~Twenty-five~
Elizabeth Bennet had less than a week to prepare herself for seeing the man responsible for the social salvation of her family. But with the departure of Lydia and Wickham to Newcastle, the household eventually returned to a semblance of normal. Her father had taken the news of Darcy’s intervention unusually well. He seemed relieved that it was a relative stranger instead of his own kin. However, Elizabeth could not accept it so easily and had taken to solitary pursuits in an effort to find peace. After a succession of grey, rainy weather, the sun finally broke through the clouds with a morning that had dawned unusually fine. Making the excuse of needing some exercise. Elizabeth quickly escaped the confines of the house, but it was not a walk that she wished to take. Borrowing her father’s rod and reel, Elizabeth made a beeline for a favorite fishing spot. The stream, wide and deep, ran swiftly alongside the road leading to Meryton. A copse of trees bordered the bank, providing sheltering privacy as well as a vantage point to see approaching visitors. It was here, some hours later, with a basket half-filled and dozing, that she heard the arrival of horsemen. Sitting up abruptly and brushing away stray leaves that clung to her skirt, Elizabeth hardly had time to hide her bare feet before they were upon her.
“Ho there Miss Elizabeth! Is my beautiful fiancé at home?” a beaming Charles Bingley called to her from across the stream. Nodding, she replied with equal pleasure at the sight of his companion.
“Indeed, she is, you shall find her in the drawing room, discussing the arrangements for my mother’s favorite pastime… your upcoming wedding.”
Riding a fine bay stallion, Mr. Darcy doffed his hat in greeting before whispering something to Bingley who smiled in agreement before urging his horse into a canter, leaving Darcy alone with Elizabeth. Nudging his horse through the stream to where she sat, he dismounted and dropped to the grass beside her.
“I hope you don’t mind my intrusion. Fishing is a great pastime of mine and I have not had the opportunity in some time. Besides, three is a crowd.”
“Three sir? Surely you have forgotten how large my family is. Mr. Bingley will not have a moment alone with Jane until after the wedding.”
Darcy smiled wryly, it had taken him some months, but he now realized that despite Mrs. Bennet’s often loud and inappropriate behavior, she only wanted what was best for her daughters. Unfortunately, it was still one of his greatest trials to bear for longer than an hour at a time.
“I have not forgotten in the least, but Charles seems happy enough.”
“He does, as does Jane. But, what of you, Mr. Darcy? Are you happy?”
To this inquiry, he only shrugged. A sudden sharp tug on the fishing line permitted a timely distraction.
“Miss Bennet! You have an enormous trout taking bite!”
“Oh! He is a fine one. Please assist me!”
Darcy wrapped his arms around Elizabeth and together they pulled back on the pole, bending it near to breakage as the fish fought with equal zeal. Water splashed as they tugged against the weight of the beast and flow of the stream, sending its spray upwards in protest. Eventually, the combined effort was no match for the trout and it was pulled flopping madly onto the bank sending Elizabeth and Darcy tumbling backwards. Resting from their efforts, propriety was temporarily forgotten as Darcy hesitated to release her. It was a feeling that he relished and did not want to end, but it was too soon. He would not rush Elizabeth with unwanted attentions. Clearing his throat, he relaxed his embrace as she rose and bounded forward to examine their prize.
“Just look at him! Why he must be nearly thirty pounds. Cook will be pleased…. Would you stay for dinner? Mr. Bingley generally spends the entire day with Jane…”
“I would very much enjoy that… and fresh trout.”
Lifting the fish, Darcy felt the last heave of its gills before life left it. For a moment, he felt a debt to the creature for creating an opportunity to spend time with Elizabeth. After placing it carefully in her creel, he laughed as the tail and nose protruded from the basket.
“I believe he is a bit too large. How would you have gotten him home?”
“Oh, I would have found a way…. Or just let it go. Sometimes I go fishing with no desire to actually catch anything.”
