‘He believed me indifferent.’ Jane put head in hands. ‘It is really my own fault, Lizzy. I am too timid in expressing my feelings.’
Elizabeth snorted. ‘He called often enough when he first leased Netherfield, so you must have given him ample encouragement then.’
‘He may have been dissuaded by his sisters.’
Again Elizabeth opted for discretion: this was not the time to expose Darcy’s role. ‘You must have been under severe strain when Lydia absconded. I wish I could have been there to support you.’
‘It was a hard time, with father away and mother in a frenzy. Luckily Mr Darcy heard of our disgrace through his aunt, who learned of it from Mr Collins, and assumed responsibility for finding the runaways. Father still has no idea to whom we are indebted. I was sworn to secrecy by Aunt Gardiner.’
Elizabeth nodded. ‘I have managed to wring some of the story from Mr Darcy, but it was hard work. I gather he learned of Mr Gardiner from Colonel Forster, and felt more able to approach him than father. Also Mr Gardiner was in London, of course.’
Jane smiled. ‘But the true mystery, Lizzy, is why Mr Darcy should go to such trouble to help our family, and on that topic I was hoping you might enlighten us.’
Elizabeth hesitated. ‘What are people saying?’
‘Your exploits are widely reported.’ Jane grinned. ‘Mr Gardiner may have a surprise for you there.’
‘And father?’
‘Most of all he’s relieved to learn you are safe. As to Mr Darcy, father naturally appreciates his help in bringing you home.’ She lowered her voice. ‘But he fears you will feel obliged to marry against your will.’ She looked down. ‘As do I.’
‘Then let me reassure you.’ Elizabeth took her hand. ‘We will marry, and I am the happiest creature alive.’
‘But Lizzy, you disliked him so much …’
‘All that is forgotten. We have travelled together many months, and lived through experiences I would have never believed possible.’ Suddenly overwhelmed, she fought tears. ‘Jane, I have learned so much, about the world, and also about myself. I will tell all … but gradually.’
‘Mr Bingley and I discussed the possibility. We hoped you might finally have come to a good understanding. But after you rejected him before … is it not remarkable?’
‘Mr Darcy is certainly persistent.’ Elizabeth looked up, smiling. ‘Have you and Mr Bingley set a date?’
‘We have been awaiting your safe return.’
‘Then let’s have a double wedding! Mother will be beside herself.’
As they entered the drawing room, Mrs Gardiner jumped up. ‘Lizzy! I understand congratulations are in order.’
Elizabeth smiled at Darcy. ‘It would appear you have passed on our news.’
‘Should I have waited?’
‘No, but you realise now that you cannot change your mind?’
Colonel Fitzwilliam handed her a sheet from a newspaper, with a passage marked. ‘You should know, Miss Elizabeth, that my cousin was put on the spot. You are both now celebrities.’
With a severe glance at Jane, Elizabeth retreated to a corner chair and began to read.
From our war correspondent, James Herrick
During the battle I was approached again by Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, who was organising the camp followers to transport the wounded. Despite confusion and treacherous terrain, this little band of wives, brothers, even children, kept the carts moving hour upon hour as the valiant British fortress at Hougoumont held out under successive assaults. At the climax of the French attack, when Marshal Ney unleashed the elite soldiers of the Imperial Guard, we ventured to the crest to save an injured corporal, and witnessed the grand sight of the 52nd Foot preparing to engage from the flank; minutes later, as Mr Darcy and I carried the corporal downhill, the 52nd turned the battle by forcing the Imperial Guard to retreat in panic.
It is with pride that I report the work of Mr Darcy and other followers in caring for our soldiers. After victory was secured, Mr Darcy worked tirelessly bringing injured men to the field hospital or to local villages. Mrs Henrietta Smith left the safety of Antwerp to sit at her husband's bedside, and ministered to other officers. Women made their way to the field hospital, where they assisted our surgeons under the most appalling conditions. Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Mr Darcy’s fiancée, laboured long into the night tending to the wounded with unflinching good humour. These helpers were not present in any official capacity. They came to accompany relatives or friends, and assisted others out of patriotism and compassion. I have named some individuals whom I met while following the 52nd; their service was matched by countless others across our whole army, and I salute them all.
