The Choices Series: Pride and Prejudice Novellas

by Leenie Brown

  “Love heals,” said Mary. “You said she loves Lord Bowthorpe, and he loves her?”

  Georgiana nodded as she turned toward Mary. “Oh, Miss Mary! You look lovely.”

  Mary fastened the closures on the jacket. “It is a beautiful dress, and it fits so well.”

  “That it does,” said Georgiana motioning for Mary to turn. “You shall not have to ride well to be noticed in this dress.” She grabbed Mary’s hand. “Come. Bring your hat. I will have my maid fix your hair once I am dressed.” Georgiana pulled her down the hall towards her room. “You must tell me what you meant by love healing while I am dressing, Miss Mary.”

  Mary entered Georgiana’s room. “Might you call me just Mary?”

  Georgiana smiled. “If you will call me either Georgiana or Georgie.”

  “Very well,” said Mary sitting on the bed. “Georgiana. It is a beautiful name.”

  “Thank you.”

  Georgiana’s maid, who had just finished helping her dress when Mary had arrived to tell Georgiana they would be riding, had laid out her mistress’s riding habit and set about helping her change as soon as the door had been closed.

  “Now, that thing about love healing.”

  Mary cocked her head to the side and studied Georgiana. She seemed very anxious to hear this. Her expression was one of eager anticipation.

  “My theory,” said Mary, “and it is only a theory because I do not know the full story, is that there was either no attachment or a false attachment. Perhaps there was an infatuation between Lord Rycroft and the lady. Such sentiments are easily replaced by true and steady affection, which is a healing balm that wraps itself around your heart until the cracks and pain gradually fade away, and its steadfastness frees your heart to trust once again.”

  “What a beautiful thought,” said Georgiana with a sigh. “Have you ever felt you were in love only to find your heart had tricked you?”

  Mary smiled. “What young girl has not?”

  Georgiana, fully gowned in her habit, motioned for Mary to sit in front of the mirror. “Have you ever considered doing something very foolish because of those feelings?”

  Mary noted the hint of pink that crept into Georgiana’s cheeks. “I have, but I was prevented.” Georgiana’s maid had removed the pins from Mary’s hair, and it tumbled down her back nearly to her waist. “I was to meet a young gentleman alone.” She looked at Georgiana and then the maid.

  “Oh, Sarah is very discreet,” said Georgiana. “She will not share what she hears.”

  “No, miss. What I hear stays with me, miss.” She had plaited Mary’s hair and was beginning to pin it up securely in loops.

  “Very well. I shall trust you.” She gave Sarah a smile in the mirror. “I was fifteen and our neighbour’s cousins came for the summer. One cousin in particular was of interest to me. He had just passed his eighteenth birthday. He was tall and had lovely blond hair that curled about his ears and at his neck and on his forehead.” She sighed. “He was very handsome, and instead of paying any attention to my sisters Jane or Elizabeth, he chose to spend his time with me.” As Sarah pinned her hat in place, Mary turned so that she could see Georgiana. “I had not ever had the attention of such a gentleman before Roger. He was amiable and charming. He was all that I thought a young man should be, but he was not as he appeared.” She stood and allowed Georgiana to take her turn at the mirror.

  “He read me poems and said very pretty things, and soon I fancied myself in love with him. I was so convinced of my feelings that I agreed to meet him on a walk. He had often whispered his desire to hold my hand and to kiss me.

  “I blush to say that his constant attentions, his small brushes of his hand against my arm or the tucking of a stray strand of hair behind my ear, had left me desiring his kisses. I slipped out of the house on the day we were to meet a few moments earlier than necessary. I have never been given to tardiness, and it is what saved me. For as I approached the gate where we were to meet, I saw a bonnet duck behind a bush. He had been waiting for me with another. I saw them embracing. His hands were roaming over her back and…” Her cheeks coloured, and she dropped her eyes, “lower.”

  Georgiana’s eyes grew wide with understanding. “How dreadful!”

  Mary nodded. “I felt a fool for having fallen for such a man.”

  Georgiana stood with her hands on her hips. “But he was a deceiver! You could not have known.”

  “I should have known when he chose me over my sisters,” Mary said quietly.

  “Why?”

