“I am sure Lord Atherton will be happy to oblige. It was obvious how he practically drooled over you.” Charles observed dryly.
“Ugh. He may be a peer, but far too old. I don’t want a man who will soon require a nursemaid. However, I may be willing to tolerate his company if it suits my purposes.”
“He’s not even fifty, but does not look well. The loss of his wife some years back took quite a toll. They say she lingered for a long time. However, it appears you may get wish, here he comes now,” Darcy replied with barely concealed relief.
“Hello there Bingley, good of you to come. Wherever did you find Darcy hiding? I swear I have not seen a trace of you in over a year.”
“Pemberley occupies much of my time lately.”
“Of course, of course, but one must allow for a bit of play. That brings me to beg the attentions of the beautiful creature on your arm. Miss Bingley, I find myself without a dinner partner. Will you do me the honor?”
“I should be happy to if Charles and Darcy can do without me.”
“Go along Caroline. Darcy and I will manage somehow.”
Winking his thanks, the elder man tucked one of Caroline’s gloved hands in his elbow and soon disappeared into the crowd, leaving Bingley in a state of mild confusion.
“I thought you said he was a broken-hearted widower?”
“No, I said that his wife was sickly and lingered, not that he loved her. Of that, I would not know.”
“Hmm…well it does appear that he is making up for lost time, but Caroline can handle herself. Far better than I, to be honest.”
Darcy did not reply, but silently agreed. However, he doubted that Caroline would care if her husband did not love her. Status was all that mattered to her. Watching as she preened like a rare bird on display, his stomach turned slightly. In his lifetime, there had only been one woman to whom he was not a blood relation that had ever displayed complete honesty. But Elizabeth Bennet despised him. Eventually, Charles excused himself to speak to a business acquaintance, and Darcy found himself lurking alone in a secluded corner. Holding a brandy, he was happy to avoid conversation, but his solitude was soon disrupted by the guest of honor.
“Hello Darcy! Imagine seeing you here,” crooned Esme Kirkwood Everfield as she waved a diamond encrusted hand for him to bow over.
“Lady Everfield. My congratulations.”
“Suddenly so formal? Are we not friends? At one time, I thought perhaps more than friends…”
“You are mistaken. Surely your new husband is the focus of your devotion?”
Esme only smiled, but it was not genuine. Her countenance bore a smug expression of a cat having stolen cream. Placing a possessive hand on his arm, she trailed a finger in a circular motion. The intimacy of the gesture made the hairs on Darcy’s neck stand in wary defense. What was she up to?
“I believe Gordon and I have a simpatico arrangement. I do my part as an ornamental possession and he… he overlooks some of my more exotic tastes.”
“Indeed. Well, I wish you all the best in that endeavor.”
“Hmm…is that so? Has the proud Fitzwilliam Darcy finally chosen a bride worthy of his strict requirements? Don’t tell me that it is that shrew, Caroline Bingley?”
Darcy prickled under the blunt assessment of his character. Was there no one who did not find him prideful? Detaching Esme’s fingers, Darcy gave in to a rare lack of composure.
“My pride does not allow for a loveless marriage. Nor, does it extend to sharing my wife with anyone, servant or king. If that quality defines me as arrogant and prideful, so be it. Again, my congratulations on your marriage Lady Everfield, do excuse me.”
Darcy left her standing with mouth dropped in shock. He hated himself slightly for the direct slur, but oddly the feeling was refreshing. Perhaps a bit more honesty and a bit less formality was what he needed. Elizabeth Bennet was beginning to have an effect upon him greater than first realized.
~Twenty~
By the end of the week, Charles had arranged to once again, lease the estate of Netherfield and looked eager to returning to Meryton.
“Will you be joining me? I am sure all will welcome your company.” he asked as Darcy also prepared to leave.
“In a few weeks, I must first attend to Pemberley. My sister has returned from visiting relatives and I would spend some time with her, perhaps bring her along if you have no objection.”
“Miss Georgiana is always welcome. I am sure she will find the younger Bennet sisters quite entertaining, but I believe Caroline has other plans and will be spending some time in Sussex.”
