A Quest for Mr Darcy

by Cassandra Grafton

  Chapter Seven

  After enduring two nights of intermittent sleep and splintered dreams, Darcy was sufficiently frustrated to view supper at the Latimers’ home with keen relief.

  Since returning from Hertfordshire, keeping thoughts of Elizabeth and what may have become of her at bay had been a constant struggle. They would intrude, but he wished for none of it. He had desperate need of distraction and hoped the evening ahead would answer for it. In this he was further aided by the appearance of Pagett in his study.

  ‘An Express for you, sir.’ The butler placed a silver salver by his master’s blotter, and Darcy glanced at the mark.

  ‘Excellent. Thank you.’

  The door closed, and he turned his attention to this last of the responses to the urgent messages sent earlier in the week. Then, he laid it back on the desk. Each had delivered all he hoped for and, conscious time was of the essence, he retrieved the earlier response, pocketed them both and left the room.

  Within five minutes, he was tugging on his gloves as he strode down the street, intent upon reaching Bingley without delay. This was what he sought; this gave him some direction, an added impetus to putting before his friend his proposal regarding the twins and to attending the Latimers this evening.

  ~o0o~

  Darcy’s meeting with Bingley was soon concluded, his friend being more than amenable to the arrangements Darcy had suggested and, leaving him to make the necessary communication to the Hursts, Darcy returned home.

  Continuing his determination to maintain his purpose, he shut himself up in his study to respond to the plethora of invitations piling up on a daily basis since his return, stopping only for a cup of tea forced upon him by Mrs Wainwright.

  By mid-afternoon, he had completed all he felt obliged to do, and he got to his feet conscious of his hunger, the stack of acceptance letters and cards to hand, but before he could reach the door a light knock came upon it and Georgiana stepped inside.

  ‘Will you be much longer, Brother?’

  He smiled and shook his head, raising the pile to show her. ‘All is well, and I am at your disposal for the remainder of the day.’

  ‘Excellent!’ Georgiana clapped her hands together and returned his smile. ‘I have requested some refreshments for us in my sitting room if you are able to join me?’

  ‘With pleasure,’ Darcy indicated to her to precede him from the room. ‘Is Mrs Annesley not with you?’

  ‘She had a few errands to complete, but will join us directly.’

  Darcy dropped the stack of cards and letters onto the salver in the hall before he could change his mind about any of them and followed his sister into the small sitting room, a cosy space often frequented by his mother when she had been alive. It had been little altered since then and was perhaps a little dated in décor, but elegant nonetheless, and Darcy had been gratified when Georgiana began using it as her own since they returned to England.

  Georgiana took a seat by the hearth. ‘Did you find Mr Bingley well this morning?’

  ‘Indeed, excessively so.’ His sister raised a brow as Darcy settled opposite her. ‘I am pleased to have this chance to speak with you, Georgie,’ he continued. ‘Bingley and I have been trying to find a solution to a small dilemma he has faced of late, and today we have settled the matter.’

  ‘I am all anticipation!’

  Darcy smiled. ‘Do you recall Bingley’s telling us of his younger sisters’ impending arrival in Town?’

  ‘Yes—I look forward very much to making their acquaintance.’

  ‘You will do more, my dear. They are to make some stay with us before they commence the final stage of their education in the autumn.’

  ‘With us? Truly?’

  ‘Yes, truly. Is it to your liking? I would not want to impose upon you, but I wished very much to help Bingley out of his present predicament, and I suspected you would gain much enjoyment from having some company for a short while.’

  Georgiana shook her head. ‘It is no imposition at all, I assure you. It will be all things delightful!’

  Darcy laughed, though with some reservation. He could not help but think there might be times when he would regret his impulsive offer, and so might Georgiana, the twins being very different in character to both Darcys.

  ‘When shall we expect them? Should Mrs Annesley be permitted some time of her own?’

  ‘It is thoughtful of you, but I suspect we will need Mrs Annesley’s assistance.’ He paused as a maid entered with a tray of buttered bread, sliced cake and the necessary paraphernalia for the making of tea. Then, he continued, ‘Bingley is to make the arrangements to bring the Miss Bingleys to us; I will know when to expect them shortly.’

