by Wells, Linda
“They what?” She entered the room and looked around. “What have you been drinking?”
“Nothing as yet, my dear.” He grabbed her hand and kissed it. “Shall you join me in some wine?”
“Annabel is asking for you.” She smiled when his eyes lit up.
“Father, Stephen, I take the 21st.” He bowed and pulled Evangeline from the room. “A girl!” They heard his voice call as they went down the hallway and disappeared.
“He is much happier now.” Lord Matlock observed.
“He has decided to be happy.” Lady Matlock smiled.
Layton leaned forward and pointed at the calendar for his date, then picked up the letter again. “This land that Darcy just purchased, what do you think? What was he telling us?”
“The portion of Oakhurst that he mentions? What was that about?” Lady Matlock looked at her husband suspiciously as he grinned widely. “Henry, what is it you know? Have you been plotting something with our nephew?”
“The entail at Oakhurst ended with David Morgan’s death, the heir desperately needs cash to avoid the Marshalsea and Darcy offered to immediately take a significant portion of the land off his hands at a bargain price.”
She sat forward. “How great a bargain?”
“Oh.” Lord Matlock snorted. “Shockingly! He got a piece of land worth 3500 a year for 20000!”
“Desperation makes for great purchases.” Layton grinned.
“That is not fifteen miles from here, less than thirty from Pemberley!” She laughed. “He bought it for Richard!”
“Hush woman! I have to reimburse Darcy, and Richard will do the same for me when we sell the townhouse.” Lord Matlock glared. “Until all the legal work is completed, it is a secret! There is no house either!”
Layton pointed at the letter, “Well Darcy can build him one!”
“GOOD LORD, DARCY.” De Bourgh stepped down from his horse. “What have you done?”
“Done?” Darcy smiled. “Nothing. Yet.”
“It is not so bad.” Michael threw his reins over a tree branch.
“I have lived in much worse.” Robinson rubbed his hands together and smiling, walked up to Darcy and taking his construction book from his hands, stuck it into his saddlebag.
“Oh, you have made an enemy for life, Robinson.” Bingley laughed at the look of absolute loss on Darcy’s face and clapped his back. “Never ever take a book from this man.”
“Not unless you are a bright-eyed girl who has a taste for paper.” Hurst smiled. “I heard of the library incident.”
“Has Mrs. Darcy been eating your books, Darcy?” De Bourgh snorted.
“Very funny.” Darcy eyed his saddlebag and turned to Robinson. “Now, since you claim that you are the expert …”
“Hardly, but may I ask where Mr. Lucas is?”
“I am here.” Lucas drove his curricle slowly up to the group of men and stopped. “What is all this?”
“Sweet!” De Bourgh and Michael said simultaneously and went over to look at the vehicle.
“We are your greatest dream come true.” Bingley declared. Everyone turned to look at him. “Well, maybe not, that did not come out right; it depends on what you dream about. I mean, help me Darcy!”
“Me? You dug this hole.” He laughed and folded his arms. “Go on!”
“Quiet.”
“Brother.” Michael turned to Lucas. “Darcy determined that you are incapable of accepting charity, something that I can appreciate being in my profession, however, if you hope to be in this house before the snow flies …”
“Nobody promised that!” Bingley cried. “We are just working on the floor!”
“Wait, you are all here to help me?” Lucas looked from one face to another. “That is why you came to visit?”
“Well, that and the ladies we love wish for a dance or three at the assembly next week.” De Bourgh grinned.
“Actually …” Darcy rubbed his jaw. “I know that certain of the ladies are rather looking forward to a display of exertion on our part.”
Lucas cocked his head. “Exertion?”
“Displayed, eh?” De Bourgh’s grin widened. “I can display a great deal.”
“Now, now, some of us are doing this for purely unselfish reasons.” Bingley looked at Robinson. “Correct?”
“Unfortunately.” The group laughed, and Darcy held out his hand to Lucas. “We looked the place over when you were buying that curricle last week, and thought we could move things along. We have no more experience than you, so accept it with the spirit of good intentions.”
“And do not mind the mistakes.” Hurst offered.
