Confusion, Confession and Conviction

by Victoria Winfield

"Miss Bennet?"

  Oh, my word! That voice!

  WIth her eyes still closed and thinking decidedly fuzzy, Elizabeth forced her voice to respond.

  "I’m afraid you have the advantage of ....me...sir."

  A chuckle rumbled somewhere above her head, but still she could not open her eyes.

  "I beg your pardon, ma'am. Anthony Marsden, Duke of Windfell, at your service."

  Elizabeth realised she was now lying on the grass, possibly at the side of the road. The blades tickled her skin. One of the Duke’s strong arms slipped around the back of her head, cradling her shoulders.

  "And now, excuse the intimacy, Ma'am, but I am going to carry you to my traveling coach. I believe you are going to faint again and we must get you to a doctor. That is a nasty gash on the back of your head."

  "F... fustian, sir! I n…n… never faint."

  "Of course, you don't, my brave girl."

  At his kind words, her eyes forced themselves to open just a little, taking in the piercing gaze of the bluest eyes she'd ever seen and catching a glimpse of shimmering blond locks. Unfortunately, her knees collapsed as weakness overtook her and he swung her easily up in his arms.

  “THis is most untoward,” she murmured, before letting her head rest against him and giving in to the swirling darkness.

  Chapter Two

  Two weeks later, and Elizabeth was well recovered. The Duke had taken her to her aunt and uncle’s home, and had even sent and paid for the doctor who attended her. Despite her bright spirits, it had taken Elizabeth a full ten days before she was able to rise from her bed without weakness. The Duke had visited the house once she was able to receive him, and she had pressed her thanks on him over and over again. To think that a Duke would have taken such great care of her, when she was so far beneath him in status! To her shame, her heart always swelled when he walked in the room, and she had not yet forgotten how wonderfully blue his eyes were.

  Jane, of course, had come to be with her almost the same day, incredibly anxious over her sister’s wellbeing. Thankfully now, they were travelling back home together to Longbourn. Elizabeth, having had an extended time away from home, was thoroughly delighted to be returning.

  "Dearest Lizzy," Jane smiled gently as she leaned closer to Elizabeth, an enquiring look on her face.

  Elizabeth grinned and raised her eyebrows.

  "My very dear Jane."

  Laughter filled the coach for some moments, with Jane flopping back against the squabs.

  "Stop it, Lizzy! You'll not fob me off with your levity." Jane's attempt to appear formidable failed miserably.

  Elizabeth wiped tears from the corners of her eyes, fully aware of what Jane was getting at but not yet willing to talk about the Duke. “I thank you for coming, Jane. I hope you enjoyed your time with our aunt and uncle, despite my weakness!”

  Jane nodded profusely. "I have enjoyed my time prodigiously, but I am ready to be at home again. I just wish..."

  Elizabeth turned her gaze on Jane, saddened at the wistful tone she heard. She leaned forward and clasped Jane's gloved hands.

  "I wish so, too. Perhaps there may yet be a way."

  Jane squeezed Elizabeth's hands and gave her a somewhat watery smile.

  "I thank you for your optimism, dearest Lizzy, but I will not pretend that there is any hope, " Jane sighed, released Elizabeth's hands, and turned her face to the window. "We shall discuss it no more. I shall just hold Mr. Bingley in my memory as one of the most amiable men I have ever had the opportunity to meet." Her voice broke.

  Elizabeth turned her attention to the intricate pattern adorning her borrowed dress. Her fists clenched and anger settled around her heart.

  Oh, how much Mr Darcy had to answer for.

  Jane sniffed and Elizabeth looked up.

  "There," Jane patted tears from her cheeks. "I am better now. Truly I am." She took Lizzy's clenched fist, uncurled the fingers and patted it.

  "What great fortune that our aunt and you are of a size."

  Elizabeth smiled and looked at her dress again.

  "Yes. Fortune indeed." She smoothed the wrinkles from her skirt.

  "Fortunate, also, that our uncle insisted on procuring new gowns to replace the ones you lost in the accident."

  Elizabeth had to agree. “Indeed. How extremely fortunate that my aunt employs such a modish and talented seamstress." She laughed. "I can scarcely bemoan the loss of my own dowdy, old gowns when I shall receive their stylish replacements in less than a sennight."

  Jane smiled at her. “Our uncle is very kind, is he not?”

