Lifting his head, he traced one finger over her cheek and down her jawline, knowing he needed to propose once more, as soon as the matter with Marsden was settled. “I will need to speak to your father, Miss Elizabeth.”
Joy sparkled in her eyes. “That would suit me very well, Mr Darcy.” Their shared smile was one of joy and contentment, and, with a great strength of will, he dropped his hand so as to be all propriety once more.
“Darcy!” Marsden’s voice cracked like a rifle.
Elizabeth startled and clutched his arm a little tighter, her face lined with worry. “You must tell me your concerns about the Duke as soon as possible, Mr Darcy. My father will return home later this afternoon.”
“I will, at once,” Mr Darcy murmured, as Marsden charged back along the road towards them, his face a deep red and his countenance furious. Darcy made no response to Marsden’s shout, but stood poised for action. Would Marsden truly initiate a brawl with ladies the present? Had he realized that Darcy had been intending to speak to Miss Elizabeth about his true intentions? Darcy gritted his teeth, longing for Mr Bennet’s return.
Elizabeth’s face was the color of chalk and her eyes had grown huge. Clenching his jaw, he did not wait for Marsden to reach him, but strode purposefully forward. “Ah, Miss Bennet,” Darcy murmured, smiling at Miss Kitty Bennet. “Why do you not accompany your sister home? I have something to discuss with the Duke”
Marsden’s eyes narrowed. He slowed his pace and swept Darcy with his gaze. His lip curled. Thankfully, Elizabeth understood at once and practically dragged Kitty back along the road, leaving the two men alone.
“You have something of mine, Darcy,” Marsden sneered, as the ladies walked ahead of them. “You know I intend to marry Miss Elizabeth.”
“Why do you remain here, Marsden?” Darcy asked, pointedly. “Your deception is about to be revealed to Mr Bennet, the very moment he returns. I warned you to scuttle back to your hovel and hand over the title with the little dignity you had left.” His blood thundered in his veins as Marsden stood his ground, the sneer still firmly on his face.
“But that all depends on what Mr Bennet believes, does it not?” he returned, harshly. “Is he to believe a Duke, the man who saved his dear Elizabeth from a devastating carriage accident and now, suddenly revealed to be a relative to the family? Or is he to believe you, whose only proof is that of a drunk and a seducer, Mr Wickham. It is clear he has told you about my intention to some how claim the title, by removing Miss Jane Bennet.” His sneer became a dark smile. “That is all hearsay, Mr Darcy. I have no such intentions towards Miss Jane Bennet, I am deeply in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennet” He fluttered a hand over his heart. “We shall see who Mr Bennet believes. I am willing to take my chances.”Darcy’s eyes narrowed. Blood pounded in his head. By God! He should stretch the blackguard in the dirt right now, but he knew he would lose Elizabeth’s respect should he do so. Turning on his heel, he stalked away in the direction of Longbourn, hoping desperately that Mr Bennet was now at home..
Chapter Seven
“Betrothal suits you.”
Elizabeth drew the brush down through Jane’s hair as she smiled at her in the mirror.
Jane twisted round and grasped Elizabeth’s free hand. Such a sense of sweetness and joy emanated from her that tears welled up in Elizabeth’s eyes.
“Oh, Lizzy! I’m so very happy. I never knew I could be this happy.”
Her throat so tight she couldn’t speak, Elizabeth smiled at Jane and squeezed her hand.
Jane sighed. “To be so loved. And by such a man.”
Elizabeth laughed and pulled Jane into her arms. “Oh, Jane. You deserve to be so loved by such a man. I am so very happy for you.”
Elizabeth pulled back and looked into Jane’s eyes. “I shall miss you dreadfully, you know.”
Jane smiled. “I shall not be leaving very soon. There are so many arrangements to make. Mama is in alt, you know.” She turned to face the mirror again.
“Oh, I know. I’m not sure how I shall survive her exaltation at having two daughters married in short order.” Elizabeth set the brush on the dressing table and began braiding Jane’s hair.
“I am praying that she may have three daughters married soon.” Jane’s reflection regarded Elizabeth steadily.
Elizabeth coloured. She fastened Jane’s braid then busied herself setting the dressing table to rights.
