by Kate Speck
William rolled his eyes as he saw the many eyes trained on him. He sighed, as he realised that Lizzy had been right once again with ladies ready to fawn over him and he was prepared to scowl at everyone tonight.
Having no intention to make conversation and be amiable tonight, he walked to the drink table and reached for the punch. It was always obvious which punch bowl had more liquor in them, as certain gentlemen stood near to one over the others, and he gulped a large amount down and walked the vicinity with another glass.
He saw Miss Bingley and Miss Grantley conversing with several young ladies. Miss Bingley was definitively over-dressed in comparison to the young lady for whom this ball was held, and he now questioned himself, if his perception of the pretty woman from the carriage accident had been valid. After the incident, Miss Bingley had barked at her brother several times but then had softened when speaking with himself. He noticed that Miss Bingley was fluttering her lashes and smiling coyly at every eligible bachelor who came near her and it suddenly dawned upon him that she had done the same to him.
William began to observe her from the shadows more attentively now, as she walked from one side of the room to the other where her sister had been standing. There was no limp nor any indication of a previous injury and there was no resting of her legs for the past quarter hour while she had been standing the entire time. As the strings of the first set began to play, he noticed Miss Bingley’s air in her manner was all wrong and that she appeared to look down on all of the other ladies as she danced with her father. Even to Miss Grantley, who was the belle of this ball, she appeared to sneer at her friend and laugh at her when Miss Grantley’s father made a small error on the dance step.
After watching her for the first three sets, William saw that Miss Bingley did not have a partner for the fourth set and she took a seat on the side of the ballroom. He walked towards her and bowed as she immediately stood up to greet him.
“Mr. Darcy! You have come to my rescue once again. I did not have a partner for this set and you have come to save me.” She prattled. “How kind of you, sir, to be my knight in shining armour.”
William could barely hold in a growl as he replied, “I apologise, Miss Bingley. I seem to have injured my ankle and will not be able to dance with you tonight. I hope you are not too disappointed if we should converse instead of dance.”
Miss Bingley immediately paled and sat back down. “Of course, sir. Please sit with me so we can converse. I hope your ankle will feel better quickly.”
“I am sure I will be fully recovered soon. I seem to limp sometimes and not at other times. It comes and goes.” William observed her face becoming paler. “But of course, I speak of my ankle. I am glad to see yours completely healed.”
“Yes, of course. I am a fast-healer.” Miss Bingley replied faintly.
William huffed, “I am glad to hear it, madam. One quick question, Miss Bingley. Did you know about Pemberley and my father’s wealth before or after you found out about my mother being a daughter of an earl?”
“Well, bef...” Caroline spluttered, “I mean to say, I knew nothing about Pemberley, sir. I was only recently told about it from Miss Grantley, of course, but Miss Carter was the one that shared with me of your mother’s connections.”
“And how is it that you spoke of Pemberley to your brother as soon as you entered my home?” William shook his head. “It was not your brother but another witness who overheard your conversation about my father’s estate and his 10,000 a year. And I only recalled just now that you introduced me to your sister as Mr. Darcy of Pemberley. I believe you have known about my family and fortune and have attempted to trick me into believing that you are someone that you are not. I only have a dear friend to thank for opening my eyes and I will have to beg for absolution. I admire your father and brother very much and would like to continue the association but I would ask you to not approach me again. Enjoy the rest of the ball, Miss Bingley.” He stood and left without a bow.
William returned to the punch table and grabbed another glass. He did not know how much he would need to grovel at Lizzy’s feet the next day for his bitter words and hoped she would forgive him. He had been blinded by a woman’s outward beauty and nearly tricked into believing himself in love with Miss Bingley, but he quickly noted the sour look on her face and how very few gentlemen approached her. He was grateful that Lizzy’s observation helped him from being hoodwinked into courtship with such an unworthy woman and sighed in relief from his narrow escape.
He vowed to himself that he would guard his heart more carefully, and although speaking more jovially with his friends, he approached no other ladies during the ball and danced with no one for the entire night.
Chapter 16
William groaned in pain as he opened his eyes to the bright sunlight. He covered his eyes with his forearm and took a deep breath. He was exhausted and wished he could sleep all day but he lifted himself out of bed and looked at the clock to see that it was after two o'clock in the afternoon. He sighed and headed to the dressing room to prepare for the day.
