by Beth Massey
The huge viscount came all over with smiles. “Our appointment with the solicitors is in an hour. I should be finished before two. I will call at Darcy House shortly after, and we can make our way to… where exactly?”
The relief Darcy felt at this possible outcome for Lydia was evident in his face. In fact it was slightly more than relief, and he seemed to have caught Lord Colton’s good humour. “Cheapside… Gracechurch Street to be exact. I will be waiting for you and will arrange the meeting. Mr Gardiner, I am certain has spoken to his brother of the outrageous flirting that went on last night. While you are conducting your business, I will check out the papers to determine if you and Miss Lydia were mentioned. And to think I was looking forward to being the source of gossip by having the audacity to sit between two beautiful and unknown young ladies.”
Lord Colton’s boisterous laugh filled his father’s office. “Darcy, I believe I am going to enjoy being your brother. One other thing… I would like to have a hand in the punishment of Wickham. I have some ideas… you understand… things I believe he deserves.” Darcy gave him a nervous look, “Never fear, my punishment will not be a hanging offense.”
Good to his word, Lord Colton arrived to pick up Darcy at two. As they travelled to Cheapside, Darcy inquired on the success of their negotiations.
“The sale is final, and my aunt will begin the move to Derbyshire as soon as my wedding has taken place.”
“Jon, what is happening to the women?”
“Some will stay. Actually, we heard today that the brothers have entered into secret marriages with Belinda and the newest young woman, Lolita. I believe she is but fifteen. Curzon Street has always been notorious for offering that service, since the time of Dr Keith. Despite their status as wives, I believe they plan to continue working. Knowing Belinda and Lolita, I doubt there is coercion.”
“Oh my, those two brothers are so very dissolute. Which of the two is the heir to Elysian Fields?”
Jon chuckled at Darcy’s look of distaste. “I believe Colin is the older, but it does not appear to impact them in any way. They are inseparable.”
“Yes, Belly has told me of their proclivities for togetherness.”
“To answer what I am certain is your real concern—Susan, Bella and Max are moving to Scarborough and opening a bakery. Auntie and I gave them five hundred pounds each, and all three have significant savings. We made similar arrangements with several of the other long-term employees. Dr Parton is moving to Derbyshire with my aunt. He came with her from Jamaica, and they plan to formalize their relationship by marrying. His son is also a physician, and is trying to establish a practice in Derbyshire after a recent study of infectious diseases in the Caribbean. With their help, I am hoping my father will be able to travel to London for the wedding.
Lord Colton seemed to be searching Darcy’s face for a response. “I am assuming we will be married here. Do you think her family will insist on our being married in Hertfordshire?”
Darcy laughed at how many assumptions Jon had made. “Well, I would take the entire business step by step. First, persuade her father you are worthy. Next, persuade Miss Lydia. A proper proposal is in order—do you have some token of your pledge to give her?”
Lord Colton pulled a box out of his pocket and nodded.
“Hmmm, I should have something for her sister. All I gave her was a painting my mother did and an old pink shawl.” Darcy saw a look of bemusement on Lord Colton’s face. “As to where… presenting Meryton with a fait accompli London wedding… to a viscount, soon to be an earl… would be an excellent scenario to stop gossip dead in its tracks. I will tell her father that next time I see him.”
Darcy who rarely laughed, but actually loved the occupation, became quite overcome with hilarity. “Oh my, will Meryton and her mother survive Lydia’s newfound status as Lady Colton? You must prepare yourself to meet her mother.”
The hilarity receded and Darcy became thoughtful. “Jon, would you object to sharing your wedding day with me?”
“Of course not. Do you think Mr Bennet will agree?”
“Ever since you left this morning, I have been formulating an argument I hope will win him over. Someone of my acquaintance once said, ‘you cannot hurry love.’ I am unsure who the fool was. Probably my cousin Richard gave me that august advice, but I am so very fatigued from waiting.”
“Darcy, should I disclose the nature of the tarnish to my family’s good name?”