Despite having initially dismissed Lord John Atherton as being too up in years for her tastes, Caroline had accepted an invitation to visit his country estate. It appeared that her opinions swayed with the amount of status possessed by an admirer. At first, Charles had been hesitant about the arrangement as no proper chaperone would be accompanying his sister, but eventually he shrugged it off. Caroline was nearly thirty, if she wanted to behave in a slightly disreputable manner, he was past caring. All of his energies were focused upon a reunion with Jane Bennet. Caroline would only be a deterrent.
“I should be at Pemberley no more than a fortnight or so. Will that allow enough time for your purposes?”
“I certainly hope so! If Jane accepts me, I shall make plans to purchase Netherfield. Wish me luck!” Charles replied and bid his friend goodbye.
******
Leaving London directly, Darcy wished he could manage to be in two places at once, but lately he had felt remiss in his brotherly obligations. Georgiana needed to be around young women of her own age. While the Bennet sisters may not have been his first choice, the variety of personalities would be excellent exposure for a girl used to solitude. Nudging his horse faster, he reached Pemberley by early afternoon. The day had been unusually warm and in a moment of frivolity, he reigned in and dismounted at the large pond that graced the entry to the estate. Being midsummer, cattails and lily pads bore witness to the array of wildlife which called the water home. But Darcy had never been one to balk at a few frogs when a cool swim could be had. Not expecting anyone aside from his sister or the servants to see, he cast off his boots and dove in. The water was beyond refreshing and he indulged a few submersions before floating on his back, eyes to the sky. It was in this state of undress and disarray that he thought he heard an oddly familiar voice calling his name.
Mr. Darcy? Whatever are you doing out there? I apologize for our intrusion, we were led to believe the family was not in residence.”
But it could not be possible, Elizabeth was miles from Pemberley. Far away and hating him. Unmoving, he held his breath and watched as a stray cloud floated by. His imagination must be playing tricks, and must be ignored. Try as he did, the voice was persistent and soon joined by two others.
“Mr. Darcy! Mr. Darcy! Do you require assistance?”
“Has he drowned? We must do something! Mr. Gardiner, go in and drag him out!”
“Mr. Darcy, please assure my aunt and uncle that you have not died. They are not accustomed to your love of nature.”
Bolting upright in the shallow water, Darcy stared straight in to the amused face of Elizabeth. The sun glinted off her dark hair, sending highlights of red through the dark curls. Dangling her bonnet by the strings, it swayed along with her gait as she neared the water’s edge. Wearing a pale muslin gown, the breeze fluttered the skirt against her form with an innocent seductiveness. Imagining some ethereal sprite had come to tempt him, the urge to take her in his arms was intense, but the sight of her companions halted the vision. Grimacing, the angelic being pointed to where a family of leeches sucked greedily on his bare arm, before laughing outright.
“I believe you have acquired new friends, sir.”
Peeling the creatures off, he flung them back into the water and slowly made his way to shore. A large strand of pond weed still clung to one shoulder and plopped to the ground with a wet splotching sound as he tried to regain some
semblance of composure.
“Miss Bennet! This is unexpected….”
“May I introduce my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner… my mother’s brother and his wife. Aunt grew up nearby….”
“I am afraid that I insisted Elizabeth come and see Pemberley, despite her misgivings of impropriety. You have a wonderful home sir,” Mrs. Gardiner explained before hiding behind a lacy fan. The elder woman’s face was red with embarrassment as the water had rendered Darcy’s shirt transparent. Seeing where her gaze trailed, he hastily donned his frockcoat, despite the damage to the garment. His valet may fuss later, but he was not about to stand naked before a stranger. Especially when the lady was a relative to Elizabeth. Composure in her presence was difficult enough alone.
“Please accept some refreshment while I change. I simply could not resist the pull of the water on such a warm day.”
“None required sir. It is we who intrude, and as Lambton is some miles, we must be leaving,” Mr. Gardiner insisted.
