Most Ardently

by Sheena Austin et al.

  “And what would those two gifts be, sir?”

  “For the big gift on Christmas Day,” Mr. Bennet shared, “Lizzy thought that it would be a wonderful surprise for Mr. Darcy to have his favorite cousin here. We understand that it is rumored he is back from the war.

  Adams confirmed. “That is indeed an excellent idea. I will keep my ears open to see if I hear any word of the colonel’s return. That is one gift. May I ask what the other gift might be?”

  Mr. Bennet loudly exhaled. “Forgive me for I doubt the gift will suit, but my Lizzy is very tenderhearted and well she thought Mr. Darcy might like a puppy. Her friend, Miss Lucas, has a spaniel that just recently had a litter but the only puppy left is the runt which I also understand is somewhat weak, and I am going to guess that the young puppy is not expected to be any kind of hunting dog.”

  Adams gave a small sad smile, “My master is equally tenderhearted, and would no doubt spoil the puppy simply because it was a gift. Mr. Darcy is not a man who does what is expect but rather what makes him most happy. My wish for him would be to see the smile your daughter placed on his face with the frog to remain there permanently, but that would take a miracle.”

  Mr. Bennet patted him on the shoulder. “I will ask to keep the puppy as one of the last gifts and keep your faith. It is the holidays and the time for miracles.”

  Chapter 11

  A WEEK LATER, ELIZABETH and Darcy were strolling around the gardens at Longbourn while Mary sat in a chair nearby reading bundled up against the cold. Elizabeth noticed that Darcy was studying something in his hand, “Is something that matter, sir? If you need to read a letter, we can always walk together another time?”

  Darcy glanced up. “My apologies, Miss Bennet, I have no letter to read. Rather I am trying to puzzle something out. I can think on it later.”

  Elizabeth responded. “As you wish. I have been meaning to ask you and you can tell me that you would rather not talk about it, but I was wondering if you could tell me what happened to your sister.”

  Darcy bowed his head in acknowledgment, “Miss Bennet, you are one of the kindest ladies that it has been my privilege to make my acquaintance, so I know that you are not asking as gossip or out of idle curiosity. May I request a delay in telling this story? I realize that I do need to speak of it as your parents have shared with me that talking out their pain helped to heal their hurt at the loss of your brother.”

  “Sir, you owe me no explanation at all,” Elizabeth assured him, “I believe that you will always feel the loss of your sister since you were so close. If you will forgive me for saying so, it almost seems to be more the loss of a parent losing a child rather than a brother losing his younger sister.”

  Darcy regarded her. “You may be correct. With the large difference in age, I did at times feel more like Georgiana’s father than her brother. If you will forgive me, I believe I will return to the house.” He bowed and departed.

  Elizabeth stood there in silence until Mary joined her, “Lizzy, perhaps you should tell Papa that Mr. Darcy is not having a good day.”

  “Yes, Mary, I believe you are correct. However, I have an idea. Would you like to walk to the bookstore with me? We can see if any of the books you are waiting for have arrived.”

  Mary regarded her sister. “Very well. Come, let us go tell Papa we are off to his favorite shop and while we are walking you can tell me what you are plotting.”

  LATER THAT EVENING, shortly before the Bennet family was set to retire upstairs to prepare for that evening’s dinner party, Darcy knocked on Mr. Bennet’s library door and entered when bidden. He stood in front of his host and confessed, “Sir, I would like to ask you to offer my apologies to your daughter, Miss Bennet. I believe that I might have offended her earlier today when we were strolling through your gardens.”

  Mr. Bennet studied the younger man and noticed the lines of strain around his eyes, “Mr. Darcy, I saw Lizzy shortly after you came back inside, and I can assure you that she was in no way distressed. May I ask why you would think she was?”

  Darcy denied, “I went looking for her to speak with her and to apologize but I could not find her, and I began to believe that she was avoiding my company.”

  “Young man, my Lizzy would be the first to let you know if you had upset her in any way,” Mr. Bennet assured him. “She was not avoiding you. Lizzy had gone into Meryton with her sister Mary to see if any of Mary’s books had arrived. In fact, Lizzy and Mary mentioned that it was likely that you would not be joining us for dinner this evening and judging by the look on your face, I must concur with my daughters.”