After his valet shaved and dressed him, he walked to his father’s study to find him working with his solicitor. When the business completed and the solicitor left, William asked, “How do you do it, father? We went to the ball at the same time and returned together. You appear to have been awake for hours and I can hardly keep my eyes open. What is your secret?”
Mr. Darcy chuckled, “Old age and habit, son. I have always risen early in my youth and now that I am getting older, my days seem numbered and my body will not allow me to rest. I suppose when your mother was very ill, I did not have a reason to awaken from my pleasant dreams so I wished to sleep more, but when one is excited for a new day, when there is something to look forward to, one is eager to get out of bed and begin the day as early as possible. And coffee, Fitzwilliam, lots of coffee.”
They both laughed heartily. “I understand, father. I do find waking up drearier when I am at school, but when I return home and I am looking forward to spending the day with Lizz...” He stopped his speech. After being silent for several moments, he continued. “Father, I am afraid I behaved like an idiot with Lizzy yesterday. I called her a hoyden and accused her of sabotaging my... my... I do not even know what to call it, sir. I yelled at her because she was trying to protect me for Miss Bingley’s machinations and I told her that she was nothing to me to tell me what to do and that she was being cruel to a woman I loved. I thought I loved Miss Bingley because she was beautiful and flattering but I was finally able to see through her last night at the ball and I do not know how I was so deceived. Perhaps the carriage knocked my head as well as my shoulder.”
“I wondered why you appeared to be in a foul mood last night. I did not see you dance with anyone and you only spoke with your friends.” Mr. Darcy commented. “And you do not love her? You no longer think highly of Miss Bingley?”
“No, not at all, father. I did not love her. Not really at all; I barely knew her. I found her pretty and I was fooled into believing her to be good and honest. I should have seen it earlier. I only heard and saw what I wished to see and I was a fool. The fault lies with me entirely and although I am glad to have gained Mr. Bingley and Charles’ acquaintance, I hope I never see Miss Bingley again. How do I make it up to Lizzy? I treated my blood-brother as if she were an annoying and stupid child. She is so bright. She saw Miss Bingley’s true nature even when she was hiding behind the drapes. She made the connections of Miss Bingley’s lies and exposed that idiotic woman’s follies at their first meeting but I refused to listen and I made her cry.” William ran his fingers through his hair. “I hope she forgives me. I am the worst brother in the world.”
Mr. Darcy consoled, “She will forgive you, son. She is a very gracious young lady, even if she has strong opinions about certain matters in the world. I had wondered what she was speaking of and I saw that she was clearly irritating Miss Bingley with her questions but I supposed that we were all accustomed to Lizzy�
�s unique personality while Miss Bingley simply was not. When Lizzy returns from her shopping trip with your mama and Georgiana, please speak with her as soon as possible. It is better to quickly resolve these matters instead of letting it fester on.”
“Thank you, father.” William answered. “I will certainly do so. I will let you get back to your work. I am glad to have your advice. Yours and Lizzy’s, of course.” He smiled and left the study.
~*~
It was most unfortunate for William that he did not have a chance to speak in private with Lizzy for the entire day. After she had returned from Bond Street, she retired to her rooms to rest until it was dinnertime, and then after her birthday cake and celebration, she excused herself to her rooms to retire early. She had avoided speaking with William for the full day and William was miserable that he was not able to apologise.
The next day, William rose early in the morning and waited for Lizzy to break her fast. They almost always had eaten together in the mornings, as they were both early risers, other than Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet.
He was nearly done with his meal when Lizzy walked into the breakfast room.
“Finally!” William exclaimed as he jumped from his seat and stood in front of her. “May I speak with you in the library for a moment, Miss Bennet? I must insist.” He grabbed her arm and pulled her gently.
Lizzy huffed, “Fine! You don’t have to pull. I can walk!” She stood tall and walked towards the room. “I have been reading ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and I imagine that hairy beast to be like you. Irritable, haughty, and ruder than anyone I know.”
