their baby. “I … I do not know. Maybe I am becoming more confident.”

  “As a father, or that we can survive anything that comes our way?” She caressed his brow. “You are feeling better.”

  “Yes.” They kissed again. “Yes to everything. Whenever you are ready, dear. Whenever Rosa is ready.” He looked back at her and leaned down to nuzzle his nose against her. Rosalie’s hand reached up to hold it and he chuckled.

  “Now you are doomed to remain there.” Elizabeth laughed.

  “No, no. I cannot kiss you from this position. Forgive me love.” He pulled away and the baby yawned. “There.”

  “When I cannot bear her teeth any longer …” She offered and he laughed. “She does not have your tender tongue.”

  “Hmmm. I would dearly enjoy the touch of yours.” His eyes met hers. “Shall we bid our daughter good night?”

  “And what of our sisters?” She whispered when he leaned to kiss her again.

  Darcy’s mouth hovered over hers and he watched the tip of her tongue as it travelled slowly over her lips. “I think they will benefit from their evening alone.” He captured her mouth. “Elizabeth …” He whisper
ed warmly in her ear.

  “Ba!” They jumped. “Baababa bababaaaadadadadada.” His head rested in Elizabeth’s hair while they both started to laugh. “Maybe we should divest ourselves of our daughter before we continue.”

  “I think that she wants to play.”

  “I want to play.” Darcy declared, and stood. “And I want you to play with me.” Elizabeth leaned forward and kissed the arousal proudly straining at his breeches, then mouthed it to the sound of his groan.

  “If you insist.” She stood and took the baby from his arms. “But I pick the game.”

  “WHAT IF I DO NOT DO WELL?” Kitty looked up from the trunk and watched as another new gown was placed inside. “Lizzy, I am not like these girls.” She darted a glance at the door and whispered, “I sometimes do not know what Georgiana is talking about.”

  “What is she telling you?”

  “Oh … she said that she is remembering when Mary started school and all of the things that confused her, and she gives great speeches on what to do and how to look at people, walking and talking, how to eat … Oh Lizzy, what am I going to do? I will probably cut some duke’s daughter and will not know that I did it! I should have gone to Lydia’s school!”

  “No, Kitty. Lydia’s school is for girls who do not respect rules and behave badly.” Elizabeth took her hand and they sat together on the bed. “I know that you are relieved to be separated from her, especially after her behaviour at the wedding.” She studied her sister’s downcast eyes. “I always believed that you just followed along with Lydia.”

  “Well.” She glanced at the door again. “Mary did not want me.”

  “Mary probably did not know that you would want her. I think that all five of us found different ways to survive our upbringing.”

  “But I did not know that there was anything wrong with it!” Kitty cried. “Not until you left and did not return, and Jane returned without a husband, and … Mama was so upset all of the time! Papa just suddenly started making us study and I realized that something was wrong with us.” She sighed. “And when I tried to talk to Lydia about it, she would just laugh at me. She does not really listen to me. It is … It is as if I am nothing more than a doll to play with.”