  Darcy slumped. “I apologize. I do not believe that I would be good company this evening. I will just take a tray in my room this evening. Please make my excuses to your family and guests.”

  “Son, if you will forgive an old man, you have nothing to apologize for.” Mr. Bennet sagaciously calmed him. “I understand the loss you are feeling and while I was not alone in my mourning or the last member of my family, my son was going to spare my wife from being displaced if I died young. Now I have the worry of wondering what would happen if I should die unexpectedly. I have no heir and heaven knows what the king would do with my small estate.”

  “I see your point.” Darcy gave a watery chuckle. “There are many things to consider. I believe that I will borrow your book of Greek history that we were speaking of yesterday. I pray you enjoy your dinner party, Mr. Bennet.”

  Mr. Bennet patted the younger man on the shoulder, “Enjoy the book and if you get tired of hiding in your room, you are more than welcome to come and read in here. No one will disturb you here.”

  Darcy bowed. “Thank you, sir.” He quickly departed the room and headed upstairs to his bedchamber. When he entered the room, there was a package on the bed. Adams entered, having heard him enter the room. He enquired, “Where did this package come from? I have already had my gift for the day.”

  Adams shuffled self-consciously. “Yes sir, you showed me the dried flowers that a cute little girl brought you as you walked the lane today. As for this package, Miss Bennet brought it by a short time ago. There is a note inside to explain the gift.”

  Curious, Darcy picked up the package and unwrapped it to find a lovely leather journal in a deep dark brown. Inside was a brief note explaining the gift.

  Adams cleared his throat. “What did she bring you, sir?”

  Darcy held up the book. “It is a gift from the Bennet family. Miss Bennet wrote the note for her father and explains that the journal is to write down my memories of Georgiana so that I never forget the good times or the bad times. She thought writing down funny memories even if I was furious at the time, might be helpful. That as time passed, it would be easier for me to look back and laugh.”

  Adams murmured, “That is a fine idea, sir. Forgive me for speaking out of turn, sir, but Miss Bennet is the most singular lady I have ever met. She is kind to all, even the staff.”

  “Indeed,” Darcy agreed. “I wish I had met Miss Bennet long ago, for I would have loved for her to meet Georgiana. I know she would have loved Miss Bennet. Perhaps Miss Bennet could have then changed the course of our lives.”

  Adams was uneasy, “Master, you know that nothing could change what happened and Miss Darcy would not like that her beloved brother so cast down.”

  Darcy lifted a shoulder. “Perhaps you are correct. I just wish... Never mind what I wish. The fact of the matter is my sister is gone and I am alone.”

  Adams silently studied his master for several minutes. Finally, he broke the silence, “Do you wish for dinner now, sir?”

  Darcy shook his head. “No, I am not hungry. I am going to rest. You may as well go and eat your dinner instead.”

  Chapter 12

  IT WAS LATE THE NEXT evening when a concerned Adams sought out Mr. Bennet. He knocked on the library door.

  “Adams! Whatever is the matter? You look rather wild.”

  “Mr. Bennet, I am concerned about my master,” Adams advi
sed. “After he returned to his room last night, he refused dinner in order to rest. This morning when I tried to rouse him, he shook me off and said that he was tired to let him sleep. I have not seen him leave the room at all today, and I am afraid he might do himself harm in some way.”

  “Come, lead me to your master,” Mr. Bennet urged. I wish to be sure that he is well.”

  The two men quickly hurried upstairs to Darcy’s bedchamber. Adams opened the door quietly so as not to disturb his master. Softly, Mr. Bennet inquired, “Has Mr. Darcy moved at all or is he still wearing the same clothing as yesterday?”

  Adams studied his master. “He has moved a bit. I say, what is that on his hand?”

  Mr. Bennet followed the valet, who pointed to something on Darcy’s right hand. He studied the younger man’s hand and face before he let out a sad chuckle, “It is ink. I believe that Mr. Darcy has been writing in his journal.”