  "He is, indeed. Although, it is vexatious to have lost some of my personal items, I am grateful that my life was spared."

  Remembering that moment, Elizabeth closed her eyes as a wave of panic swept over her. She forced herself to take slow, deep breaths.

  Jane smiled, leaning forward to pat her hand. “Try not to think of it, my dear sister. You are safe now.”

  Elizabeth let out a long breath. “Yes, I am.” Thanks to the Duke, she thought to herself, remembering how he had pulled her from the carriage.

  "Now, Lizzy,” Jane continued, breaking into her thoughts. “I should very much like to hear your opinion of your rescuer, given that is who you were clearly thinking of at this precise moment." Jane's eyebrows went up and her gaze skewered Elizabeth.

  Heat rushed into Elizabeth’s cheeks, as she attempted to brush away Jane’s question. However, Jane's left eyebrow crept even higher, alerting Elizabeth to the fact that she did not believe her in the least.

  "Well, I...that is my... my opinion of…," Elizabeth cleared her throat and looked directly at Jane.

  "In truth, I find him quite interesting."

  Jane said nothing, continuing to gaze at Elizabeth. In the absence of a response from Jane, Elizabeth felt no choice to continue.

  "Come now, Jane, how could I not look up to him? After all, he risked himself to pull Miss Grace and myself from the coach before it fell. And it was most kind of him to take me to London, not to mention the doctor."

  "Yes." Jane smiled. "Most kind."

  "Stop it, Jane." More heat flooded Elizabeth’s cheeks.

  Jane raised both eyebrows, but Elizabeth did not rise to the challenge. Instead, she folded her hands together and placed them in her lap. "I do like him, Jane. He is intelligent and well-read, articulate, respectful,"

  "Handsome." Jane interjected.

  Elizabeth pressed her hands to her cheeks, wishing she had been able to keep her demure expression.

  "Well, yes, of course, he is quite handsome." She took a deep breath, returning her hands to her lap. "And his manners, although he is a Duke, are quite unaffected. Not at all like - well, other gentlemen of our acquaintance."

  Jane leaned forward.

  "Not like Mr. Darcy? Was that who you meant?"

  Elizabeth bit her lips and glanced out the window. She refused to tell Jane of Darcy's ill-conceived proposal.

  Glancing back at Jane., Elizabeth realised that something had to be said, given Jane’s inquisitive mind. Her sister was not about to stop in her questions, not until she gave a satisfactory answer. She took a deep breath.

  "Yes. It was Mr. Darcy of whom I spoke. Although his manners were amiable enough at Rosings, it must be said.”

  "Rosings? Mr. Darcy was at Rosings? Were you in company with him there?" Jane?

  "He was and yes, I was in company with him a number of times during my stay with Charlotte."

  Jane clasped her hands to her chest, her face a picture of surprise. “How interesting. Did you see anything of Mr Bingley?"

  "Alas, no." Elizabeth shook her head. "Mr Bingley was not with Mr Darcy at Rosings, although Mr Darcy did have another man with him. It was a man named Colonel Fitzwilliam, his cousin. He was a very pleasant gentleman, it must be said. In truth, I believe he helped me to endure Mr Darcy’s company!"

  "I see," said Jane, pursing her lips and absently giving a nod of her head.

  Elizabeth’
s heart clenched with sympathy. "I am sorry, Jane."

  Jane smiled at her, attempting to look happy. "No, Lizzy. Think nothing of it, it is just my foolish heart.” She took a breath, keeping her smile intact. “Do tell me, though. How did Darcy react when you turned up almost on his doorstep?"

  Elizabeth laughed. "Well, he behaved quite the opposite of how he was at Netherfield. I cannot account for it! He engaged me in conversation numerous times and even attempted to be humourous on more than one occasion! I expect he wanted to appear amiable before the Colonel." Elizabeth's cheeks grew pink as she remembered the rest, choosing to keep that to herself.

  Regarding her carefully, Jane tipped her head. "Did nothing else occur, Lizzy? You seem a little--oh, I don't know--flustered?"

  Elizabeth gave a short laugh. "Flustered?" She raised her eyebrows. "Come, Jane. You know me much better than that. Mr. Darcy has not the degree of consequence in my esteem that can lead to my being flustered."