Jane touched her arm. “Lizzy, will you not speak with me about what troubles you? My thoughts have been mostly of myself these past few days, but my heart will never be so full that it has no room for you. Please tell me what is toward with the Duke. I was never so shocked as when he announced his intentions towards you.”
“Oh, Jane.” Elizabeth sighed and sat on the end of the bed. She laced her fingers in her lap. How to express all the feelings and thoughts flowing through her? When Mr Bennet had arrived home, the very same day she had declared her affections to Mr Darcy, the Duke had risen and announced his intention to seek Elizabeth’s hand. She had been completely and utterly shocked, finding herself robbed of speech. Darcy had looked beyond furious, but had, to her very great relief, seemed to realise it was all a ruse. Such had been the hubbub that Mr Darcy had not had the opportunity to speak in private with her father. Mr Bingley had promptly arrived the day after, proposing to Jane and so Mr Darcy had been robbed of yet another opportunity. Elizabeth prayed he would return tomorrow, for otherwise she intended to drag her father to Netherfield.
“As you have probably surmised, there is no official betrothal. The Duke was very wrong to announce that and I am very angry with him. She did not speak to her sister of her wariness and concern as regarded the Duke, having no proof of anything thus far.
Jane raised her eyebrows. “Then you do not intend to accept him?”
Elizabeth gazed out the window. The night sky was a clear, velvety black sprinkled with multitude of tiny, bright lights. Another sigh escaped her.
“No. In truth, my affections lie elsewhere.” She rose from the bed and paced the floor in front of the open window.
“I am greatly relieved to hear it,” Jane replied with a sigh. “I know Mr Darcy will treat you well.”
Elizabeth let out a quiet laugh. “Is my affection for him so obvious?”
“No,” Jane replied, with a smile. “It is simply that you have been considering him for some time, and from your expressions when you talk of him, I had hoped…” She trailed off, her smile growing. “Regardless, I am glad.”
Elizabeth tipped her head, regarding her sister. “You did not think that the Duke would be a good husband?” “Of course, he might have been,” Jane countered, her brow furrowing. “However, I must confess that I haveI have made some observations of the Duke that have troubled me. Also, although Charles does not know him well, he mentioned to me that the Duke is not be all that he appears to be.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Does he? I am glad your husband is of such a sensible mind.”
“Then, has Darcy proposed?”
Elizabeth sighed, heavily. “I believe he intends to, as he spoke to me that he hoped to talk to father, but as yet he has been unable to find time.” She did not want to talk to her sister about the knowledge Darcy had of the Duke, knowing that she had more than enough on her mind, given her impending marriage. “I thank you for listening to me, dear Jane. It puts my mind at ease knowing that you are relieved my affections have turned towards Darcy instead of towards Windfell.”
“He has your heart,” Jane replied, simply. “And that is the most important thing, I think.”
#
“You must speak to Mr Bennet at once.” Bingley shifted in his saddle.
“I am more than aware of that,” Darcy replied, gritting his teeth. “Marsden attempts to block me at every turn.” Even with all that had been going on, Darcy had attempted to speak to Mr Bennet in private, only for Marsden to interrupt them or draw Mr Bennet away. It was must frustrating.
“You cannot allow Marsd
en to continue his attempts at a betrothal with Miss Elizabeth!”
Darcy could not agree more “No. I have no intention of leaving her at his mercy. I shall ensure I address Mr Bennet today, whether Marsden attempts to stop me or not. I will no longer be put off.” At the back of his mind, Darcy recalled the threat Marsden had made. Would Mr Bennet believe him, even though he – as yet – had no proof of his claims? His solicitor was taking longer than expected to find the proof needed, although he was assured it would be with him by the end of the week.
“You must be careful, Darcy. We know Marsden uses whatever means he can to accomplish his purposes.” Bingley reigned in his mount and swung down from his saddle. “In such a case, it would be prudent to have a friend at your back.”
Darcy dismounted as well. He smiled at Bingley. “You honor me, Charles. And you are correct. In such a case, having a friend in support would be prudent, indeed.”
A few moments later, Darcy followed Bingley into an already crowded morning room at Longbourn, directing a slight smile to Miss Elizabeth, who nodded at him in return, her cheeks a slight tinge of pink.