“I believe so. I am planning to amend my confession to include my time at your aunt’s establishment. After all, I was doing my father’s bidding as part of his educational plan for me. Our actions were not dishonourable, and I believe his daughters will be more content for our knowledge. Of course, I have no plans to go into any details. However, both of us must assure him we have put an end to that part of our life.”
Jon seemed to find his words humorous. “Do you plan to tell Miss Elizabeth?”
“Somehow his question had found the heart of the dilemma that had been torturing him. “I do not know. I can see reasons both for and against such a confession. She has had difficulty accepting that I will love her forever. Besides, her father has grown distant and even demeaning toward his wife. Elizabeth fears our marriage will be like theirs. She recently persuaded herself that this crisis with her sister would cause me to abandon her.”
Darcy focussed on the empty space next to his friend. “I know not what such a revelation will do. Desperation comes to me when I try to imagine her reaction. As I wait for slumber, I practice different speeches to assure her of the depth and strength of my love.”
He twisted his ring relentlessly. “Jon, to tell her now of Bella, would surely reinforce her belief in my lack of constancy. On the other hand, if she found out after we are married, she could see the revelation as a self-fulfilling prophesy of her fears, and destroy our marriage.”
Nothing was said for several minutes until Fitzwilliam finally spoke with an attitude of finality. ‘Part of the plan I will present to her father is to bring his entire family to town immediately to prepare for our weddings. Once she is beside me, my major objective will be to persuade her to trust me. If I am unsuccessful, I will not be joining you at the altar.”
When they arrived, Darcy made the introduction to Mr Bennet for his friend, and Lord Colton disappeared into the book room of the house with him. As it turned out Bingley and Mr Gardiner were conducting some sort of business in the office. Darcy sat chatting with Mrs Gardiner and Lydia in the parlour until Mr Bennet arrived to inform his daughter he had given permission to Lord Colton for a private audience with her. Darcy watched her reaction with amusement. First her eyes grew to the size of saucers, and next she giggled. Instead of calling his daughter the ‘silliest girl in all of England’, her father kissed her cheek and led her to her rendezvous with destiny.
Once inside the book room, Lord Colton asked her to sit on the sofa. He knelt on one knee beside her and took her hand. “Miss Lydia, last evening as I looked out upon all the elegant women in the theatre, I beheld a young woman who was lovelier than all the rest. At that moment, I knew I had to know you. When Mr Darcy introduced us, and I learned your name, it was my childhood dream come true. I had found my lovely ‘Lydia Languish.’ Your eyes were mercurial… green when you giggled… hazel with flecks of gold when you smiled in the candlelight… the grey of doves when you looked at me with what I hope was admiration. I know of your ordeal at the hands of that man. Let me take away your sadness, let me love you, pamper you, and make you my countess. Miss Lydia would you do me the honour of giving me your hand in marriage?”
Lydia looked at this giant of a man with her eyes large, round and grey. “Oh, Lord Colton, yes I will.” As soon as she released those words, her grey eyes began to overflow with tears.
He quickly sat beside her and drew her into a bear hug. His embrace caused her to bury her face in his massive chest and sob. Every attempt was made to assure him she was happy, but her words came out amidst hi
ccups. They were truncated and somewhat unintelligible. “Happy… hiccup… so happy… sob… hiccup… safe… thank you… me a countess… giggle… happy… I do not know your name… giggle, giggle and more giggle.”
“Lydia—may I call you Lydia? He felt her nod ‘yes’ against his chest and proceeded to answer her question, while still enjoying the warmth of her body against his. My name is Jonathon. I am Jonathon Holmes.”
The man who loved Elizabeth Bennet was unable to have a serious discussion with her father in the parlour because of the presence of Mrs Gardiner. He had managed to tell him of his need, and the older man had agreed to a conference, but it was deferred until they could be private. In the meantime, Darcy nervously talked of inconsequential things while they waited for Jon and Lydia to return.