“A kindred soul… there is no greater pleasure than to be in harmony with nature, but surely there are many things that you do for amusement?”
“Yes and no, unfortunately, there are occupations of interest that are not deemed appropriate for one of my sex.”
Darcy raised an eyebrow in her direction. “And they are?”
“Well… shooting for one. I have always been envious when my father and his acquaintances go hunting. While I believe he would have enjoyed my company, my mother would never permit it…too dirty for her tastes. Besides, I am a poor rider.”
“Hmm… that is a tragedy. But, if you are up to a bit of defiance, I would be happy to teach you to shoot… and ride.”
“Ride astride? Like a man?”
Darcy noticed how her eyes danced with the prospect. It elicited an immediate agreement.
“We may have to be rather secretive… to prevent gossip. I can only imagine the stir if the good people of Meryton saw you riding about in breeches. I dare say your mother would be apoplectic.”
Elizabeth laughed out loud at the image that crossed her mind, but the seriousness of his offer gave her pause.
“So, you plan to stay in the area?”
“For some time… at least until Charles and Jane’s wedding, unless estate business calls me home. My sister is to join us in a few weeks. You never did get the chance to become properly acquainted, but until then, I am completely at your disposal.”
“Well then, when do my lessons begin?”
“Is tomorrow too soon?”
“Not at all. Shall I call for you?”
“I think not, there is a small clearing nearby, it will be our secret place, where no one will give censure or opinion. We may do as we please.”
Darcy only nodded in agreement. Despite the innocuous tone to her voice, the prospect of a private place of their own was intensely seductive. It would take all he possessed to keep his emotions… and actions, in check.
~Twenty-six~
In the weeks that followed, Darcy kept his promise to Elizabeth and met daily in the small clearing that separated Netherfield from Longbourn. They had decided to begin with riding as Elizabeth claimed to have a cursory level of experience, but when she appeared for the first lesson atop a nagging mare that had seen more than its share of life, another suitable means had to be found. At first, he had simply placed her astride his own horse. Having no mounting block, he had boosted her himself, resulting in mud caking his knee and hands, but the feel of her waist through the borrowed breeches was worth it. Whatever servant from whom they had been acquired must have been much smaller, for her curvy form was left clearly defined despite the pretense of modesty created by her dress. The skirt, hoisted about her waist when astride, did more to enhance than hide. Unfortunately, after only a week of such lessons he had been forced to acknowledge that not only was his horse far too spirited for a beginner, the stallion was simply too big for a woman rider. The simplest solution was also the most awkward. He could well afford to purchase a horse for her, but explaining it to either Charles or Mr. Bennet for its keep would lead to questions he was as yet unready to answer. The second, was to borrow a horse from the stables at Netherfield, but how to account for the need of two saddled horses? He hated to tell falsehoods, but his privacy and that of Miss Bennet was paramount. Their encounters had elicited a multifaceted happiness. He was able to spend considerable time with her alone, while avoiding the company of not only her mother, but also the overbearing presence of Caroline Bingley. Unfortunately, the only suitable horse available belonged to Miss Bingley.
Since his return to Netherfield, it had been difficult to evade Charles’ sister. Only the daily visits to Longbourn were an escape. Caroline hated everything and a
nything to do with the Bennet family, save for Jane. With Charles’ permission, Jane would be Darcy’s excuse to see Elizabeth. It had been necessary to include Charles in his efforts to court Elizabeth, but the man seemed pleased by the prospect.
“Of course, I shall assist you, and there is no better choice of a lady in Miss Bennet,” Charles had insisted when presented with his idea, but Darcy was still hesitant. Charles’ overtly good nature often made him forget to keep small secrets. So, when Darcy approached Caroline with Jane Bennet’s need for a horse, he hoped the ruse would hold.
“Jane Bennet is the sweetest of persons and I count the days until she becomes my sister, but as for the rest of that family… well, they are most difficult to bear. However, I do agree that it is high time she learned to ride properly. Why that excuse for a horse she rode last time nearly cost her health, but is it appropriate for you to instruct her? Shouldn’t a lady be present?”