  Mary smiled sadly at Georgiana. How did one explain one’s lack of beauty?

  “Oh, no!” said Georgiana. “Stand here.” She pointed to a spot in front of the mirror. “I do not know what you looked like then, but look at yourself now. You are beautiful. Your cheeks are perfectly rosy. Your nose is small. Your eyes shine with your emotions, and your mouth is lovely ─ neither too thick nor too thin. And your figure…” Georgiana studied Mary for a moment. “Although you are not tall, your height is by no means deficient, and you have ─ Oh, I do not know how to say it politely ─ you have softness in all the proper places. You shall turn many heads this season, and one of them may possess that healing love of which you spoke.”

  Mary’s cheeks were glowing quite rosy, and she had to blink against the tears that had formed in her eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I have never before heard myself described as anything so pleasant.”

  Georgiana wrapped her arms around Mary from behind. “You are everything that is pleasant. Is she not, Sarah?”

  “That she is ,Miss. Always polite and very pretty.” She ducked her head a bit. “I should not say it, but I heard it mentioned by a footman or two that you were pretty. They did not say it in an improper way, mind you. It was merely a comment made in passing about your arrival.”

  Mary smiled at Sarah, who was looking uneasy about having shared so much. “Thank you. That is very nice to hear.”

  “Did you require anything else, Miss Darcy?”

  Georgiana looked at her reflection in the mirror. “No. You have done an excellent job. I dare say we are both very well-turned-out.” She took Mary by the arm. “Shall we go present ourselves to our escort and instructor?”

  Mary took a last look in the mirror, turning just a bit to inspect her complete outfit. It did fit well, and the style Sarah had created for her hair gave a softness to her features that she quite enjoyed. She smiled at her reflection and nodded her head. She was ready.

  Chapter 5

  Rycroft stood at the foot of the steps to Darcy House. The knocker was not on the door just as he had suspected it would not be, but knocker or no knocker, he was going to seek admission. And so he mounted the steps and gave a good loud rap on the door. He stood and waited for a count of ten before rapping once again. Another count of ten passed, and again he knocked. Finally, the door opened.

  “Ah, Daniels, before you tell me that my cousin is not home to callers and close the door in my face — treatment that I know I well deserve, coming to call so soon after his wedding — let me assure you that I would not have called if I were not in dire need of his assistance.” He put up his hand to stop the butler from replying. “A paper and pen would suffice. If I could just leave a message?”

  Daniels gave Rycroft a most disapproving look but stepped to the side. “Please wait here. Mr. Darcy is currently in a meeting, I shall see if he is willing to speak with you after he has finished.”

  Rycroft’s brows rose. “A meeting?”

  “Yes,” replied the butler. “It seems you are not the only person to ignore propriety today.”

  Rycroft shifted from foot to foot as he waited for Daniels to return. He was not even sure why he was here. He just knew he needed to speak to someone about that riding lesson. He shook his head to clear the images of Mary in that riding habit from his mind. He did not remember Lady Serena ever looking so enticing when wearing that gown. And he was not the only gentleman to notice how lovely she looked. T
hey had been stopped by several of his acquaintances. They had made a show of welcoming him back to town, but the way their eyes wandered to Mary, he knew their real intent was an introduction. He had been particularly put out when Brownlow and Blackmoore had joined them. Both Mary and Georgiana had found the company of Blackmoore to be to their liking. He had even seen Mary ducking her head and blushing for the fool! He smacked his hat on his leg. The anger that bubbled now in his chest was most disconcerting. Blackmoore was a friend, so why had he wished to run the man off?

  “The master will see you.”

  Rycroft followed Daniels to Darcy’s study. He had not seen anyone leave the room. He smiled to himself. Perhaps the meeting had been with Mrs. Darcy? He stepped into the room as Daniels announced him. Mrs. Darcy sat in one of the chairs in front of Darcy’s desk while Bingley sat in the other.

  “Bingley!” Rycroft crossed the room and shook Bingley’s hand. “You said you would call when you returned to town. Should I expect you later?”

  Bingley laughed. “You should.”

  Rycroft looked at the faces of each of the room’s occupants. “It is not dire news that you bring, is it?”