  Adams glanced around the room and put a finger to his lips and then pointed to something across the room.

  Mr. Bennet crossed over to where Adams was pointing: a small stack of books. He flipped through the books without reading them. Mr. Bennet pointed to the door and invited Adams to follow him.

  Adams quietly followed Mr. Bennet back to his library where he offered the younger man a glass of whiskey.

  Mr. Bennet turned to Adams. “Your master will be fine. He is merely exhausted. Apparently, Mr. Darcy took Lizzy’s suggestion to write down memories of Miss Darcy to heart. The small stack of books are more journals that he apparently went to Meryton and bought today when we were both busy. All those journals were full of his thoughts and memories. I imagine that he is trying to get it all written down now for fear of forgetting something precious.”

  “Mr. Bennet, forgive me for asking, but what can I do for him?” Adams requested. “I have never served someone in mourning before. I have only been with Mr. Darcy these last three years. His father’s valet had been his valet prior to me, and the older valet had wished to retire.”

  “I would first judge how he appears in the morning,” Mr. Bennet advised. “If he does not awaken at his normal time, I would suggest giving him another hour to rest and then wake him. Send word to me when he is awake, and I will have him join me in my library. My eldest daughter and her husband should be returning next week. I think that perhaps I should have one of the gifts delivered earlier than planned.”

  “The puppy, sir?” Adams guessed.

  Mr. Bennet agreed. “The puppy. Perhaps having the little one to cuddle and love will help him. I will also suggest Lizzy and Mary spend time with them. Mr. Darcy seems most comfortable with them.”

  Adams offered reluctantly, “I would normally never share this, but when Mr. Darcy first opened the journal, he stated that he wished that he had met Miss Bennet sooner so that he could have introduced her to his sister. He thought if he had, maybe things would have been different.”

  Mr. Bennet wrinkled his forehead. “How would Jane meeting Mr. Darcy’s sister change anything?”

  “Your second daughter, sir, Miss Elizabeth,” Adams clarified. “I believe that, without trying to, she has captivated my master. She is kind and compassionate but still insistent that my master must move forward. I believe that if he allowed himself, he might fall in love with your daughter.”

  Mr. Bennet silently chuckled, “Yes, she does have that effect on people. I suggest that we ensure that they are in the same company together as much as possible. Now, I suggest you retire for the evening. I will make arrangements for the puppy to be delivered tomorrow afternoon.”

  Adams bowed. “Thank you for your assistance, sir. I am sorry to have troubled you so late at night.”

  THE NEXT AFTERNOON, Darcy, Elizabeth, and Mary were in the garden when Mrs. Hill came hurrying out. She bobbed a curtesy. “Excuse me, Mr. Darcy. There is someone at the door to see you.”

  Darcy, surprised, pointed a finger at himself. “Me? Someone is here to see me? How odd. Very well, I will be right there.” He turned to Elizabeth and Mary. “Excuse me ladies. It appears I have a guest to see to.”

  Mary grinned at Darcy’s mannerism. “We understand, sir. We will continue our stroll. If you are able to and if you wish it, I hope that you will rejoin us.”

  Darcy bowed. “Of course, ladies. I will rejoin you as soon as possible.”

  Elizabeth waited until Darcy was out of sight. “I am curious as to how the proper Mr. Darcy will react when he discovers that his guest is in fact his new puppy.”

  Mary giggled and sisters resumed their walk about the gardens.

  Elizabeth and Mary were just about to start another circuit about the garden when Darcy rejoined them. Elizabeth saw his face was tight. “Are you well, sir? Is all well with your guest?”

  Darcy exhaled. “I am well, Miss Bennet. My guest was more of a surprise than I can say.”

  “What do you mean, sir?” Mary innocently inquired.

  Darcy slowly pulled open his greatcoat and withdrew something small and fluffy. “This is my guest. It is another one of those mysterious gifts that I have been receiving.”

  The sisters rushed over to Darcy. “Oh sir, what a lovely gift! Is it a boy or a girl? Do you plan on keeping it?”