  Jane gave her a lopsided smile coupled with a knowing look. "Although someone else may, perhaps? Mayhap a Duke?"

  Elizabeth shook her head. She must keep closer guard on her tongue--especially around Jane. In truth, she did hold the Duke in very high regard, but would not think of him often, despite the longings of her heart. It would not do.

  #

  "Lizzy! Look!" Kitty grabbed Elizabeth's arm and pulled her farther along the path from Lucas Lodge.

  "What is it, Kitty?" Elizabeth shaded her eyes and looked down toward Longbourn.

  "A carriage! Don't you see it?" Kitty pushed up on her toes as she braced her hand on Elizabeth's shoulder.

  "I do see it. It seems a very fine equipage," Elizabeth shrugged, not particularly interested in the carriage itself.

  Kitty stomped her foot, clearly exasperated with her sister’s lack of interest. "Of course, it does! It means someone important has arrived! Hurry, Lizzy, we must run. Who do you think has arrived? Was Papa expecting someone?"

  Elizabeth caught Kitty's arm before she made good on her plan to run down the path.

  "Kitty, need I remind you that ladies do not run."

  "Oh, pooh! Who cares for that kind of thing anymore? Not I, surely." She tried to pull away, but Elizabeth held her fast, her eyes holding a warning.

  Kitty struggled regardless. "Let go, Lizzy. What if Colonel Forester has had a new coach made? Oh, I am sure he has brought Mr Wickham and half a dozen other officers. Now, let me go, Lizzy, or Lydia will have set herself up to rule the roost and I shall have no chance at any of them." Kitty's lowering brows, pinched face, and juvenile stomp combined to make Elizabeth shake her head.

  "On your own head be it,” she replied, with a frown. “You will appear quite unladylike, though, Kitty. At the very least, take care you don't fall and soil your dress."

  Kitty was off in a trice and Elizabeth had to raise her voice to finish her instructions, irritated at her sister’s lack of decorum.

  "Tell Mama I shall be along directly. I want to meet Jane on her way from town and walk the rest of the way with her."

  Kitty continued to run, but she raised a hand in acknowledgement. Elizabeth shook her head as she took the left fork of the path. She should be just about in time to meet Jane.

  #

  "Oh, do look, Lizzy! Who could that be, I wonder?" Jane squinted towards Longbourn's curving drive, spotting the carriage.

  Elizabeth looked at her and continued to pull apart the wild grass she had pulled from the wayside, still entirely disinterested. "Is that supposedly magnificent carriage still there? Kitty and I saw it on our way from Lucas Lodge."

  "No, Lizzy. There is not one coach." Jane turned toward her. "There are two."

  Jane caught Lizzy's hands, forcing her to focus on the carriages ahead. "Our aunt did say the dresses she ordered for you should arrive in the sennight. Oh, Lizzy--maybe they're here."

  Elizabeth's brows raised and she smiled. "Now, that is something worth hastening for,” she laughed, remembering Kitty’s urge to run. “Perhaps now, we might quicken our pace!” Elizabeth began to walk quickly towards home, her laugh drowning out Jane's protest.

  #

  Elizabeth reached the drive in time to see the porters hauling two large crates into the house. Hill met her on the step as she followed the porters up.

  "Are these my dresses?” she asked Hill, the moment she arrived. “I must let mama know.”

  "Yes, miss," Hill stopped, trying to catch her breath. "I mean, no... I mean, miss--the missus is --"

  Elizabeth touched Hill's arm.

  "What is it, Hill. Is something wrong?"

  Hill swallowed.

  "No, miss. Not wrong. It's just that there's a Duke in the morning room with your mother. And she sent me to fetch you in right quick like--" Hill looked at Elizabeth, a little overcome at their company. "Without being discourtious, miss, perhaps there's time to change your dress?"

  Elizabeth felt her heartbeat quicken at the mention of a Duke. "A Duke? Pray, what is his name, Hill? The Duke of Windfell?”

  “Yes, I believe so, miss,” Hill replied, still scrutinising Elizabeth’s dress.

  By this time, Jane had caught up to Elizabeth, who turned to her at once with excitement glowing in her eyes.

  "Jane! It's Windfell. I believe the Duke of Windfell is here!" Elizabeth pulled on Jane's arm and led her through the house, eager to see the Duke again.

