Darcy nodded slowly. “I can understand that.”
Theo’s eyes widened. “You can?”
He chanced a glance into Darcy’s eyes and had to look aside a moment later. Dear God—he knew William as little as his brother knew him. There was feeling—other than anger and condemnation in Darcy’s eyes. Had it always been there? Perhaps his brother was not the only one to have judged too harshly.
Theo pointed toward a window. “There is a good coffee house not far from here—”
“That you frequent after Court?”
“—yes, exactly.”
“Then,” Darcy paused and sighed, “then let us stop there first. I have eaten very little myself today and a meal would serve me well, too. Shall I arrange for the coach?”
“No, it is easier to walk from here.”
“Are you certain, with your ankle—”
Theo shifted in his seat. It was pleasing to have Darcy trying to be civilized, but perhaps this was too much. “Truly, I do prefer to walk.”
“Lead on then.”
The walk to the coffee house was nearly as startling as their recent conversation. Darcy asked about Garrow and did the most bloody remarkable thing—he listened. Theo felt himself ramble on and on, but could not stop for such an attentive audience.
It was a relief to arrive at their destination and be forced to stop talking for a moment. What had Elizabeth done to him?
A serving girl recognized him and quickly settled them in, promising to bring his usual order. Darcy trained a raised eyebrow on him. There, that was much better. Perhaps all the laws of nature had not been so entirely overturned.
“No, Brother, I am no rake. I have no line of bastards in my wake. I leave that to our cousin, the Viscount.” Theo snorted. There was a connection to be managed very carefully.
Darcy tipped his head. “Forgive me, I meant—”
Theo waved his hand. “Leave it be. It is actually refreshing—”
“Theophilus Darcy, as I live and breathe!”
Theo whipped around. “Monty!” He jumped to his feet and grabbed the outstretched hand. “I had no idea of your being in Town.”
“Nor I you!” He pumped Theo’s hand vigorously. “You are a sight for sore eyes.”
Monty stood head and shoulders taller than Theo. He also cut a fine form, impeccably dressed, though not quite so much as to be a dandy. Little did it matter, women were drawn to him as inexorably as moths to a flame.
“Have you been introduced to my brother?”
Monty shook his head. Darcy stood.
“Then allow me to present my elder brother, Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley.”
Monty tipped his hat. “My pleasure.” He turned a raised brow on Theo, his lips pressing into a faint frown.
“Darcy, this is Sir Montgomery Preston.”
Darcy bowed. “Did I not recently read of your father’s passing?”
“Yes, just a few months ago.”
“My condolences.” Darcy closed his eyes and dipped his head.
“Thank you.”
“Come join us, Monty.” Theo pulled a third chair near the table.
“Thank you.” Monty sat, tipped his head subtly toward Darcy and glanced at the door.
Theo blinked and shook his head marginally. ”Are you still seeking that matched team for your four-in-hand?”
Monty settled into his seat and leaned the chair back on two legs. “Lord, yes. Have you any idea how hard it is to find a properly matched team?”
Darcy opened his mouth.
Theo cringed. Something utterly mortifying would surely come out.
“I have tried once or twice.”
“You have?” Theo stammered.
“You are an admirer of horseflesh then, sir?” Monty leaned forward eagerly in his seat, eyes wide and flashing.
“After a fashion, I suppose, but not a true aficionado. I gave up the quest long before such a team could be found. I have settled for a few excellent hunters on the estate.”
“Any as good as that brute your brother rides?” Monty laughed, a rich warm sound to match his nature.
“No, few could boast that.”
What? A compliment now? Theo scratched his head. What might possibly be more unexpected?
“Indeed.” Monty winked at Theo. “You should see my newest hunter, a fine, tall fellow—”
“He must be for you to ride without your feet scraping the ground.” Theo nudged him with his elbow.
“You would need a ladies’ mounting block to get into his saddle. I doubt he would even notice a little flea like you upon his back.” Monty winked at Darcy, the corner of his lips turned up a bit.
“Is that a challenge?” Theo rapped the table with his knuckles.
Monty shrugged. “If you wish.”
“Consider it accepted, as soon as my blasted ankle heals properly.” Theo grumbled and crossed his arms over his chest.
Monty threw back his head and laughed. “Should have known, you, the great barrister—would find yourself a way out. You can be a slippery fellow, you know.”
“I take exception to that.”
Darcy cleared his throat, a dark flash crossing his face.
No! Darcy becoming defensive for him? That was almost too much to be borne.
Monty waved away Darcy’s glower. “I said slippery—not slimy, like that bloke you used to keep company with, what was his name—Wickham, was it not?”
Darcy growled low in his throat.
“You do not think much of him either?” Monty snorted “I cannot blame you there. I was quite relieved when Theo finally told him what for and sent him packing.”
Darcy stared.
Theo ran a finger around his collar. He had never mentioned that detail to his brother. “Yes, well it was some time ago and, I admit, it was perhaps too long in coming.” He kept his eyes from his brother’s. Surely Darcy would not gloat at a moment like this. But still—
“True enough. Sometimes it is difficult to rid yourself of that sort of vermin.” Monty rubbed his fist along his jaw. “Speaking of which, did you know he is in Town now?”