Mrs. Bennet rose in a flutter of laces and kerchiefs.
“Oh, Mr. Bingley!” She kissed him on both cheeks. Darcy smiled, raised his eyebrows, and looked at Elizabeth, who hid her smile by turning from his gaze to talk with Lady Lucas, who sat next to her on the love seat.
Darcy frowned as he scanned the rest of the room.
Marsden.
Darcy narrowed his eyes. Marsden returned his glare, adding a smirk before he placed his hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder and bent to whisper in her ear. To Darcy’s very great delight, Elizabeth shook him off and glared at him. Apparently he was not succeeding in his attempt to acquire Elizabeth’s hand, which, no doubt, would put end to his plans. Not unless, as Bingley said, he found another way – another threat – to make her bend to his will.
Fear churned in Darcy’s stomach. “You must wish us happy, Mr. Darcy.” Mrs. Bennet’s voice cut into his ruminations. He bowed.
“Indeed, Ma’am. I am sure we are all in agreement in our felicitations for Miss Bennet and Mr. Bingley.”
“Oh, yes, indeed we are. But I am not speaking of Jane and Mr. Bingley, you know.”
Darcy blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
“Oh, la, Mr. Darcy. What a tease you are.” She tapped his arm playfully with a handful kerchiefs. “You must know I speak of my other daughter—of Elizabeth…and our cousin, the Duke.”
Elizabeth turned abruptly from Lady Lucas and gave her mother a fiery look. Both she and Marsden got to their feet, but, as she glanced up at the Duke, she deliberately stepped away from the love seat.
“My mother is somewhat beforehand, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth looked at her mother with a slight frown.
She turned her gaze back to him and spoke once more. “Although my cousin has honored me with his offer, I have not accepted it.” She regarded him steadily, as though praying he would understand her words. “There is no formal engagement, sir.”
“I see.” Relief flooded him, his lungs gasping for air as he realized he had been holding his breath.
“
Elizabeth turned her eyes to Kitty, widening them slightly. Frowning, Darcy watched as the girl looked up at her sister in confusion, only to start with a sudden recognition.
“Oh, your grace, I must show you something in the gardens. Might you accompany me?” Before he could respond, she turned her delighted smile onto Lady Lucas. “You must come too, of course. I believe you have not yet had much time to talk with the Duke and I am sure you will be delighted to see the sweet peas I have growing in the garden!”
“Wonderful,” Lady Lucas replied at once, smiling at the Duke. “I must confess I am eager to hear all about how you saved Miss Elizabeth from her carriage accident, your grace.”
Darcy could not help but grin as the Duke was borne from the room, stuttering and stammering as he did so. Apparently Miss Elizabeth was as keen to talk to her father as he.
“Mr Darcy?” came her soft voice. “I believe my father is in his study.”
He nodded. “Do excuse me, Mrs Bennet.” He left at once, only for Elizabeth to join him despite her mother’s squawking.
“Papa?”
Elizabeth smiled at her father, who looked up at her with a smile. “Lizzy! I must apologise to you for I have been aware you wished to speak to me.” He shook his head, removing his spectacles. “What with betrothals and engagements, I – ” His gaze landed on Mr Darcy, stopping him in his speech. “Mr Darcy?”
“Oh, papa,” Elizabeth cried, rushing to his desk and grasping his hand. “Mr Darcy has news about the Duke!”
“Our cousin?” he replied, frowning heavily. “Pray, speak sir.”
Darcy began in earnest, explaining what he knew of the Duke and then going into great detail about what he had learned from Wickham.
Mr Bennet’s brows rose even further. “And you have proof of this?”
Shooting a worried look to Elizabeth, Darcy nodded. “My solicitor is still in the process of accumulating the documents, but they should be with us very soon.”
“Papa,” Elizabeth ventured, looking at him calmly. “I confess that I believed Mr Wickham’s words about Mr Darcy’s character, when he first spoke to me of him, only for the very opposite to be true. Had I perhaps been a little less quick to judge, then I may have saved Lydia from doing what she did. I beg you to listen to Mr Darcy, to trust his words. Look how he orchestrated my carriage accident so that he might ingratiate himself with the family!”