“We are engaged. Besides, the lessons will take place in the pasture next to Longbourn. It is an exposed location, quite proper.”
“Well, if you are sure, then I have no objection. Poor Artemis needs more exercise than I can give her with my social obligations.”
Charles thanked his sister, but looked quizzically over her head at Darcy. Since her return from London, Caroline had hardly left the house. Her pride would not allow for much socialization with Meryton families beyond Lady Lucas, and even that was limited. However, he was not about to question her should it result in a disagreement.
“Well then dear sister, we are off. Darcy needs to conduct some business in Meryton and I cannot be without my Jane.”
“Of course not… Darcy? Will you be returning to Netherfield afterwards, or following my brother to fawn upon the ladies of Longbourn?”
“I shall have to see how long my business keeps me, but I have no objections to Miss Bennet’s company or that of her sisters.”
“So… Miss Eliza Bennet still holds your attentions?”
“I find much amusement in her companionship.”
“As do I, but perhaps not in the same manner as you.”
Darcy did not reply. He was in no mood to engage in idle banter with the likes of Caroline. Her constant desire to belittle others had gotten stale. She was quickly becoming the worst of shrews. Bidding her a pleasant morning, he left the breakfast room with Charles in tow, eager to be on their way.
*****
Caroline, waiting until her brother and Darcy were safely gone, drained her cold tea and removed the day’s post from her pocket. Aside from a small pile of merchant accounts, there was one that bore a familiar script, but it was not that for which she had hoped. It had been weeks since she had dispatched a kind letter of concern to Darcy’s Aunt, but as of yet, Lady Catherine had not replied. Secretly, Caroline hoped that she would simply arrive unannounced. It was a habit of the old harridan to show up uninvited. Perhaps another, more dire missive was needed to prompt action? Pondering this idea, Caroline tore open the small envelope. It was of the cheapest paper, with no watermark or carefully engraved monogram to suggest the author. The postmark bearing the stamp of Newcastle was the only clue. Curiosity soon turned to fury as she read the short note. How dare that man! How dare George Wickham demand money to keep silent about her part in Lydia Bennet’s scandalous behavior! A hundred pounds a month! Well he would not see a single penny let alone that sum. Besides, there was no proof that she had ever been involved. Too all the world, Lydia Bennet… now Mrs. Wickham, had run away to be married. It was a silly tale of love that ended in a wedding, nothing more. It was not as if she had forced Wickham to marry the girl, that was not part of her bargain and she would take no blame for his failures. Crumpling the letter, Caroline tossed it into the smoldering coals that still burned in the fireplace. Scandal had not touched the Bennets despite her efforts, but Fitzwilliam Darcy was still a single man.
~Twenty-seven~
As his horse trotted closer to Meryton, Darcy reflected on the events of recent weeks. He truly believed that Elizabeth was forming an affection for him. Or, at the very least, she no longer despised him. The previous afternoon, he had said as much to her, resulting in a very attractive flush to her features as she recalled their parting at Rosings.
“I wish I could take back all of the terrible things I said to you. That was before I knew you as the person you truly are.”
“I was no less guilty. My opinions could have been better versed, and in truth, I have not only realized my folly, but the ignorance of the presumptions made.”
“Oh, come now, this cannot be the same Mr. Darcy. Have you come to adore the rantings of my mother? If so, you are alone in that regard. I am well aware of my family’s shortcomings, but to hear them so bluntly stated was difficult.”
“And mine are less than perfection as well, but it is only right to defend one’s relations. Even Mr. Collins requires defense of his better attributes.”
“Mr. Collins? Of what merit can he possibly possess?”
“Why Mrs. Collins of course.”