Darcy joined her, and whispered: ‘I’m sorry that you should be embarrassed in this way. Mr Herrick saw us together and asked whether you were my wife; I told him, as we agreed, that we were engaged. It never occurred to me that he would use our names in his reports.’
Elizabeth cringed, her face still red. ‘Could Lady Catherine have seen this?’
‘Unlikely. It came out just two days ago, and my aunt never reads newspapers on principle. Of course she is bound to hear eventually, from other sources.’
‘It is so out of proportion. Soldiers like Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Wickham risked their lives. We worked for a few days in relative safety.’
‘My sentiments exactly. Still, newspapers are soon forgotten, and fortunately we have not been forced to marry against our wishes.’
Mr Gardiner approached, and bowed. ‘A remarkable tribute, Lizzy. I am proud of you both.’
She grimaced. ‘Thank you, uncle, but the credit for our victory belongs to others. Let us talk of it no more.’
After lunch the Gardiners returned home, leaving Jane at Darcy House with Elizabeth so that she would be present when the Bingleys called in the evening.
‘Miss Elizabeth.’ Darcy hovered beside a corner of the drawing room, where Elizabeth was talking with Jane and Georgiana. ‘May I have a word?’
He led her to his study, closed the door, and kissed her. She stood on tip-toe to kiss him back, before retreating with a smile. ‘Is that what you meant by having a word?’
‘No, merely an overture. We need to make plans, and I have a question. Do you feel you must go straight away to your family at Longbourn, or can we remain a few days in London first?’
She raised her eyebrows. ‘You wish to come to Longbourn?’
‘There is a matter to discuss with your father.’
‘Hmm.’ She walked across the room, thinking. ‘Since Jane has just arrived, I think it would be better to stay here this week. You should spend more time with your sister. I will visit Gracechurch Street and see the children. The Bingleys will be here.’
Darcy nodded. ‘I should also call on Edward Havers to check that he and Céline got back safely.’
‘Of course!’ Elizabeth recalled their last meeting, in Venice, when her mind had been blurred by laudanum. How long ago it seemed. She looked up at Darcy’s grave, reassuring presence, and moved to his side, as if to remind herself that she was now safe among true friends, and with good fortune always would be.
59
Darcy sat in his study facing Charles Bingley, who had arrived with his sisters and Mr Hurst for dinner. Their leather armchairs were separated by a coffee table holding a decanter of sherry and two glasses. Bingley was his usual cheerful self, relieved that his friends had returned safely, and eager to set a date for the wedding. Or weddings, since Darcy had confirmed what everyone capable of reading a newspaper could now discover for themselves.
‘Why are you in London?’ Darcy asked. ‘It must be an urgent matter, to tear you away from Hertfordshire.’
‘Business. A friend in the city has advised me to sell some stock.’
‘May one ask for details?’
Bingley grinned. ‘War is a terrible thing, but it can be dashed profitable. I invested a large sum in a government bearer bond called Omnium when the price collapsed after the
du Bourg hoax. Do you remember?’
‘Remind me.’
‘A man posing as Colonel du Bourg arrived at Dover with news that Bonaparte had been killed, and the French monarchy restored. All nonsense: he made it up. When the rumour reached London, government stocks soared until the story was officially denied, whereupon they fell to the floor. Perfect time to buy.’
‘Aha.’ Darcy, whose grip on matters financial was tentative, hazarded an inference. ‘So now that Bonaparte has finally been defeated, the stocks are riding high again?’
‘Just so. I stand to make a tidy profit.’
‘Why sell now, if the stock is so valuable?’
‘My adviser believes markets over-react. In the euphoria over our victory, it is forgotten that the government is still heavily in debt, and faces other uncertainties abroad.’
Darcy nodded, and sipped sherry. ‘How long will it take to perform this lucrative operation?’
‘I’ll be finished by the weekend. The problem is what to do with the money. Jane suggests I should consult Mr Gardiner, who is busy rebuilding his trading contacts now that Europe is returning to sanity.’