When the couple entered, Darcy perceived she had been crying, but soon realized his friend’s success when he observed both their faces wreathed in smiles. The second finger of her left hand preceded her into the room. On it was a beautiful emerald ring—the token Jon had mentioned.
“Oh Aunt, he said it matched my eyes when I giggle. Papa, I am to become a countess, and even before that when we are married… I will be Lady Colton.” Her signature green-eyed giggle was in evidence as she said, “Kitty will be so jealous… me a lady. I am so excited, and I am unable to control my glee. Of course, I also feel like crying. Oh Mr Darcy, you and Lizzy will be able to marry, as my sisters will not be ruined.”
Mr Bingley and Mr Gardiner joined the group when they heard the commotion, and were told the news of the couple’s impending nuptials. It was obvious to all assembled, Lydia was still as exuberant and boisterous as ever. But no one seemed offended by her high-spirits, given the circumstances. All seemed pleased she would not have to marry one of the most unworthy men of their acquaintance.
14
LORD COLTON CRITIQUES A CAD
After the celebration died down, Mr Darcy and Mr Bennet stated their intentions to those assembled to discuss some private matters. As they made their way to Mr Gardiner’s library, Lord Colton took his friend aside.
“Is Richard at your house or his parent’s?”
“He is at Darcy House. When his parents are at Elderton, and I am in town… he resides with me.”
Lord Colton also had a look of glee on his countenance as he asked his questions, “Do you believe I would be able to find him there now?”
“Yes, I remember him telling me yesterday he was not required at headquarters today.” Darcy chuckled as he said, “He is even more indolent than you are when he has no obligations. He was not yet downstairs when I left for Blessing House. What are you planning Jon?”
“His presence would be helpful when I talk to Wickham.”
Darcy looked concerned at their mission. “Are you certain you do not want me to accompany you?”
“No, go have your meeting. Persuade Mr Bennet of the need for a double wedding. Just so you know, the agreement I concluded with him was that the wedding would take place in a fortnight… here in London. Will that be satisfactory for your needs?”
“Needs… now let me think… no, my needs would have preferred today. Of course, my bride is missing and has not yet been consulted as to my plans.” Once again, the usually solemn Darcy laughed nervously at his thoughts. “And Mr Bennet would surely be suspicious of my desire for such a speedy wedding.”
After shaking the hand of Lord Colton and wishing him great success with Wickham, Darcy joined the older man in the library. Mr Bennet locked the door and the two sat in the comfortable reading chairs flanking the fireplace. Darcy sighed as he thought of the task ahead. Determining he should amend his confession before he broached the subject of a double wedding, he decided the best way to begin this touchy topic was to open his mouth and just let his words fall where they may. “Sir, I believe Lord Colton told you of his aunt’s establishment.”
“He did. You have been a patron since when?”
“My father took me there shortly after my sixteenth birthday. My last visit as a customer was a little over a year ago—before I met your daughter.”
“You say your last visit as a customer. What is the meaning of that phrase?”
“Mrs Teasedale—ummmm, Lord Colton’s aunt—Lady Sarah is the acquaintance who helped me find Lydia. Wickham’s accomplice was in the business of selling young women she met in church to brothels in the city. One of Mrs T’s business acquaintances recognized Mrs Younge’s name and gave me the address of her boarding house. It shames me to say, I was fooled into hiring this woman as a companion for my sister. It was she who gave Wickham access to Georgiana. Mrs Younge obviously went into the procurement business, once I dismissed her without references. I hope Lord Colton made it clear that his aunt did not engage in such practices as buying women.”
Mr Bennet nodded, and Darcy continued his confession. “It is important to me that you be assured that once I became enamoured of your daughter, I resolved I would never be a patron again. It seemed to defeat the purpose of why my father took me there in the first place.”
Mr Bennet’s eyes sparkled with something akin to mischief. “Tell me his reasons. I am intrigued. Of course, not having sons, I was not required to deal with a young man’s desire for female companionship. My own initiation was totally unplanned and unprepared.”
