The Darcy Brothers

by Abigail Reynolds

  “Oh!” Georgiana exclaimed. “I recall it too! When I first met Miss Bennet the other day, it was not only his attention fixed upon her, but his eyes—I remember they never left her, even though he left the conversation to myself and the lady.”

  “Precisely—but even more, it is the expression within them. He attempts to conceal it, but twice I managed to surprise a look which leaves me in no doubt of the depth of his infatuation.”

  “Then it is as Theo supposed: he is in love with her.”

  “It does appear to be the way of it; when all these things are put together, they present a convincing picture.” He frowned. “I remain, however, as uncertain as you over the lady’s opinion of Darcy.”

  Georgiana sighed. “Did you not see the formality of their greeting earlier? It was in stark contrast to that exchanged between Miss Bennet and Theo; if Fitzwilliam has lost his heart to a lady whose interest is in our brother, how shall it atone? How shall any of them ever be happy?”

  “Do not take on so, Georgie! We have yet to establish the truth of Darcy’s assertion over Theo’s feelings.” The Colonel took her arm and urged her forward. “Come; let us go to him.”

  *****

  “Thank heavens!” Theo raised his head from the cushion as they entered the room and then lay back again. “It is bad enough having to rest this blasted ankle without being made to take to my chair like an old lady each afternoon to rest my shoulder.”

  “Well, we are here now to entertain you.”

  Theo squinted up at them; the shutters had been drawn at his aunt’s instruction and only a thin trickle of sunlight filtered into the room.

  “And the party from the parsonage?”

  Georgiana threw her cousin a knowing look, but the Colonel gave a slight shake of his head and pulled forward a chair, indicating she sit before pulling one forward for himself and straddling it, leaning his arms on the back rest as he stared at his prostate cousin.

  “On their way home, thank the Lord.”

  Theo let out a splutter of laughter. “Aye, even the delightful company of Miss Bennet is overshadowed after several hours of the Reverend Collins. I swear, if he had paid me his compliments one more time, I would have taken his hat and rammed it up his—”

  “Steady, old man!” The Colonel warned him with a glance at Georgiana, but she was staring intently at her brother and seemed not to comprehend the direction of his words.

  “Theo!” Georgiana burst into speech. “Do you recall what you said to me—about our brother and his… interest in Miss Bennet?”

  Shifting awkwardly in his position, Theo turned his eye upon his sister, a brow raised in question. “Of course. Why do you ask?”

  “It is just… earlier… you seemed—well, you appeared quite taken with her.” A wave of pink filled Georgiana’s cheeks as she uttered these words, declaring her discomfort in speaking so to her brother.

  The Colonel patted her reassuringly on the shoulder and turned to his cousin. “Is it the truth? You have no intentions? I know it would not be an easy match, for I understand she has little dowry.”

  Theo shrugged. “If you wish to know my interest, then it is for the lively companionship Miss Bennet offers. There is no denying she is an attractive woman—almost beautiful once you are swept away by those lovely eyes—” he stopped and looked first to his sister, then back to his cousin. “But I stand by my words to you, Georgie; I believe Fitzwilliam is enamored of her, and though we have fallen out over many things over the years, competing with him for the one person who may be able to redeem him is beyond me.”

  A look of relief spread across Georgiana’s features, but Theo shook his head.

  “Your concern should not be for which brother has lost his heart to the lady, more what the lady thinks of him.”

  The Colonel nodded. “Indeed. Hence my seeking out her company earlier. It is impossible to say what her true feelings are. Though Darcy has clearly not impressed her in the past, there is little indication whether her opinion has improved, for she is resistant to questioning, however covertly put.”

  Theo laughed. “Yes, I discovered that for myself. She is not easily fooled into revealing what she truly thinks.”

  “Fitzwilliam did not look at all pleased when you were walking with Miss Bennet, Richard.” Georgiana looked to her cousin.