  Georgiana busied herself in pouring tea for them both and offered the plate of cake to Darcy before settling back in her seat.

  ‘Shall we see Mr Bingley again soon? I should so like to hear more about his sisters before I meet them.’

  ‘Most indubitably; the Miss Bingleys are younger than you and, from what I understand, not just in years.’ He studied his sister from over his cup. ‘Georgie, there is something I have yet to…’ he paused; a slight commotion could be heard in the hallway and then the door opened, bringing with it a wave of warm air and their cousin.

  ‘Ah, excellent! A welcoming cup of tea, a plate of good sustenance and the best of company!’ Colonel Fitzwilliam dropped his cloak onto a chair near the door and began to remove his gloves.

  ‘Now,’ he pulled up a chair to join them and began to pile slices of bread and cake onto a plate, ‘tell me how much you have missed my company, for I have just come from my father’s house, and he speaks no word of it!’

  ‘Oh dear!’ Georgiana looked concerned, but Darcy shook his head.

  ‘Pay him no mind, Georgie. He speaks in jest.’

  The colonel pretended offence. ‘How could you say such a thing, Darce? I am much maligned by my family, who have shown little interest in how I travelled back from Southampton and, despite seeing her with their own eyes, wish only to hear news of their dear niece.’ Then, he grinned and turned to Georgiana. ‘Mama is desirous of your brother bringing you to Matlock when they return home next month.’

  ‘It is a possibility, Cousin.’ Darcy glanced towards his sister. ‘For we are destined for Pemberley.’

  ‘Pemberley, Fitz?’ Georgiana looked in astonishment from Darcy to the colonel and back again. ‘But how so?’

  ‘Bingley is concerned about his sisters’ happiness, should they attend the seminary here in Town, and as of today I have secured an alternative. Do you recall the lady who instructed you in German, Georgiana, and what happened to her after she completed her time with us?’

  ‘Miss Wreaks? Yes, of course! Oh, it was so romantic!’

  The colonel laughed. ‘Romantic is the last thing I would call the German language!’

  ‘No, Richard!’ Georgiana turned to him, her eyes sparkling. ‘I do not refer to the tongue or its tuition. She and my music tutor made a match of it and were married.’

  ‘They returned to Hofland’s home in the north of England and set up a small finishing school in a spa town there. They provide tuition in those accomplishments most sought after in young ladies. The school is becoming well established, and through their excellent connections and the high standard of the tuition they offer, they have acquired an influential following.’

  ‘And you—or rather, Bingley—proposes placing the girls in this school?’ The colonel looked at Georgiana. ‘From all I have heard, they will find them an entirely different kettle of fish to Georgie!’

  Georgiana smiled widely, and Darcy laughed. ‘Quite! But it is in motion. I received word this morning, and they are more than happy to take Miss Olivia and Miss Viola Bingley, and Mrs Reynolds is already making the necessary preparations at Pemberley.’

  Leaning forward to grab a slice of bread, the colonel grinned. ‘And this is why you are returning to Pemberley?’

  ‘The girls need somewhere to go wh
en classes are not in session. The roads are good, and Pemberley is little more than a half-day’s journey from Harrogate. It is the perfect solution.’

  Georgiana hurried over and knelt by Darcy’s chair. ‘Oh, I am pleased! I miss Pemberley so!’

  Just then, there was a light rap on the door and Mrs Annesley entered, greeting the colonel and Darcy with a smile, and Georgiana got to her feet and hurried over to her companion to share the news.

  Seeing the two ladies settle upon the chaise, Georgiana talking animatedly, the colonel turned to Darcy and said quietly, ‘This is news indeed, Cousin.’ He reached for another slice of cake. ‘I know you to be a generous man, Darce, but I am at a loss to understand why you feel obligated to provide a temporary home for Bingley’s sisters. That is his responsibility, not yours.’

  ‘I wished to help him,’ Darcy said in a low voice. ‘Bingley could not see a solution that would answer for all the family’s happiness. Besides, Georgiana, will benefit from having some younger company.’