Mr Bennet’s face grew confused. “You believe he intends to secure the title for himself, upon my death? Then what will marrying Elizabeth do?”
Darcy cleared his throat. “I believe he intended to show favour to Jane, but realised of her very great attachment to Mr Bingley, in which case he threw his attentions onto Lizzie.” His voice grew thin with anger. “I believe he will not stop at anything to ensure he regains the title, Mr Bennet.” He watched as a horrified look came over Mr Bennet’s face, as he realised what Darcy meant.
“You do not think he would have Bingley and my dear Jane….killed?”
Shaking his head in disgust, Darcy forced himself to be brutally honest. “I believe he will do whatever he must to ensure he is, once more, the Duke of Windfell. He will have to wait for your passing, of course, but has shown himself easily able to organise a near death accident for Elizabeth. I do not think he would find it particularly difficult to arrange a…more serious one.”
“Papa,” Elizabeth begged. “You must listen to Mr Darcy.”
He sat down heavily, giving her a wave of his hand. “You need not have any concern on that matter, Elizabeth.” Relief flooded her face. “Now, Mr Darcy,” he continued, turning his attention back to the man in front of him. “If what you say is true, why has the man remained here? Surely he should be in hiding, now that the truth is out?”
“Because he is arrogant,” Darcy replied, with a tinge of guilt. “I believe that is a tendency in men of a certain class, myself included, but the Duke being of the highest rank has forced himself to believe he will not fail. This is why he is so desperate to ensure Elizabeth agrees to his betrothal. In addition, when I spoke to him, he as much as laughed in my face, thinking that he would be able to convince you that I was speaking ridiculous nonsense, with very little proof.”
“But he knows you are seeking proof?”
An unsettled feeling sat in Darcy’s stomach. “Yes,” he said, slowly. “Although, I has been some time since I last heard from my solicitor.”
Mr Bennet’s face told him that he too was now worrying the same. Had the Duke somehow stopped Darcy’s investigations? Was this why no proof had, as yet, been sent?
“Then whatever shall we do?” Elizabeth whispered, her face paler than Darcy had ever seen it before.
Mr Bennet took in a long breath. “We shall go to the ball as planned. Mr Darcy, if you will permit me, I will send someone in s
earch of your solicitor so that he may return at once with the proof we require.”
“Of course.”
“And you will stay close to my Lizzy,” he continued, as Darcy nodded fervently. “She must not be alone with that man, for he is something of an overbearing presence. His eyes glittered with anger. “The man shall learn that no-one threatens my family.”
Chapter Eight
“Darcy?”
“Yes? Oh, beg pardon, Charles. I am afraid I am…distracted.”
Bingley turned to look out the large window through which Elizabeth and Marsden could been seen in the garden. Elizabeth had not been pleased with her father’s suggestion but had accepted it nonetheless.
Mr Bingley looked back at Darcy with a grin. “I see.” He patted Jane’s hand. “Jane and I are on our way for a stroll along one of the lanes I have not yet explored. Would you join us?”
Before Darcy could respond, the door burst open beside him.
“What is it, Hill? Is something amiss?” Jane frowned and reached a hand to the flustered servant.
“No, Miss. Leastways not anything I know of.” Hill rose to her toes, eyes searching the room, seeing the empty chairs. A look of frustration came over her face “Humph.” Hill settled back onto her heels. “A messenger came to the door just now. He left this for the Duke, said it was urgent.” She raised a crumpled, dirty piece of folded paper.
“I see. The Duke has just stepped into the garden. Do give it me, Hill, and I shall see that he receives it directly.” Jane held out her hand and Hill gave her the missive.
“Thank you, Miss. We’re all run right off our feet what with all the comp’ny this mornin’.” She bobbed a curtsy and trotted back toward the kitchen.
Darcy smiled at Jane. “If I may, Miss Bennet? I shall be happy to convey this to the Duke. No need for you and Charles to delay your walk.” A delicate pink crept up her neck as she looked him in the eye. They had all thought it best not to disclose the nature of their meeting to anyone other than the three of them, waiting until it was at an end before discussing the matter with the rest of the family.
Confusion, Confession and Conviction Page 10