“May I offer the lend of a carriage? Please indulge me.”
“Ours is just beyond the gate.”
“Then perhaps dinner tomorrow? I should like Miss Bennet to meet my sister, and perhaps give a proper tour of the grounds. Do you like fishing?”
Mrs. Gardiner rolled her eyes and chuckled. The mention of fishing always held the attention of her husband and she nodded in agreement.
“There is no better pastime! When Elizabeth was a child, she would often accompany me. Never afraid to get muddy that one. Should have been a boy.”
“I must hear all about it,” Darcy demanded, pleased to see a spark of defiance in Elizabeth’s eyes. He wanted to know everything about her.
“My uncle is known to exaggerate greatly.”
“The taller the tale, the better. It is the best of conversation.”
“Then you shall, we accept your invitation.”
Smiling like a besotted fool only until they were out of sight, Darcy’s countenance immediately changed. Looking down at his sodden clothing, he felt like an idiot. What had he become? Never before would he have considered speaking with anyone in such a state, but Elizabeth Bennet had irreversibly altered him forever.
~Twenty-one~
The days ahead were to be what Darcy had hoped was the start of a new relationship with Elizabeth. First, she and the Gardiners would be his dinner guests, followed by an evening of music and cards with Georgiana. With high expectations of a successful party, he planned future opportunities to slowly court her. A return to Netherfield would enable him to call upon her regularly. They would take long walks, go fishing, discuss favorite books… the list was endless. Surely, after a time, she would change her opinions and reconsider his proposal. So, it was with a rage barely kept in check, that instead of his well laid plans, Darcy found himself again on the road to London. George Wickham had been successful in his latest effort to make him miserable. Only this time, it would be put to an end once and for all.
Having given in to Georgiana’s request to ride along as a carriage was sent to fetch Elizabeth and the Gardiners from the inn at Lambton, he had been shocked to discover them all in a state of distress. Elizabeth was near to tears, holding a crumpled letter in her hands as she attempted to apologize for ruining the evening plans. It was only when she disclosed the reason for her state that he felt his own blood boil.
“It is my sister Lydia. She had gone to Brighton as the guest of Colonel Forster’s wife, but somehow, she managed to run away… with Mr. Wickham! They have been gone nearly a fortnight with no word. The only clue to her whereabouts is in a letter she left behind to Kitty. She had kept it a secret but when no further new came she told my father. It suggests an elopement, but from what you have told me that is unlikely. She has no money or connections and my parents are beside themselves with worry. I must go home immediately.”
“That is indeed terrible, perhaps if I had disclosed his true nature sooner, it might have been prevented. How may I be of assistance?”
“No, the fault lies with Lydia and my parents. She has done as she pleased for far too long without censure. It was only a matter of time before she caused a scandal. Please excuse me, I must prepare to leave.”
Darcy smiled wryly as he watched her leave the room with her aunt following, leaving him alone with Georgiana and Mr. Gardiner. During the announcement, he had noticed his sister’s face go pale. The memory of her own narrow escape from ruin still caused her pain, but at least it was just a memory. For the Bennet family, it was fresh and deep.
“Perhaps I should wait in the carriage?”
“Please, I would like a word with Mr. Gardiner. I shall not be long.”
Waiting until assured of privacy, Darcy solicited the older man’s advice. He would need assistance to ensure not only the discovery of Lydia and Wickham’s location, but also a hasty marriage. He only hoped that time was on his side. Imaginings of Lydia Bennet being abandoned in some London alley, sent a shudder of revulsion though him. While he harbored no great affection for the girl, his sense on honor, combined with his love for Elizabeth propelled hasty interference.
“I too seriously doubt that Wickham intends anything honorable towards your niece. My own sister was prey to his machinations some years ago. I feel compelled to do whatever I can.”
“Thank you, but it may be too late.”
“I intend to find them and make them marry. It is the only way to preserve any semblance of decency, and I may require your services as an attorney to take care of the details. I only ask that you keep my involvement secret. The Bennets must not feel in any way obligated.”