  “Darcy has not sported a pleased air and countenance for some time.”

  Georgiana looked mournful. “But then—what is to be done?”

  Theo leaned back into the cushions and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Must something be done? Can we not simply enjoy watching him squirm for a while longer? As a man confined in his activities, I must have some amusement!”

  The Colonel laughed but Georgiana frowned. “Theo! That is unkind!”

  He laughed. “I am not serious, Georgie—it is merely a jest!” He reached over and squeezed her hand. “If it is your wish, so be it. I shall join forces with you and Richard in trying to find a way to help bring them together.”

  *****

  The next morning, Darcy arose early even by his own standards. The early hours where none made demands on him nor needed him were too precious to waste.

  He dressed without his valet. Even that intrusion was too much right now. What did it matter? No one but the servants would see him until after his ride and subsequent ablutions.

  The single groom in the stables said little—good man—saddling his horse quickly and disappearing back into the morning shadows. Perhaps he should ride Theseus instead. The poor creature was becoming restive in Theo’s absence. But no, riding that high-spirited equine was more work than he wanted right now. Theseus would have to wait for his exercise until Darcy found his patience.

  The wind on his face and his horse’s steady hoof beat lulled him into quiet meditation. This was what he escaped for, a quiet and peace offered nowhere else.

  How could this spring trip have become so immensely complicated? Every year he visited Rosings and nothing out of the ordinary ever happened—ever! This year made up for all the rest.

  He pinched the bridge of his nose and urged his horse faster. Theo’s accident, Elizabeth and all her presence here meant; now Georgiana, Richard and their suspicions about Anne. Where to begin sorting this dreadful tangled web? Mr. Cox should return in a day or so to check on Theo’s recovery; that would make a start of it. But he would do nothing to sort out the issue of Elizabeth.

  How could Richard… He grumbled deep in his throat and twitched his shoulders. Richard was not a callous man; he would not toy with a woman’s affections, nor would he knowingly injure Theo. But his marked attentions had to stop. Somehow he—

  Hoofbeats thundered behind him. Who? He looked over his shoulder. Richard waved from atop Theseus, grinning as though he had no cares at all. At least the horse would be properly exercised today.

  “Good morning, cousin!” He pulled Theseus alongside Darcy’s horse.

  “You are up early this morning. I thought you preferred to keep gentleman’s hours when on your leave.”

  Richard laughed. How did he do that so easily? What would it be like to have such an easy temper?

  “As much as I would like it, some habits are more difficult to break. Besides, this fine beast’s plight could not be ignored. He veritably called me to exercise him.”

  Darcy snorted. “More likely, you thought this the only opportunity you would have to ride him. I do not recall Theo ever granting you permission—”

  “True enough. No doubt he fears the creature might become accustomed to a true horseman.” He stroked Theseus’ neck.

  Darcy chuckled and shook his head.

  “What say you—a race to that folly over there?” Richard pointed.

  Darcy leaned forward. Richard dropped his hand and they took off. How long had it been since they had done this? Years, surely that long. Too long.

  The pounding gait, scent of the morning and wind in his face took him back to mornings long ago when his need for s
olitude had not become so demanding, when he might still share the morning with someone else. Would that he could return to those times again, even for just a little while.

  Theseus pulled ahead and easily won the contest.

  Darcy passed the folly and eased his horse to a walk. It was easy to let Theseus, and by extension, Theo, win here. Somehow he would have to remember this when he next saw Miss Elizabeth. His gut clenched. No, he would conquer this, he must. He owed Theo that.

  “I say, he is a fine creature!” Richard patted Theseus’ neck, panting still. Sweat trickled down the side of his face.

  “Theo is an expert where horseflesh is concerned.”

  “I would much rather tear up the ground with a fine horse under me here at Rosings than on the continent, running from the French!”

  Darcy shifted in his saddle. How did Richard maintain his easy manner whilst enduring so grim a profession? Even if he understood, would it be something he could duplicate? Not likely.