‘Then let it be Saturday. Would it suit you if I came to Netherfield with Georgiana, and proceeded from there to Pemberley?’
‘Excellent. It will be a jolly party, and I shall host a ball to celebrate.’
In many ways it was a familiar dinner at Darcy House. At the head of the table, Darcy sat opposite Georgiana; Mr Hurst joined Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Bingley on one side, facing Mrs Hurst and Caroline Bingley on the other. But now there were two newcomers, the Miss Bennets, seated between Georgiana and Bingley’s sisters.
During the soup, the guests talked quietly in small huddles. Darcy fended off enquiries from Miss Bingley on his adventures on the continent, while keeping an eye on the far corner, where Elizabeth was entertaining Jane and Georgiana with an anecdote. Bingley was conversing with Colonel Fitzwilliam, who was looking stronger and had begun to revisit his old haunts in town. Only the Hursts were left out; still, Louisa seemed happy enough listening to her sister, while Mr Hurst gave his full attention to the wine.
The fish came, and Miss Bingley faced the whole table. ‘So, Miss Eliza, you have deserted us and lived among foreigners for a whole year! Pray, is it true what they say of the French and Italians, that they subsist mainly on garlic?’
Elizabeth met Darcy’s eye, with the hint of a wink. ‘Au contraire, Miss Bingley, I found them uncommonly civilised both in cuisine and dress: indeed, they often create fashions that arrive here years later.’
‘I wonder you troubled to return to our modest little island, if you think them so superior.’
‘I rejoice to be back home, Miss Bingley, but it is true that I made wonderful friends on my journey, and will miss them.’
‘Your sisters have certainly kept busy during your absence.’ Miss Bingley threw a forced smile at Jane. ‘To my great delight, Miss Bennet is betrothed to Charles, while Miss Lydia is now Mrs Wickham. A most worthy match, would you not agree, Mr Darcy?’
Darcy observed Georgiana out of the corner of his eye, while struggling to control his anger. Caroline knew nothing of Georgiana’s lapse; she was aware however that Wickham was held in low regard, and obviously hoped to embarrass Elizabeth. To his surprise, Georgiana seemed unperturbed, and after exchanging a glance with Elizabeth, replied on his behalf.
‘Your praise of Mr Wickham is timely, Miss Bingley, for William has told me of his bravery in the recent battle, where he received serious injuries from which he is now recovering.’
‘Indeed!’ Miss Bingley fell silent, while her brother tactfully changed the subject and spoke of the ball he planned to hold at Netherfield. Darcy hardly listened, so amazed was he at Georgiana’s composure: it was as if the ghost of Wickham’s infamy was finally laid to rest. He recalled Elizabeth’s words shortly after their arrival: let me get to know her first. There must have been a heart-to-heart in which Elizabeth had succeeded in dissipating the trauma. Or had Georgiana simply matured while he had been away?
The roast was served, and Colonel Fitzwilliam tapped the table. ‘I have an announcement!’
All conversation stopped, and with a sly smile at Darcy, the colonel continued. ‘I paid a visit to my club this afternoon, where I met my old chum Major Harry Percy. He it was that carried Wellington’s news of our victory to London. He told me how his ship was becalmed in the channel, obliging his men to row the last 20 miles to Broadstairs. He arrived in town bloodied from the battle, for he had not paused one second, and went straight to a dinner party in St James’s Square to deliver the letter to the Prince Regent.’
‘I hope Major Percy has had time to wash since then,’ Bingley remarked.
‘I found him in excellent form. Now, to the nub. The major celebration will await the return of Wellington, who is still with the army in France. However, the Regent is hosting a party tomorrow at Carlton House, for officers like Major Percy and myself who fought at Waterloo.’ He turned to Darcy. ‘Your schoolmate Sir James Webster will attend, with Lady Frances. I hardly needed to mention your help. Major Percy has read the piece in the Times, and remembers meeting you at the Duchess of Richmond’s ball. He insists that you accompany me, and bring Miss Elizabeth as well.’
There was a collective gasp.
‘Darcy, this is a great honour,’ Bingley said. ‘Absolutely you must go.’