“I do not know what to say.” Lucas shook hands with Darcy and all around. “Thank you all.”
Michael was last and clapping his hands, rubbed them together. “Thank us later, now then, what do we do?”
“Inside, gentlemen.” Lucas led the way and soon the yard in front of the house was filled with piles of broken furniture, broken plaster, old wall coverings, old flooring, anything that was loose or ruined. In Lucas’ curricle there now resided an increasingly large pile of men’s clothing as they discarded hats, coats, waistcoats, and cravats, despite the cool temperature of the autumn day.
“You really do know what you are doing.” Bingley grinned at Robinson as he set another stone down in the layer of soft earth Darcy and Lucas had shovelled over the ground.
“So do you.” Robinson smiled. “How old were you when you put down that floor?”
“Oh, eleven I think.”
“Hmm. I suppose I was, too. Scrawny runt.” He tapped another stone into place and stood to stretch his back out. Eyeing his brother, he cleared his throat. “Um, I, uh, want to apologize to you, my behaviour after Caroline died … wanting to chuck it all and give you the estate, I wasn’t thinking too clearly. I was very upset about the circumstances …”
“No, no, I understand, no need to talk about the past. I surely did think over the offer, but I realize you were speaking in haste.” Bingley glanced at him then walked over to the pile of stones for another and hefted it across the room. “So you want to keep it now?”
“For Wallace.” Robinson shrugged. “He is all I have, and he deserves a place outside of that smoke-laden city. I was glad to bring him here for a little while, although soon the crop will be coming in.”
“He needs a mother.”
“There is no rush; I want to do well by him.” Robinson looked up to find that he was under close scrutiny. “Hurst told me about Miss Martin.”
“Do you love her?” Bingley bristled. “You do.”
“Bingley, don’t be an ass. I will not compete with you for her. I have never let myself think of her as anything other than a lovely lass who makes Wallace smile. I have witnessed too many times her eager questions about you.”
Bingley closed his eyes. “Thank you.”
“Just remember, she knows so little of the world where you wish to take her.” He raised his brows and held out his hands for the stone. “I like her. I would hate to see her unhappy.”
“Is that a threat?”
Robinson laughed. “I suppose it is.”
“A threat?” De Bourgh grinned on his way to the pile of stones. “A fight? Excellent! Darcy! Fisticuffs!”
“Really?” He came in from the kitchen. “I cannot remember the last pugilist I saw. So, shall we clear a space for you? De Bourgh, five pounds on Robinson!”
“I was going to choose him!”
“Too late!” Darcy grinned and headed for the pile.
“Thank you for your faith, friend!” Bingley growled and then laughed when his friend dropped a stone squarely on his boot and swore. “There you go, what is that, a new dance? You hop divinely, sir!”
“Shut up, Bingley.” Darcy glared and gingerly tested his weight on the foot.
“Come on, we are falling behind!” De Bourgh picked up two stones and merrily walked past. “What, only one?”
“He is a gentleman.” Hurst re
minded them.
Michael snorted. “Never had a blister in his life.”
Darcy picked up a stack of three stones with a grunt and lifted them onto his shoulder. “Beat that, preacher.”
“Oh ho!” Hurst laughed.
Lucas appeared. “Are you working or flirting?”
“Certainly not flirting.” Bingley blanched.
“Then get back at it!”
“Awfully ungrateful sot.” De Bourgh noted on his way back for more stones.
“Sod-off!” Lucas barked.
“This is deteriorating quickly.” Darcy observed and looked at Bingley. “Are you two getting along?”
“Like two peas in a pod.” Hurst noted with a grin.
“Why do we keep getting these references to us being entirely too friendly?” Bingley demanded.
“Because you are extra-sensitive to not being friendly with anyone.” Michael offered and found everyone looking at him. “What? Just because I am a reverend I am not dead!”
“All rumours to the contrary.” Lucas smiled and headed up the stairs.
“What does that mean?” Michael stamped after him.
“Look at this place, it is a mess!” Jane gasped as the wagon they were riding in stopped behind the curricle. “Why you would think it had been invaded by the French!”