“His reasons I believe were three-fold. At the time, he spoke to me of the importance of a wife’s enjoyment of her physical obligations to a successful marriage. Consequently, he stressed how important it was for me to be educated in the ways of pleasing a woman. His views on marriage were quite modern… he believed love… not money, status, bloodlines or connections… to be the basis for a satisfying union. His message was mixed by the realities of his own marriage. He did indeed marry an earl’s daughter with a hefty dowry. Nonetheless, his goal was to make me capable of sustaining a partnership based on love. You will probably think my words disingenuous, and perhaps a bit self-serving; but I believe he took me to Mrs Teasewell’s as a way to honour the deep feelings and passion he felt for my mother. Over and over, he stressed his desire for me to be as happy as he had been.”
Darcy noticed not scepticism, but what he judged to be remorse on Mr Bennet’s countenance. He hoped the man beside him would be able to accept his words in the spirit he was giving them, and not take his confession to be an indictment of his own failure as a husband. “Another reason to which he alluded—but never said outright—was to give me a respectable outlet for my physical needs. From the time I was very young, he had given me good principles and lectured me on his expectations for my conduct toward others. In everything I was to be honourable. Dallying with some young woman—whether she be a gentleman or a shop keeper’s daughter or a servant—was deemed to be immoral and unethical.”
Darcy coloured as he imagined dallying with Elizabeth. Luckily, Mr Bennet was not focussing on him, but on anything else, in what appeared to be avoidance. “His final reason was never even hinted, but I have deduced it over the years. Protecting me from the pressures of youthful ardour that might precipitate a marriage in haste… a marriage that was less than ideal… was I believe his unspoken goal.”
Mr Bennet stared into the first fire of autumn, necessitated by the day’s nip. Darcy wondered whether it was the heat emanating from the grate that caused him to perspire. Maybe, it was listening to a son’s loving explanation of his parent’s devotion that fuelled mortification
“When I met your daughter I was immediately drawn to her, but my pride prevented me from admitting she was the one. I fell back on the time-honoured prejudices of my class… and thoughts about marriage that had a great deal more in common with buying a horse than I care to admit. Once I was back at Pemberley, constantly reminded of the love my parents shared, I realized what a fool I had been.”
Thomas Bennet responded thoughtfully, “Mr Darcy, I appreciate your candour. Not only are many marriages much like buying a horse, but also so many have money or property at their root th
at they share much in common with transactions in a brothel. I admire you and your father’s sentiments about marriage. I believe Lord Colton’s parents gave him a similar legacy.”
“Yes, I learned that this morning.” Darcy cleared his throat in preparation for his final request. “The other reason I wanted to meet with you involves Lord Colton and Miss Lydia’s wedding. I would like your permission to wed Elizabeth at the same time they marry. While there is no dire need to wed Elizabeth speedily to kill any grapes of gossip on the vine, but as you know our path to matrimony has been marred by many misunderstandings… mostly mine. To be entirely candid, I am tired of waiting, and would like to encourage you to bring your entire family to London and have a joyous celebration for two of your daughters. My hope is that once you are back in Hertfordshire the talk will be of your daughters’ weddings, and not Miss Lydia’s folly.”
“Have you talked of this with Elizabeth?”
“No, of course not. After I proposed at Pemberley, our plan was for me to travel to Hertfordshire immediately after her trip with the Gardiner’s ended. I was to ask your permission, and our hope was to be married within a month. A double wedding in a fortnight… Lord Colton told me of your agreement… would fit in with our original plans.”
Mr Bennet adopted his usual sardonic countenance, looking as though he meant to probe for improprieties. But then he slipped back into a neutral gaze. “I thought perhaps you might have written her… but no, Lydia’s proposal was only today. Your thoughts on stemming the tide of malicious gossip in Meryton, are probably well advised. Mrs Bennet will most likely dislike not being allowed to flaunt you and the viscount as the prodigious bridegrooms her daughters have acquired.” With those words Darcy let out a barely perceptible sigh. “Perhaps you and Lord Colton could travel into Hertfordshire after the wedding, to allow her to show off a bit.”