  “Do you think Theo might be willing to sell him to me?”

  “Hardly. That horse is his prize. Little would make him willing to part with it.”

  “I had a feeling you might say that. Too bad. I could use a steed like this one. I suppose I should consider myself lucky that he is not equally fond of the lovely Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” His eyebrows rose suggestively.

  “What?” Darcy pulled his horse up short.

  “I said I need a horse very much like this one. Do you know from whom—”

  “Not about the horse!”

  “What then?” Richard chuckled. “Miss Bennet?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, her.” He shrugged.

  Darcy’s heart barely beat. Would Richard not answer the bloody question? “What did you say?”

  “You are tenacious, are you not? Very well, I simply noted that your brother is far fonder of his horse than the young lady in question.”

  “That is not possible.” It could not be. Could it?

  “What makes you say that?”

  Darcy’s hands clenched the reins so tightly his fingers cramped. “It was clear, in the way he spoke of her, in the way he looked at her—”

  “Perhaps you are not so wise and all-knowing as you think.” Richard snickered and grinned.

  Was he being so maddening intentionally or did it just come as naturally to him as it did to Theo? No wonder those two always got on so famously. “On what grounds do you contradict me? Wishful thinking? I did not miss the way you shamelessly flirted with her last night.”

  “Good. I hope she did not either.”

  “Have you no shame? To compete with Theo for a woman you cannot afford—”

  “I am not in competition with him.”

  “I cannot believe you would deny it. Were you not working to attract her attention last night?”

  “Of course I was. But that does not mean I am competing with him.” Richard nudged Theseus to continue his walk.

  “How do you know that? It is obvious to anyone with eyes—”

  “You will not just let it rest, will you? I know because I asked him.”

  Darcy wheeled his horse about to follow Theseus. “You what?”

  “I asked him his interest in her. I have no desire to duel with a cousin over a pretty woman. There are far more pretty women in this world than I have cousins.”

  “What did he say? Surely you misunderstood. How could you expect him to answer such a question?” Darcy’s heart thundered louder than the horses’ hooves.

  “Not everyone is so circumspect with their intentions as you. Not all of us play everything so close to the vest. I hardly think there is much to misunderstand in ‘go to it man and may you enjoy great success.’”

  “I cannot believe he said such a thing.”

  “Believe it or not. It matters little to me. I have Theo’s approbation and shall not fail to act.” He threw a quick salute Darcy’s way and rode off toward the stables.

  Darcy watched his back for a long time. His horse snorted, and he turned it away from the house.

  How could Richard ask such a question? But would Theo prevaricate on such a matter? Blood rushed to his face and roared in his ears.

  Was it possible he might have both his brother and Elizabeth—if, of course, she could be convinced? He chewed the inside of his cheek. Not even the regular hoof beats of his horse could quiet his disordered thoughts.

  *****

  Richard flashed Georgiana a wink and a salute as he sauntered past the morning room, and she suppressed her smile and sipped her tea. He had certainly wasted no time. That was one thing about Richard, he did not hesitate either in coming to a decision or in acting on one.

  She reached for a still warm scone. Aunt Catherine’s cook did make these visits to Rosings much more bearable, though the scones and other dainties she offered were generally the only thing she missed when she returned to Pemberley. Perhaps she might ask after the receipts.

  “Georgiana?” Anne peeked into the morning room

  “You are up quite early this morning.”

  “I am, am I not?” Anne smiled a funny little crooked smile Georgiana had not seen in years. “I actually feel quite well today.” She looked better than usual this morning. The color in her cheeks was brighter and some of the shadows under her eyes had faded.

  “You look positively spritely.”

  “I feel that way, and I am hungry too.”

  Georgiana passed her the plate of scones and a bowl of jam. “Let us hope this propitious turn of events continues.”