Cries of agreement rang around the table, except for Miss Bingley, who glowered in silence. Darcy was surprised to feel a twinge of pity. He hoped that after the weddings, Caroline would accept reality and try to make herself interesting to another man.
60
‘Lizzy, this is exquisite.’ Jane ran a finger over the silk of Elizabeth’s dress, and studied the nets that overlaid the sleeves.
‘Shall I keep the sash? I added it for the Duchess of Richmond’s ball, since that was the fashion in Brussels.’
‘Why not? There will be women at the dinner who attended the same ball.’
Elizabeth sighed, recalling the sombre scene as the ball in Brussels broke up. ‘The Prince Regent may see this as a victory party, but I doubt many of his guests will feel like celebrating. We are relieved to have won—but at what a cost.’
‘It is an honour to attend.’
‘True. I have been melancholy today, since Mr Darcy and I visited Montagu Square.’
‘Were your friends not well? You said the little girl, Céline, was thriving under Sir Edward’s guardianship.’
Elizabeth nodded. ‘He is a kind man, and a magnet for the ladies now that he is the baronet. No, I was affected by the news from Venice. Sir Edward has written regularly to Lady Havers, and received only a single brief reply. He hardly expects to receive another. She did not trouble to enquire after Céline—or me for that matter. It would seem she has bigger fish to fry, for Regina will shortly become a countess!’
‘A new title! So she will not take up the dower?’
‘Not her! What an amazing woman. So charming and handsome on the outside, so sly on the inside.’
Jane smiled. ‘Like a certain gentleman of our acquaintance?’
‘Mr Wickham? Just so—and I was taken in by them both, dupe that I am.’
‘Did Lady Havers send news of her brother?’
Elizabeth shivered from the dark memory. ‘Gabriele has quarrelled with his cousin Mario, for helping Mr Darcy trace my whereabouts, and barred him from family reunions.’
‘Signor Mario still runs the business?’
‘Yes, according to Mr Gardiner. But there will be no further imports of glass beads—not at least through our uncle, whom Gabriele has blacklisted. I suppose he wants to block out all reminders of the ungrateful woman who jilted him. How he must hate me.’
Extending between Pall Mall and the Mall, Carlton House was the grandest town residence Elizabeth had ever seen. The front reminded her of Villa Foscari, with its Greek columns and central balcony, but on a larger scale. The prince h
ad extended the property over several decades; now that he was Regent, it was in essence a royal palace.
After Colonel Fitzwilliam had presented their invitations they were ushered into a hall of vast height, leading to an octagonal room which served as a crossroads: on one side the grand staircase, on another a courtyard. Yet another route led to a blue-carpeted drawing room with rose satin walls, where dignitaries, officers, and their elegant wives waited to be announced.
‘Is it not ironic,’ Elizabeth whispered to Darcy. ‘We celebrate our victory in a palace built, decorated and furnished in the French style.’
He smiled, his eyes wandering over the assembly. ‘It will be some minutes before our turn comes. Meanwhile, I already recognise several couples from the ball.’
‘What wonderful pictures.’ Elizabeth left him with the colonel, and walked past paintings by Old Masters including Rembrandt and Rubens, as well as more recent pieces by Reynolds and Gainsborough.
She returned to find Darcy in conversation with Major Percy, who proceeded to take them under his wing. They were escorted to the dining room, where at the entrance a white-wigged man of immense girth reclined on an equally wide armchair, flanked by a grand lady with silver hair.
‘Your highness.’ Major Percy bowed. ‘Lady Hertford. May I present Colonel Fitzwilliam of the 52nd Foot. He is accompanied by Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who were present after the battle and organised care for hundreds of our men.’
Elizabeth curtsied, trembling with awe as she faced the man who had served as regent since his father, George III, had been declared insane. He was dressed in military colours, with a red waistcoat stretching across his massive paunch, cream breaches, and a dark blue coat with gold buttons. His left hand held a cigar, and his small eyes, peering from beneath folds of flesh, were lascivious as they probed her up and down.
‘Charming,’ he grunted.
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