  "No, Lizzy," Jane exclaimed, tugging Elizabeth back at the door to the morning room. “You must do what Hill suggests, before you see him. Had you not better change your dress and repair your hair?"

  Elizabeth laughed. "Oh, goodness, no. The Duke has seen me in much worse state as you well know.” Giving her sister a wry grin, she made to open the door. “In my opinion it would be most inconsiderate of his time to make him wait." Without giving her sister time to argue further, she pushed open the door and walked into the morning room.

  #

  "I appreciate you agreeing to walk out with me, Miss Bennet." The Duke clasped his hands behind his back and shortened his stride to match Elizabeth's.

  Appreciating his gesture, Elizabeth smiled and looked up at him.

  "I must confess I am quite surprised to find you in such an out-of-the-way place with the Season still in full force. Surely you must miss the entertainments?"

  "Ah,” the Duke murmured, looking down at her with his lips lifted in a half-smile. "Now, how shall I interpret that question, Miss Bennet? Are you enquiring about my opinion of the circus? Or, perhaps, you hope to learn if I prefer an evening at Vauxhall to an evening at the theatre?"

  Elizabeth laughed and started to speak, but the Duke shook his head, catching her off guard. "No, no. You must allow me to finish. I believe I have hit upon your purpose at last. You desire to know, Miss Bennet, if any of this year's crop of debutantes have caught my eye."

  With a lift of her eyebrow, Elizabeth shook her head, a little disappointed that he would think her so shallow."No, your grace. I most emphatically do not desire such knowledge."

  The Duke studied her for a moment, as though realising he had upset her a little. “I do apologise,” he murmured, pausing in his steps and facing her. “I should not tease you so.”

  Elizabeth gave him a half smile. “I knew you were jesting, your grace. I should not have reacted so quickly.”

  He raised his eyebrows and the crystal blue of his eyes deepened to nearly grey.

  “Should I tell you why I have left the entertainments of town?” he asked, softly. “Should you like to know the truth?”

  Ignoring the sudden quickening of her heart, Elizabeth studied him for a moment. “Yes, I believe I would like to know,” she said, eventually.

  His smile was immediate.

  “I find myself drawn to you,” he said, simply. “Therefore, I could not ignore my pressing need to see you once more.”

  Elizabeth could not find a response, her heart thumping furiously. She stared at him, completely astonished by his candid revelation.
<
br />   "Miss Bennet, if you would permit me, I should like - "

  "Lizzy? Oh, there you are. Well, I took the cordial over to Lucas Lodge like Mama asked, but Maria was from home and I didn't want to sit and listen to Lady Lucas prattle on about 'dear Charlotte,' so I've come to walk the rest of the way with you."

  Kitty dropped a quick curtsy to the Duke as she came up to them, seemingly unaware of the situation.

  Elizabeth looked up into the Duke's eyes. They looked as stormy as her stomach felt. She managed a small smile, turning to face Kitty. Perhaps her sister’s interruption had been for the best, given the impropriety of the situation. To her shame, Elizabeth realised that she had not thought to even bring a maid with her, in order to keep her reputation spotless - and she after giving Kitty lessons on decorum only earlier that day!

  "No, no. Kitty,” she smiled, suddenly relieved. “His Grace and I were just talking of London. Mama will be pleased you delivered the cordial."

  Kitty fell into step next to Elizabeth but, instead of following them, the Duke moved to walk on Elizabeth's other side, his arm brushing hers as they returned to Longbourn.

  Thankfully for Elizabeth, Kitty maintained a constant flow of speech, requiring no input from either of her companions. She discussed a number of topics with herself, particularly whether Colonel Forester would give a ball, as he promised and if he did, what she might choose to wear.

  #

  "Lizzy, might I have a word?" Mr. Bennet stood in the doorway of his library and called to Elizabeth as she passed through the hall on her way upstairs after supper.

  "With pleasure," Elizabeth smiled and turned into the library, kissing her father's cheek as he stood back to let her pass. It had been a week since the Duke’s visit and she had not stopped smiling since. Jane had teased her on occasion, but Elizabeth had not taken it to heart. The Duke was a kind, and amiable man, and she was looking forward to furthering her acquaintance with him, should he choose to call again.

  Although Elizabeth sat in what she considered ‘her chair’ in front of her father's desk, her father remained unseated, which was unusual for him. Elizabeth smiled up at him, sensing a slight tension.