“As you see fit. Let me know what needs doing and I shall see to it. You may call upon me at my London residence in Gracechurch.”
Darcy shook his hand firmly before taking his leave. The sooner he was in London the better. It was the most logical place to hide unnoticed. Gretna Green, however romantic a destination for elopement, was too far away, but he would inquire if they had gone there. No avenue must be left unexplored.
Now, some two days later, Darcy reined his horse in the stable yard behind his London townhome. It had taken great pains, but replies to his inquires had allowed him to narrow down the search. Not only had the registrar at Gretna Green confirmed that no persons meeting the description of Lydia and Wickham had presented for marriage, a response from Colonel Fitzwilliam had also provided news. Family connections and status had persuaded Colonel Forster to conduct a formal investigation. Not only had he lost a young lady under his charge, Wickham was now considered a deserter. Any fellow soldier with information regarding the departure was questioned under threat of flogging should they withhold the smallest detail. Feeling the pressure, Lt. Denny, a fast companion of Wickham’s, eventually spilled the necessary information. Darcy wished he had been there to witness the event to ensure accuracy, but his cousin was a man to be trusted. Colonel Fitzwilliam was normally of the mildest temperaments, but possessed of a fierceness that frightened the most seasoned veteran soldiers when riled. No doubt the informant was terrified. It was a state that he soon planned to instill upon Wickham. The address supplied had not been in the best of areas, but upon passing it earlier, he had noticed a woman’s hand brushing away at an upstairs curtain before being pulled away. It had to be Lydia, but Darcy wanted to face Wickham alone. There would be no placid bribery this time. Unclenching his gloved hand from the reins, Darcy had not been conscious of the fact that he had balled his hand into a fist. Not when Esme had fooled him, not even when Georgiana had run away had he ever felt the desire to commit physical violence. But this time it was different. Elizabeth would not bear the scandal of Wickham’s dalliance with Lydia.
~Twenty-two~
Darcy waited with considerable patience in a crowded pub across from the lodgings where Wickham had hidden away with Lydia. By now, he was positive that this was where they had chosen to hide, having seen Miss Bennet defiantly peering out the window. Always a patient man, it had taken every ounce of re
solve to wait for the right moment, but he would not distress Lydia deliberately. The little fool had no idea what sort of wastrel she had chosen. As a result, it was some three hours later, well after dark that Darcy finally spotted a cloaked figure leave the crumbling tenement. With collar turned up and hat pulled discretely down, he paid his bill and followed at a distance. Once out of the immediate area, Wickham removed the cloak and swaggered into an apothecary shop. The buildings here stood close, with a narrow service alley between. It was in this secluded space, away from prying eyes and smelling of decay that Darcy pulled Wickham as he exited the shop.
“Ho there! Let loose of me or I shall be forced to harm you. I am a member of His Majesty’s Army,” Wickham threatened as he tried to wiggle from Darcy’s iron grasp. The hold around his neck, reinforced by the familiar feel of heavy round object thrust in his side, soon halted all resistance.
“Don’t give me an excuse to shoot you. No one would think twice about discovering your body. Besides, it is more than you deserve and a waste of good shot.”
“D…Darcy? What do you want with me?”
“Don’t play stupid. I know you have Lydia Bennet.”
“So? What concern is that of yours. She is with me of her own free will.”
“That girl has the mind of a child and you know it. I will not have you disgrace the Bennet family. You will marry her and finish your military obligation with the regulars.”
Wickham, feeling the grasp about his throat relax, attempted to flee, but the sound of the hammer cocking on Darcy’s pistol halted the desire.
“I cannot afford to marry anyone. You have seen to that.”
“I have done nothing but cater to your demands and patch up scandals. You have squandered an inheritance that was not earned and continue to cast blame. You will marry her, or I shall march you immediately to the authorities. Colonel Fitzwilliam is awaiting my call to return you to the regiment. The embarrassment you caused Colonel Forster will be paid with your own blood. Is Miss Bennet worth a flogging? Or, shall I just do the world a favor right here and now?”
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