To this assessment, they had both heartily laughed and declared a truce, but it was far from the declaration of love that he so hoped to one day hear. Of his former proposal of marriage, nary a word was said, nor was there any mention of his part in arranging Lydia’s wedding, even though he suspected that she knew. But even in her silence, Elizabeth Bennet gave him cause to not lose courage. He would win her heart.
With a change of horse, Darcy knew that Elizabeth’s riding lessons would soon be complete. She was naturally athletic. It was a pleasing change from the London ladies who feigned fragility or were truly weak by lack of exercise. A porcelain doll was not for the likes of him, or for Pemberley. The mistress of such an estate needed both physical and mental strength, attributes which Elizabeth possessed in abundance. Thinking of her was the only way he managed to pass the hours without her company, but business matters did not wait on the desires of the heart, and he must continue to correspond with bankers and such regularly. It was partially upon these mundane tasks that had force his delay in seeing Elizabeth today, that, and news from her uncle Gardiner. The short note requesting his person to visit the solicitor at his Meryton home had been evasive, stating only that he bore information of some importance about who had financed George Wickham. Reigning his mount before the respectable brick building that served as both workplace and residence, Darcy smiled as Mr. Gardiner emerged to greet him personally.
“I am pleased you were able to come so soon.”
“Your message was rather secretive.”
“It was necessary ... considering… but do come inside. We shall have privacy from prying eyes and ears.”
Darcy frowned, but followed the older man into a well-appointed office, lined with the books of his profession. Gesturing to one of a pair of chairs arranged before a small fire, Mr. Gardiner took the liberty of pouring a small glass of sherry each, before divulging what he had discovered.
“Mr. Darcy, I know that you and Mr. Bingley are the closest friends, and I admire and respect both of you tremendously, but I fear that this may mar your relationship, and that of Mr. Bingley and my niece.”
“What can be so disturbing to suggest such a thing? I have known Charles since our days together at university. He is the most honest of men… almost to a fault.”
“Indeed, and I would normally agree, but it was a draft from his personal bank account that paid for all of George Wickham’s expenses. I was only able to discover this through some associates of mine… ones that owed me a bit of a favor for past legal services. Ordinarily, financial transactions are kept confidential.”
“I am afraid that I don’t quite understand. Do you mean to tell me that Charles Bingley gave Wickham money to take Lydia away?”
“I cannot say what Mr. Bingley’s intentions were, but Wickham cashed a checque for a thousand pounds at Regency Bank. That would be more than enough to pay for his lodgings and everything else in London. The checque was signed C. Bin
gley. I saw it myself.”
“There must be some mistake. Charles would have known the distress such a thing would cause the Bennets. I can only believe that he gave the man money to leave them alone.”
“Of that, you must ask the gentleman himself. If he is as good hearted as he appears, I might understand, but we both know the result of his actions.”
“I will address it with Charles. He will stop at nothing to see Jane happy, but I cannot imagine him believing that Wickham would take a bribe and disappear. Of that, Charles knows all too well. Some years ago, I gave Wickham a sum considerably larger to do exactly that. But it had been only out of respect for the dedication of his father, the former steward of my estate. There is never enough money to buy the absence of George Wickham.”
Mr. Gardiner sighed and nodded before emptying his glass of sherry. All to often, he had seen the ugliness that money caused in humanity, but it was a necessary evil. Perhaps with the assistance of his Majesty’s army, they would be rid of George Wickham for good. Darcy too, finished his drink and rose to take his leave. The desire to find the truth had soured his mood considerably. Shaking Gardiner’s hand, he promised to relay the outcome of his conversation with Charles Bingley. Knowing him to be with Jane Bennet, Darcy took to his horse and headed towards Longbourn.
~Twenty-eight~
When Darcy arrived at Longbourn, he immediately saw both Bingley horses tied to the front post, idly chewing tufts of grass that grew in patches along the edge of the drive. Eyeing him as he wrapped the reins of his own mount, they moved as far away as their tethers would allow. it was as if they sensed the unrest building in the human rider. As Darcy took the front steps, he could hear the whinny of his horse.
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