  The colonel threw his cousin a keen look but said no more, turning his attention to the plate of food before him, and Darcy leaned back in his chair. The wheels were in motion. To Pemberley they would go, but not before Darcy had made progress with his own plans.

  ~o0o~

  Determined to keep to his purpose, Darcy turned his attention to finding a wife. Once the evening with the Latimers was over, and he had reacquainted himself with Miss Latimer, he threw himself into a round of social engagements, night after night attending suppers, recitals, card parties and even dancing at Almacks. He forced himself to converse, to smile at inanity and too much flattery, to conceal his boredom or his distaste, to swallow food where he had no appetite and to dance – of all things – with partner after partner, all in an attempt to determine upon an acceptable wife, that he may cease the interminable game once and for all.

  Resolutely he pushed away all thought of how a certain lady would have approved, had she seen his efforts to be polite, friendly even, to people with whom he was barely acquainted and to ensure no lady was left without a partner, be it for a hand of cards or to stand up for a set. Any thoughts of Elizabeth were counterproductive, and he firmly withstood them.

  By the end of a fortnight, he was exhausted of mind, sore of foot and bored with the sight of his dressing room mirror as Thornton put the finishing touches to his appearance. Sickened now by the targeted pursuit of him across several drawing rooms by the mothers of young ladies of marriageable age, he knew it was time to come to a decision and end the circus.

  Duly arriving at the Latimers’ house for yet another supper, Darcy made certain to spend as much time as he could in Miss Latimer’s company and, though she said little enough, by the time he left for home his mind was made up.

  Darcy handed his coat and hat to a footman upon entering the house and then caught sight of his reflection in a mirror. Did he look like someone who could be a married man, a husband? For a fleeting moment, he recalled his first attempt at securing a wife and was flooded with mortification and regret. Then, he raised his chin, forcing the sensations away. It was time for duty.

  His memory had done him no disservice. Miss Latimer was quiet and self-effacing and, though not the best conversationalist, she thankfully did not simper. Darcy could not abide simpering! He blew out a breath, then turned on his heel and headed for the stairs.

  The lady would not disturb him with her ceaseless chatter, or even her presence. Darcy had no intention of taking a wife who would disturb him; she would suit him very well.

  Chapter Eight

  With his decision made, Darcy anticipated an undisturbed night’s rest, yet he struggled to find sleep. What he had not foreseen was the resurfacing of feelings and sensations he thought he had long buried—and buried deep. Was it his decision to marry? He had travelled such a road before, of course, but with less measured steps. Back then, in the year twelve, he had found himself careering beyond his own control down a steep slope towards his fate—and his deepest regret.

  Now, he was merely walking a straight and steady line towards what his future should always have been: his duty.

  Tossing and turning, the bed sheet mangled about his legs, he drifted in and out of consciousness, fighting the memories of Elizabeth, only to be thwarted as more recent intelligence of her supplanted them.

  The clock against the far wall chimed five in the morning before he fell into a fitful slumber, filled with fractured dreams of whispered words from a shadowy figure in the far distance. It was as though he were wading through time surrounded by swirls of mist, desperately seeking something, someone, and culminating with him calling out Elizabeth’s name as she appeared suddenly before him. It was sufficient to awaken him, only to find himself drenched in sweat as though he had been running and his breath sufficiently laboured to support the notion.

  Against his volition, his eyes closed, trying to hold on to the remnants of his dream, but Elizabeth’s image faded from him as she was enveloped by a vast sky, a hand outstretched towards him and tears shimmering on her lashes.

  Darcy sat up; tension gripped his shoulders. This would not do! Unravelling the sheet, he swung his legs out of bed and reached for the bell.

  By the time he had bathed and dressed, his unsettled emotions had receded to a normal perspective. His travels to places with no possible association with Elizabeth had fully served their purpose in successfully banishing all thought of her in the past. Pemberley was always his solace, and once returned to its comforting embrace, he duly anticipated being equally successful in relegating the resurfaced memories of the lady to where they belonged.