“It would be burning then.” Mary noted.
“Whoa!” Elizabeth held onto the reins and tried to calm the nervous horses when a roar of men’s voices floated from the house. “What on earth are they doing in there?”
“Never mind, we have work to do.” Charlotte jumped down and tied off the horses while Louisa and Jane carefully climbed to the ground. “Are you two well?”
“I am fine.” Jane panted. “Just slow.”
“And forever sleepy.”
“Shall we peek at them?” Kitty giggled.
Maria poked at her. “Look, they are undressed!” The ladies all looked at the pile of coats and exchanged pleased smiles.
“No looking, girls.” Elizabeth said sternly to Kitty and Maria.
“Lizzy!”
“Nobody looks at Mr. Darcy, but me.”
“Oh who wants to look at him?” Jane said and tried to see through a window. She turned back to see Elizabeth’s surprise. “Do you want me to look at him?”
“No.” She blushed while the others laughed.
“Come on, hurry and let us get this picnic set up before they notice us!” Louisa hurried them along. “Who has the blankets?”
“I do.” Mary called. “Here, you take them Jane; the baskets are too much for you and Lizzy.”
“Why Eliza?” Maria asked.
“Her shoulder was injured.” Kitty said quickly.
“I can lift …” Jane’s eyes turned to glare at Elizabeth and she realized that her secret might be out. “Very well.”
“BASTARD!”
They gasped and stared at the house. “Who was that?” Louisa whispered.
“Not Fitzwilliam.” Elizabeth said gratefully.
“Oh, I think it was Peter!”
“I thought Michael.” Charlotte said thoughtfully, “They do sound alike.”
Elizabeth took charge. “Well nobody is rushing for aid, so let us assume that all is well and get this food set up.”
Quickly the women spread out the blankets, and brought out the hampers of cold shredded chicken, fruits, cheeses, biscuits and bread. Working together, Kitty and Charlotte carried baskets packed with bottles of ale and ginger beer, and when everything was set to their satisfaction they sat down and watched the house.
“They will be exhausted.” Mary said worriedly.
Louisa laughed. “They will be immobile in the morning.”
“He will be so much fun to soothe tonight.” Elizabeth smiled and felt the ladies looking at her. “Oh honestly, that is why we are here, is it not?”
“How will you soothe Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth?” Kitty asked innocently.
“Yes, Sister, do tell?” Jane grinned.
“I cannot wait to hear this, the great love secrets revealed!” Charlotte prodded her. “Tell us what is behind this love affair. I heard that you two are courting again?”
“We are, and no, I will not tell you anything.” Elizabeth glanced at the bottle of orange wine she had set aside.
“Will you tell us how you got that bruise on your neck?” Charlotte smiled when Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide. “Let me guess, Rosalie was teething …”
“Charlotte de Bourgh, I will pinch you!”
“Oh, isthat how …”
“What are you talking about?” Maria demanded.
“Never mind.” Came the chorus of the married ladies.
Darcy stepped out of the house and stretched; swinging his arms around, and was about to lean one hand on a tree when he heard a very familiar laugh. He spun around and stared. “Elizabeth!”
“Hello, Mr. Darcy!” She called and stared at his hand paused over the buttons of his breeches. Immediately he let go. “We came to bring you some nourishment, and from the sounds of it, you men could use the interruption.”
“You heard our talk … forgive us ladies, let me apologize on behalf of …”
“Oh hush, Mr. Darcy. Go fetch your comrades and come eat.” Elizabeth’s eyes danced as she looked him over. “Unless you would prefer picnicking with all of us at once?”
“Just one will do, I think.” He stood up straighter when he realized she was appreciating him. “Excuse me.”
“OH!” Maria squealed. “It is starting to rain!” Everyone looked up as another big drop fell.
“Hurry! In the house!” Elizabeth cried.
Darcy called inside for help. The confused men appeared and spotting their ladies scrambling to pick up the blankets and food ran out to help. Amid laughter and noise, they managed to get everything inside just as the downpour began.