  Darcy laughed. “According to the note that was around her neck, it is a female and she does not have a name yet. As it is a gift and I do not know who it is from, I do plan to keep her, however the note did warn that she is the runt of her litter and would not likely be a good hunting dog.”

  “Would this prevent you from keeping her?” Elizabeth wanted to know.

  Darcy shook his head. “No. I have several dogs that are kept for hunting but growing up there was at least one dog we kept in the house as a pet. This little lady just became the newest member of my small family.” He paused and looked down at the small brown and white puppy in his hands. Darcy’s hands shook a bit as he petted the puppy and his voice thick with emotion, “She will be much loved especially since she is a gift to cheer me.”

  Elizabeth questioned, “Is that why you appeared upset, sir? That the puppy is a replacement for the one you lost? If that is your thought, perhaps you should consider by someone gifting her to you, they have saved her life as many runts do not live very long lives.”

  Startled, Darcy answered, “No! That thought had not even crossed my mind. I do not mind adding the puppy to my family. No, my concern was the fact that she was a runt but as my sister was small and ill at her birth, I will do everything in my power to ensure that this little girl will grow healthy.”

  “What will you call her?” Mary wished to know.

  “I am not sure,” Darcy was deep in thought, “I first need to ask your father if he will allow me to keep such a young animal in his home. As for her name, I thought I would wait for a day or two to see if I can see what kind of personality she has”

  Elizabeth added, “So, if she is quiet and refined you can call her Jane... Or you could find one of Shakespeare’s characters to name her after.”

  Darcy was astonished, “I could never name a puppy after Mrs. Bingley. She might be insulted.”

  Mary snickered. “Careful Lizzy. If the puppy is in any way playful or impertinent, Mr. Darcy might name the puppy after you.”

  Elizabeth affected a regal manner by raising her head, nose in the air and speaking in an imperial voice, “All the best people are playful and impertinent. I would not be offended.” She turned to her sister. “But Mary, let Mr. Darcy name his puppy whatever makes him most happy.”

  Darcy excused himself. “I beg your pardon. I am going to speak to your father and take this young lady inside. I hope you will join me soon.”

  Chapter 13

  DARCY WAS CONFUSED and not sure what to do with his life. He had made the acquaintance of several people of Meryton and while they were not people he would have associated in the past, they had all treated him with kindness or in some cases an extended family member. Darcy was so used to having to consider Georgiana’s w
ishes around the holidays that for the first time in a long time he had the option to do as he pleased. With Christmas coming up next week, he decided that he should arrange for some small gifts for his new friends.

  Darcy called out, “Adams, I would like to ask you to take this list of items that I would like to be ordered from Town to the post office.”

  “Very good, sir,” Adams answered. “Here is some letters that just arrived for you. Is there anything else you require?”

  Darcy eagerly sought his valet’s assistance. “Your help with a name for the puppy would be appreciated. I cannot keep calling her ‘little girl’.

  Adams idly petted the dog. “Have you received any name suggestions from the Miss Bennets, sir?”

  Darcy’s expression took on a faraway expression at the memory. “When I first received the puppy, the names they put forward were Jane, Lizzy or something from Shakespeare but I wanted to wait until I was around this little girl a bit to see what her personality was like before naming her. Sadly, I am no closer to deciding on a name for her.”

  Adams covered a laugh with a cough, “Forgive me, sir, but I believe you have already decided what you wish to call the puppy. You are simply afraid that you will offend the young lady.”

  Darcy laughed. “Ironically, I had thought to originally call her Georgie, but after watching her steal Miss Bennet and Miss Mary’s flowers and leave a trail of petals and water through Mrs. Bennet’s drawing room yesterday, it made me think Lizzy would be the perfect name for her. I shall visit Mr. Bennet beforehand to make sure he will not be offended on his daughter’s behalf.”

  Adams bowed. “Very good, sir. I shall just take your letter into Meryton to post. The shops get busy this time of year.”

  “Thank you. I had forgotten that,” Darcy said, dreamily.

  On his way to Meryton, Adams stopped by Mr. Bennet’s library and knocked on the door. Mr. Bennet answered the door and glanced at him in surprise. “Adams? Is there something I can do for you?”