Darcy leaned forward. “I knew he had been, but did not realize he was still here. He is in the Militia now, and his regiment is in Hertfordshire.”
Theo blinked. Wickham had been in Hertfordshire? No wonder his brother had found those months so trying.
Monty shrugged. “Be that as it may, he is definitely here. I spoke to him myself; in fact, he asked after your sister.”
Darcy drew a deep breath and clutched the edge of the table, murder in his eyes.
Monty raised his hand. “Not to worry. I told him quite directly a bit of pond scum like himself had no business thinking about a lady like your sister, much less asking after her. Told him I would see to him myself if he ever spoke her name again.”
“And given your school championship in pugilism…” Theo muttered.
“I believe he found the threat credible enough.”
“I am much obliged, Sir.” Darcy said softly.
“Not at all. I have three younger sisters myself and the accompanying fortune hunters and rakes trying to attach themselves like apothecary’s leeches.”
“Then you well know the concerns.” Darcy laced his hands together in front of his chest.
“Indeed I do, only last week…”
Theo leaned back and allowed the elder brothers to commiserate on the woes of protecting and providing for younger siblings who did not clearly understand the dangers of the world around them.
Though there were touches of insufferable arrogance scattered in and about their words, the theme was one of concern and protection, not control and criticism. Had it always been so? Theo chewed his cheek.
Maybe there was more to Darcy’s edicts and demands than Theo ever considered. Was it possible that in his own clumsy and very imperfect way, Darcy has been trying to protect and care for his own?
Theo raked his hair again. He might have as much to learn as h
is brother after all.
.
CHAPTER 13
Georgiana paced the carpet in front of the fireplace for what must have been the fiftieth time. Why was it that it was always the menfolk who were out doing things whilst the ladies waited at home? Her skin prickled and crawled. If she did not do something soon, she would run mad.
“Do be sensible,” Anne looked up from her book. “What do you think you can do?”
“There must be something I can do to persuade Miss Bennet to—”
“Fall in love with your brother?”
“Yes, yes exactly.”
“She is far too sensible a girl to have her head turned by romantic tales. Besides, there are none to tell. You must face the truth. He is one of the least romantic souls I can imagine. No woman would ever accept the notion of him as some gothic hero to sweep her off her feet.”
“Are you saying that no woman would ever love him? How could you possibly…he is protective and caring and thoughtful…”
“—and taciturn, overbearing and given to offending everyone in a room given enough minutes to do so.” Anne rose and walked to Georgiana’s side. “I know you adore him, but you must confess, it would be hard for another to do so.”
“Not if she knew his character.”
“I grant you, his character is utterly sterling, and we all love him for that—at least when he is not grumping or sulking or criticizing. Surely you can see, those less redeeming of his traits make it difficult for his shining character to come to light.”
Georgiana swallowed hard. There was a reason Fitzwilliam was not a popular man. It was such a shame though, if people only knew what he did for those he cared about.
Yes! Of course!
“That is it, Anne! Thank you.” She grabbed Anne’s hands and squeezed them.
“Are you well, dear? There is a wild look in your eye that I find quite unsettling.”
“You have given me a splendid idea.”
“What do you mean to do?”
“I am going to tell Miss Elizabeth about…about…”
“About what dearest?”
“Something very personal which will surely convince her of the true nature of Fitzwilliam’s character.”
“I suppose then I must come with you”
“No, you need not—”
“Yes, I do. If you need to have so private a conversation with her, you will need me along to distract her family so you might have privacy.” Anne cocked her head and lifted her brow.
“I never considered that. My, you are full of unexpected insights.”
“I heard that said before I became so ill. It is nice to be finding myself once again. Now, go get your things and we shall be off. We will stop for some flowers or perhaps some sweets or even both along the way. Trust me, an invalid always appreciates a bit of tangible good cheer.”
They piled into Fitzwilliam’s coach and gave direction to find a flower shop on the way to Gracechurch Street.
“Do you know, I do not think I have ever been shopping without Mrs. Jenkinson in tow, and not much of that either.” Anne rubbed her hands together. “This will be such delicious fun.”
“Do be serious. It is just a flower shop.” Georgiana tried not to roll her eyes.
“Perhaps it is to you. But you have been to one or another shop often enough to find it common place. When you have been confined as much as I, any outing is an adventure and one with a lively companion is a capital one.”
“I must take you at your word, but I do not pretend to understand.”
“I do not require you to understand, simply humor me and allow me to have a spot of fun.”
“Would you like to choose the flowers for Miss Bennet then?”
“Oh, yes, please! I already have something in mind. If only the flowers are available…” With great waves of her hands and flowing descriptions, Anne painted a picture of what she desired.
Who knew Anne ever could speak so many words together at once or be so…so vivacious? Georgiana pinched herself. No, she was not imagining it at all.
The coach stopped at a quaint little flower shop.
“Will this do?” the driver asked as he handed them down.
“I truly hope so,” Anne said. “But if it does not, I am sure there are others.”