“The clothes!” Jane gasped and looked between the half-dressed men and the curricle. Lucas dashed out and lifted the roof, and ran back inside, dripping wet. Jane greeted him with a bottle of ale and a kiss.
Robinson looked at the fireplace and called over to Lucas. “Well, have you tried this out?”
“Now is as good a time as any.” De Bourgh disappeared into the kitchen and returned with an armful of kindling. Bingley followed with some logs and between them they arranged the wood. “A match?” He looked around. “Anyone?”
“Here, Peter.” Mary dug in a little bag, and came up with a tinder box.
“Thank you, my dear.” De Bourgh kissed her cheek and bent to the fireplace, and began striking the flint and trying for a spark.
“Problem?” Darcy asked from above.
“No problem.”
“Looks like one to me.”
“Can you do better?” He turned and held out the box.
“Probably not.” Darcy chuckled and knelt beside him.
“Oh for heaven’s sake.” Elizabeth took the box from de Bourgh and struck a spark into the pile of dry grass and watched as it started to glow. She pursed her lips and met her husband’s eye with an arched brow when she spun away. Darcy and de Bourgh remained in their crouched positions and exchanged glances before silently adding kindling to the little flame. Before long a cheerful fire was burning.
“I cannot believe the difference in here!” Jane was touring the cottage, Lucas leading her by the hand and showing off their work. “It is beautiful!”
“Well, you can certainly see the difference between this room and the last, we learned as we went.” He smiled proudly. “We just had enough stone.”
“You are wonderful.” Jane looked to see that they were alone and kissed him. “And you are very handsome, all covered with dust.” She laughed as his chest puffed.
Darcy washed off his hands in a bowl of rainwater and found Elizabeth waiting with a towel and warm eyes looking him over. “Thank you.” He looked down at his open shirt. “You like this?”
“You cannot possibly know how much. That hint of yo
ur chest is most inspiring.” Seeing his eyes darken, she laughed and took his hands in hers and examined them. “Oh dear.”
Stretching them out, he smiled ruefully. “I had gloves on until they began referring to me as a delicate flower.”
“Have they ever looked at you?” She laughed up at his towering form and kissed his battered fingers. “Sit down.”
“I am afraid I will never rise again if I do.” Sinking against a wall near the fire, he watched her prepare a plate of food, and looked around the room. Charlotte and Michael sat comfortably near the open doorway, watching the rainfall and talking quietly with Jane and Lucas. Hurst was close to the fire; his eyes closed, but a smile crossed his face as Louisa placed a bottle in his hand. The unmarried members of the party naturally settled together. Maria kept looking at the exposed necks of the men and blushing; Kitty would nudge her and giggle. Bingley and Robinson exchanged glances and joined in innocent banter with the girls. Elizabeth sat next to Darcy and handed him a plate and a bottle of ale. She took a sip from a mug in her hand, and he tried to peek inside. “What have you there?”
“Hmm?” She leaned on his shoulder and tilted her head up. “Care for a taste?”
“What is it, Lizzy?”
“Suspicious of me giving you some strange drink? Now that is a novelty!”
“All right, all right.” Darcy set down the bottle and reached for the cup. Elizabeth held it away.
“I asked if you wanted a taste.” She leaned forward and kissed him. Darcy felt the slightest caress of her tongue and tasted the wine. A slow smile spread over his lips. “More, Husband?”
“I can never taste orange wine again without thinking of Oakham Mount.” He slipped his hand behind her head and drew her closer for a deeper kiss.
“Ahem!” De Bourgh cleared his throat and the couple startled. “How can you do that?”
“What?” They demanded simultaneously.
“Kiss in public.” Mary whispered and sat next to them. “I am far too embarrassed.”
“I suppose that we are just used to it by now.” Darcy shrugged and putting his arms around Elizabeth, rested his chin on her head while she settled against his chest. “This is far too comfortable.”
De Bourgh copied him, surprising Mary with a hug, then stretching out his foot, nudged Darcy’s boot and started to sing. “Aye, She is a winsome wee thing, she is a handsome wee thing, she is a lovesome wee thing, this dear wee wife o’mine.”