  “No, no. My news is of the best sort. Miss Bennet has agreed to marry me. I have written to my solicitor about the license and papers, and I am in town for a few days as I finalize things. Miss Bennet has come to stay with her aunt and uncle, so I am here to let Mrs. Darcy know of her sister’s arrival and to invite her and her husband to join us for the wedding.” Bingley’s smile grew as he spoke. “How is Miss Mary?”

  “Miss Mary?” parroted Darcy, looking at first toward Bingley and then, Rycroft.

  “She is well.” Rycroft felt a bit of heat beginning to creep up his neck. It was an odd reaction. He had not blushed in years. “I have been compelled by my mother to assist Miss Mary and Georgiana with their dancing lessons.”

  “Mary is taking dancing lessons with Georgiana?” Elizabeth looked at the men in confusion.

  “Forgive me,” said Rycroft. “My mother has arranged for Miss Mary to join her for the season. Miss Mary is to stay with us until the end of the week. Then she will return to Longbourn for Christmas before coming back to Rycroft Place after the new year.”

  “And you are to escort them to all their soirees?” questioned Darcy.

  “I am.” Rycroft sighed. “My mother is intent upon finding me a bride this season, so I have no choice but to attend anyway.”

  Bingley laughed as he stood. “I do hope you are as successful as Darcy and I have been.” He bowed to Elizabeth. “It has been a pleasure to see you, Mrs. Darcy.”

  “Now,” said Darcy as Bingley moved toward the door. “What is your business, Rycroft? I had not intended to spend the whole of my day in my study.”

  Rycroft nearly laughed as he saw Elizabeth, her cheeks glowing rosy, duck her head and smile. “Yes, I am sorry to intrude, but I needed some advice.”

  “And it could not wait or be obtained from any other source?”

  Rycroft shook his head. “I am afraid not.”

  “Very well,” Darcy motioned to the chair Bingley had just vacated. “We will be in Hertfordshire the day before Christmas, Bingley,” he called as Bingley reached the door.

  Bingley gave a nod of his head. “Your rooms shall be waiting.”

  “Now, Rycroft,” said Darcy as Bingley closed the door, “what can I do for you?”

  Rycroft cast an uneasy glance in Elizabeth’s direction. “It is of a private nature,” he said softly as that infernal blush deepened.

  “I am not home to visitors for I am spending my day with my wife.” Darcy smiled as he said the word, and for a brief moment, Rycroft felt a small jolt of envy which surprised him nearly as much as his anger had earlier today. “If you wish to speak to me, you must also speak to Mrs. Darcy.”

  Rycroft shifted uneasily in his chair. “It involves a lady.” His ears were burning so greatly that he wished to cover them with his hands in an attempt to cool them.

  “Very good.” Darcy sat back in his chair, a look of enjoyment on his face. “My wife is a lady. She may be of assistance.”

  “I mean no disrespect, but I do not think so.”

  Darcy’s brows rose, and his smile grew. He was definitely enjoying this. “Then, we have an impasse, for I shall not be parted from my wife today.”

  Rycroft blew out a breath. “Very well, if you insist.” He shifted again in his chair. “There is a lady of my acquaintance who seems to have a very peculiar and disturbing effect on me.” From the corner of his eye, he saw Elizabeth motion toward the door with her head, but Darcy shook his, and she remained seated. “I find myself seeking out opportunities to be in her presence, even when I know she is going to disagree with me or wish me to leave. And today, when we were out riding, I wished to run off a friend because she seemed to favour his attentions. And,” he swallowed and spoke softly, “her beauty…” He raised his eyebrows but did not finish. “Why? What is wrong with me and how do I fix it?”

  Darcy’s smile had grown quite wide. “And if someone were to threaten her?” Darcy chuckled. “You do not need to tell me. I can tell by your look of horror that you would do whatever you needed to protect her. Correct?”

  Rycroft nodded. “What do I do?”

  Darcy looked at Elizabeth. “You marry her.”

  Rycroft was sure his heart had stopped beating at the statement. “Marry her?”

  Darcy nodded. “It sounds to me as if you are in love with the lady, and I find myself a great proponent of marriage these days.”

  Rycroft had risen and was pacing the room. “In love?”

  “Yes, Cousin, in love. It is not such a horrible place to be.”

  Rycroft shook his head. “No, I have simply been out of town for too long.”