  Darcy repaired to his study, knowing it was too early for Georgiana to be about. As soon as the hour was acceptable, he intended to call on Latimer, and in the absence of company, he settled into an armchair with the day’s newspaper and a welcome cup of tea.

  An hour later, a light tap came on the door, and Georgiana’s head appeared.

  ‘There you are, Fitz! Will you join me in breaking my fast? Mrs Wainwright says you have yet to eat.’

  Darcy smiled. ‘Yes, of course.’

  They walked in companionable silence to the breakfast room, but as they settled at the table and a footman proceeded to serve them, Darcy threw Georgiana a puzzled look.

  Her air and countenance were expressive of some discomfort, and more reminiscent of her demeanour before their travels. Darcy stared at the now laden platter before him, waiting for the footman to leave the room before speaking.

  ‘Are you quite well, Georgie?’

  She met his gaze with a conscious look, then sighed. ‘Nothing troubles me, Brother. At least, not by way of ailment.’

  ‘Yet you are not yourself this morning.’

  ‘Am I so inept at concealment?’ Georgiana smiled faintly. ‘I do not wish to cause you any concern. Perchance I did not sleep well.’

  Unconvinced, Darcy picked up his fork and prodded the eggs on his plate. He had not slept well either; it was nigh on time for the soothing air of Derbyshire.

  ‘Did you have a pleasant evening? At the Latimers’?’

  Darcy looked up to meet his sister’s gaze. ‘It was much like any other I have passed there of late.’

  Georgiana drew in a shallow breath. ‘I fear speaking out of turn, but I must know... is it decided? Are you—do you—’ she hesitated. ‘There is talk of you taking Miss Latimer as your wife.’

  ‘Where did you hear such a claim?’ Darcy frowned. He knew he had called on the family a few times since his return to England, but it was not the only house he had frequented, and his social engagements had involved many families—and young ladies.

  ‘The Miss Mortimers called upon me—yesterday morning when you were with your fencing master. They said—’ her expression became anxious. ‘They seemed to be most put out about it, especially Miss Mortimer herself.’

  Darcy felt little concern for the tattletale of young ladies, but as he fully intended to make the offer, his
priority was to comprehend Georgiana’s obvious disquiet.

  ‘Georgie, you know I must take a wife. If not least as mistress for Pemberley and to safeguard its future, then most assuredly as a long overdue sister for you.’

  She lowered her head to stare at her hands in her lap, and Darcy rose from his seat and went to crouch beside her, laying a hand over hers.

  ‘What is the cause of your uneasiness? I promise I have ascertained her suitability on all counts.’

  A soft sigh emanated from Georgiana, and she raised her head to meet his gaze. ‘But I know her not. I have seen her but twice in my life, and barely exchanged words beyond the common civilities, yet we shall all be living in close proximity. What if—’

  ‘Do not be distressed, my dear, I beg of you.’ Darcy’s heart ached for his sister’s obvious unease. ‘There is nothing of unpleasantness about the lady. I have seen sufficient to understand her to be an accomplished artist, and I believe her to be fond of music?’

  Georgiana threw him an appalled glance. ‘You believe? Oh, Fitz!’

  Darcy smiled ruefully. ‘She is not overly forthcoming... or perhaps she is merely modest. Yet I have heard her perform, and she is truly proficient.’

  There was a silence for a moment. ‘Georgie?’

  ‘Forgive me, Fitz. I know it is not my place to speak of such matters, but I have become accustomed to the open discourse we enjoyed during our travels.’

  Darcy straightened up and placed a kiss on top of her head before returning to his seat. ‘And long may it continue. I wish you had spoken to me of your concerns before now, but please set your mind at rest. Your happiness will always be my first consideration.’

  Smiling tentatively, Georgiana applied herself to her meal, and Darcy picked up his cooling tea and took a long draught of it. It was time he went to call on Latimer.

  ~o0o~

  The following day was the penultimate of their sojourn in London, and Darcy could not have been more thankful for it. A continuous flow of visitors called upon them, and hard upon the heels of the last, the colonel arrived.