“No, we must find something here. I do not wish to spend all day flitting from one shop to the next. I must see Miss Bennet today.”
“Do not be such a kill joy.”
“Anne, please. Let us go in and accomplish our errand.” Georgiana led the way into the shop.
A number of other customers milled about, but the shop owner immediately hurried toward them. She probably saw the crest on the side of their coach. There was something to be said for a well-marked equipage.
“May I assist you, Ladies?”
Anne stepped in front of Georgiana. “Yes, I am looking for something very particular—a gift for her brother’s betrothed who is recovering from –”
Several people stopped mid-step and turned to stare.
Botheration! Anne had never much dealt with gossipmongers. She did not know how to keep her voice down or how to keep information to herself.
A familiar face caught Georgiana’s eye from the far corner of the shop. Great heavens! It could not be. No! It was…Mr. Wickham.
She grabbed Anne’s arm. “We must go now.”
“But Georgiana—”
“Now.” She dragged Anne away from the shop owner, ignoring the startled looks. She ordered the driver to take them elsewhere and hurried into the coach, pulling the curtains over the side glass.
“What was that disgraceful display about?” Anne bounced on the squabs and crossed her arms over her chest.
“There was someone in that shop who should not have been there.”
“How exactly does one determine who is and is not to be in a particular shop? Is there some advanced formulae I have not been taught?”
“Anne, please. It is someone who has done…my brother great harm, and I do not wish to be anywhere near him, nor would my brother want me in proximity to him.”
“Another of your brother’s grudges?”
“No, no, not at all. In this, he is perfectly reasoned, and I am content with his pronouncements.” Georgiana fanned herself with her handkerchief.
“You look very pale. Are you sure you wish to visit Miss Bennet? Should I instruct the driver to take us home?”
“No, I am all the more determined to be true to my purpose now.”
“If you say so.” Anne patted Georgiana’s hands.
How could it be? Was it possible she had only imagined it? The thought did little to soothe her racing heart. Enough of that. Even if it was him, she would never speak to him again, so he posed little danger to her.
She sighed. Now she simply had to convince her racing heart to slow and believe her own pronouncements.
Ultimately, they settled on a bundle of lavender and a box of lavender comfits to bring to Elizabeth. They were a far cry from what Anne wanted, but Georgiana could not tolerate yet another stop along their journey. At last they arrived at the Gardiner’s.
The housekeeper showed them to the drawing room. The town home was far better appointed than Georgiana had expected for someone in trade. In fact, the house was nicer than some of her school friends’ homes. With such refined taste, could their manners or company be nearly so shocking as Lady Catherine had intimated?
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Gardiner.” Anne curtsied. “Please forgive our intrusion; there was no opportunity for formal introductions the other day. We came to inquire after Miss Bennet.”
“We are honored by your visit, Miss de Bourgh, Miss Darcy.” Mrs. Gardiner smiled a warm gracious smile that surely decreed her every bit as well-bred as the fanciest gentlewoman Georgiana had ever known.
*****
Elizabeth shifted against the pillows and sighed. It was difficult to identify what was more vexing, the enforced quietude of her convalesce
nce or the bewildering intelligence regarding the enigma that was Mr. Darcy. That man who was the very embodiment of all that appeared rude and unfeeling had not left her bedside until her fever had broken. Before that, he had declared his solicitude toward her and her family and how he longed for children to call his own, even to name their eldest son for her father. What sort of man was he?
Was three months, just three short months, going to be sufficient time? He would insist their betrothal became a bond then, but what if she was not certain? Could she possibly negotiate for more time? He did not seem the type of man to be gainsaid. Her chest tightened with a feeling that had become all too familiar recently. Was this how a caged animal felt?
An unfamiliar knock sounded at her door. It was not a man’s hand, not Mr. Darcy. She breathed out a sigh and sagged into her pillows. Oh, that hurt!
“Miss Bennet, may I come in?”
That was Miss Darcy!
“Yes, please, come in.” Elizabeth’s heart sped up just a bit, the throb echoing dully in her wounded shoulder.
The door creaked and the girl herself appeared a moment later, a bundle of flowers and small box in her hands. Her smile was ready enough, if just a bit timid.
“I am so glad I have not woken you. Your aunt was concerned that you might not be up to company.”
Elizabeth pushed herself slightly higher in bed. “No, no, not at all. You are very welcome. I am afraid I do not take to enforced quiescence very well. I am far too stubborn and troublesome a creature for that.”
Georgiana pulled a chair closer to the bedside and sat down. “I can hardly imagine you being so troublesome. Here, Anne and I brought you these. She insisted an invalid always appreciates an offering from her guests.”
Elizabeth took the gifts. “I dearly love lavender, in flower and in comfits as well. That was most thoughtful of you. I confess though, I am not so certain I much like the notion of being an invalid. I have little intention of allowing my confinement here to last a moment longer than it must.”
Georgiana laughed. “Perhaps I must reform my opinion. It may be true that you are a stubborn—”
“—and troublesome creature. There was a reason why I said that.” The tightness in her chest released just a bit. Georgiana was just the sort of company she needed.
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