  Darcy laughed. “There were no ladies in the country?”

  Rycroft shot him a look of displeasure. “None to my liking. Very grasping.”

  “Ah, unlike the ladies of the ton.”

  Rycroft did not miss the note of sarcasm in Darcy’s voice. “I cannot marry her.”

  “And why is that? Inferior standing?”

  Rycroft rolled his eyes. “She is not titled, but she is a gentleman’s daughter, not that standing is of great importance to me, as you well know. She would make a fine countess.”

  “Is she married?”

  “No.”

  “Betrothed?”

  “No.”

  “Has she been so tainted by scandal that your standing would suffer?”

  “No.”

  “Then, I really do not see a reason why you cannot marry her,” said Darcy.

  Rycroft huffed and folded his arms across his chest. “I cannot marry her because she does not like me.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Might I suggest you employ the use of a library at a ball and a loud aunt who loves to gossip. Then she shall have to marry you whether she likes you or not.”

  Rycroft looked at Elizabeth in horror.

  “I jest at my husband’s expense, my lord,” she explained. “He has told you of our betrothal has he not?”

  Rycroft nodded. “But you like him.”

  “Yes, now, but I did not know that when we were first betrothed. At that time, I thought I did not like him.” She rose and walked behind the desk to stand at Darcy’s side. “Fortunately, I like him quite well now.”

  Darcy put an arm around her and pulled her close to him. “Yes, fortunately,” he muttered. “Perhaps if Elizabeth met her ─.”

  “No.” The word was said so quickly and with so much force that it startled both Darcy and Elizabeth. “Not that there is anything wrong with Mrs. Darcy, of course.” Rycroft moved toward the door. “I am not … it would not be… I cannot,” he stammered and shook his head. He stopped with his hand on the door handle. “I shall let you return to your day. I do apologize once again for the inconvenience.” The door was nearly closed when he popped his head back into the room. “Thank you.”

  “
Will he be alright?” asked Elizabeth after the door closed. “He seemed rather shaken.”

  Darcy tugged her onto his lap. “It is not easy for a man to realize he is in love with a woman. It can be very unsettling.” He kissed her neck. “A man likes to be in charge of things, and when his heart decides it is no longer going to be under his regulation, his mind often rebels.” He kissed her just behind her ear. “But, when the mind finally yields and allows the heart to lead, and when the lady is no longer set against the gentleman, the results, though still unsettling, are quite nice.” He kissed her lips. “Deliciously unsettling.”

  She placed a hand on both sides of his face. “Before I allow you to be deliciously unsettled, sir. You are saying no harm will come to him in his current state.”

  Darcy smiled. “That I cannot guarantee, but I can guarantee that if he allows his head to listen to his heart, he will find happiness. But, for now, we must let him struggle with it. It is not something we can do for him.”

  “You are certain?”

  Darcy nodded.

  Elizabeth leaned close to his ear. “Then lock the door, my dear husband.”

  ~*~*~*~*~*~

  Freshly dressed and having had a small beverage to fortify his topsy-turvy emotions, Rycroft stood outside the door to the sitting room at his home, ready to escort his mother, his cousin and Miss Mary to the museum. He felt he was ready until he heard what sounded to be Blackmoore’s voice coming from the sitting room. Rycroft stood for a moment, listening to the conversation. His brows rose as he heard Blackmoore mention a desire to visit the museum with the ladies.

  “Ah,” said Lady Sophia, “Samuel is to escort us, but he might enjoy your company.”

  Rycroft straightened the sleeves of his jacket, took a deep breath, and entered the room. “Whose company might I enjoy, Mother?” He bent to kiss her cheek.

  “Blackmoore’s.” She noted how carefully her son held his face expressionless as if trying to contain some emotion that he did not wish for anyone to know about. It was a good sign in her mind. Perhaps having a gentleman showing interest in Mary would cause him to see her in a different light, or should he already have found her of interest, it might cause him to act. “He has expressed an interest in attending the museum with us, and I thought since the ladies will be drawing, you might find it less tiring to be waiting about if you were to have a companion. The two of you could get lost in the exhibits for an hour or so while Mary and Georgiana draw, and then afterwards you might show us some of the exhibits you found particularly interesting.”