  “Indeed yes. But in case it does not, let us do something—something fun. I do not wish to waste such a rare, energetic sort of day.”

  “What have you in mind?”

  Anne chewed a large bite of scone. “Oh, this does taste very well indeed. My gracious, have they always been this good?”

  “I believe so.”

  “I cannot imagine how I have missed that. I must have another!” She reached for another scone. “As to something fun—let us go driving in my phaeton! It has been ever so long since I have taken it out. I forgot how much I used to enjoy it.”

  “That does sound like a lovely idea. Perhaps you might teach me a little of driving. I ride at home, but there is an old phaeton in the carriage house that I would love to use to call upon the tenants.”

  “Have you not a driver for that?”

  “I do, but there is something so delightfully freeing about driving oneself.”

  “Too true. That is exactly what I love best about driving. I will take just one more scone and we may be off.”

  Of course a change of clothes was required and the grooms had to ready the equipage, so it was nearly an hour before Anne perched on the phaeton, reins in hand, ready to be off.

  Georgiana climbed in beside her. “Is it difficult to manage? I have heard stories—”

  “Not this one. The high flyers are death traps. It takes so little to upset them. But this one is so low to the ground it is quite stable. With a gentle horse, it is no trouble at all.” Anne clucked her tongue and flicked the reins. The phaeton creaked and protested just a bit until the wheels finally rolled smoothly down the lane.

  “So tell me, cousin, what do you think of our new additions to Rosings Park?”

  “You mean the vicar?”

  “And his guests—yes.”

  “Well, he is just the sort of man I would have expected Aunt Catherine to choose for the parsonage.” Georgiana licked her lips and watched Anne from the corner of her eye. They so rarely spoke, it was hard to predict what might offend.

  Anne bit her lip and peeked at Georgiana. “He is a bit ridiculous, is he not?”

  Georgiana giggled.

  “Do not mistake me, he is a good sort of man, but I wonder if he is too much in awe of Mama.”

  “Ah…I…” Georgiana gaped. Who knew Anne had such decided opinions—who knew she had any at all?

  “Oh, do not look at me that way, Cousin dear. I know you have
thought the same thing. You are just far too well-mannered to say anything so direct.”

  “I…but…she…” What was she trying to say? She should reply, but what did one say to such disarming frankness?

  “I have shocked you, I fear.”

  “A bit, yes.”

  “You are surprised I have thoughts and opinions?”

  “Well, no…just that they are rather different to what I expected them to be.” Georgiana squirmed in her seat.

  “You expected me to be a mousey version of Mama—echoing her sentiments with little alteration?”

  “Well…yes…I suppose so.”

  “I fear then I will continue to disappoint you for as long as this unusual burst of energy lasts. Just because I rarely have the strength of interest to express myself does not at all imply that my mother speaks for me. I just rarely feel equal to the task of doing something about it.”

  “I had no idea.”

  “Of course not.” Anne chuckled and guided the phaeton around a gentle curve in the lane. “That is one of the reasons I have enjoyed Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s company so much recently.”

  “You have?”

  “You have not? Though I have not said it, I have reveled in each of her delightfully impertinent yet utterly polite responses to Mama’s outrageous conversation. I have never encountered anyone who dares speak so boldly, yet with complete courtesy. It vexes my mother so that she cannot call Miss Elizabeth out for her lack of manners. Have you noticed the shade of purple Mama turns—”

  Georgiana sniggered. “It is quite a sight to behold.”

  “Oh, oh! I have a splendid idea! Let us go to the parsonage and invite the lady to ride with us. I know the phaeton is only built for two, but we are all small and, if we squash up, we can all fit.”

  “Oh, what fun, do!” Georgiana clapped softly. How perfect! Perhaps she ought to let Anne in on their plans for her brother and Elizabeth. She opened her mouth to speak, but shut it quickly. Lady Catherine had always maintained Anne should marry her brother. How did Anne feel about it? Oh dear, this could become quite problematical.