“Lizzy,” William whined, “I wanted to apologise to you. I cannot be sorrier that I was so ill-mannered two days ago. Although I was an obnoxious arse about it when you told me about her, I took your advice and watched Miss Bingley closely and of course you were right. You were right about everything, Lizzy, and I am sorry. I should have listened to you and trusted you instead of lashing out and yelling at you. I knew you were not acting out of jealousy or viciousness, but you were guarding me and I failed to listen because I thought my attraction was more important and that my own judgment was fair and sound. I could not have been more wrong and I needed my dear blood-brother to watch out for me.” He bent down and knelt in front of her to meet her eyes. “You, my small friend, have more wisdom and discernment than all of the grown ladies of my acquaintance put together and I should have trusted you.”
Lizzy wiped her tears with her hand and William handed her his handkerchief. “I was very sad that you didn’t wish to hear me. I was most devastated when you asked me what I was to you, to say what I had said. I thought you would listen to me...”
“And I will never doubt you again, Lizzy. I am so sorry for being such an idiot. You are my blood-brother. You are my best friend, even if you are a little girl of thirteen. I apologise from the bottom of my heart and I will always listen to you.” He hugged her tightly as she continued to cry.
Lizzy wrapped her arms around his neck and sobbed. “You forgot my birthday, Will. Yesterday was my birthday and I know I told you that you don’t have to get me another present again but you never forgot before and you forgot yesterday.”
“Of course, I did not forget it, dear Lizzy!” William exclaimed. “I wished you a happy birthday at dinner, remember? I gave your gift to a maid to place it in your room while you were out shopping with mama during the day. Did you not see it?”
Lizzy shook her head in the negative as she released him.
“Good lord, we cannot have this. I thought you were being stubborn last night to refuse to acknowledge my gift because you were angry with me.” William commented as he stood tall and walked her to her rooms with his arm around her shoulder. He pointed to a paper-wrapped package that was sitting on a chair in Lizzy’s rooms. “There is your gift from me. I would never, ever forget your birthday, silly girl! Open it. It is already passed and you may open it now. You will need to use them today in any case.”
Lizzy excitedly ran over to the package and saw the note attached to it. It read,
For my dearest Lizzy,
This is the first gift for our adventure tomorrow. Your second gift awaits at a special location two hours away and will be a surprise. I wish you a wonderful thirteenth birthday!
Your brother, with love,
Will
She squealed with joy and ripped apart the paper. She saw the items inside and her eyes opened brightly. “This is for me, Will? It is wonderful!”
William chuckled, “It is the first gift that you must wear to where I am taking you. Try it on.” He looked at his pocket watch and noted the time. “Once it feels comfortable for you or if my valet needs to make some adjustments, you will wear it and I am taking you on an outing in two hours. You must eat first and then we will depart but do not let your mother see you. I did receive your father’s approval already.” He winked.
He walked towards her where she was gawking at her present. “You are my best friend and my blood-brother, Lizzy. I know I am an arrogant and proud idiot at times but I truly need your honesty and friendship and I hope you will forgive me for my cruel words. Not only was I truly blind but I nearly made a big mistake and I have you to thank for saving me.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “You are my heroine.”
Lizzy beamed, “At your service, Sir Fitzwilliam.” She kissed his cheek in return.
“No,” William smiled, “I am at your service, my queen.” He stood and walked to the door to allow her to change her clothes. “A penny for your thoughts?” he asked.
Lizzy quirked her brow. “Tom Jones? Why are you quoting Henry Fielding’s book? Are you asking me for my thoughts? I am very happy and eager for our outing right now, Will.”
William grinned broadly, “I am glad. I was testing you and you passed. See you in a few minutes, Lizzy.” And he closed the door to return to the breakfast room.
Chapter 17
“This is by far the most exciting moment of my life, Will!” Lizzy jumped up and down. “I have never been to a horse race before and I cannot believe how many people are here already. It took two hours to get here but it was worth the effort!”
William pointed to a window. “That is where we place the bets. I will give you some money to make the bet but you must choose the horse. Who do you think will win?”
Lizzy looked up the see the horses’ names written out. “I will choose Ghosthunter, since my horse is named Ghost and I miss her terribly.”
“Good choice!” William smiled. “He is ranked with a pay-out of one to ten; he has a good track record but not a constant winner. Let us go place your bet.” He handed her a ten-pound note.
Lizzy’s hands shook as she held the banknote. “How do you just hand this over to the man behind the window? This is a quarter of my annual allowance!”
“This is why I adore you, Lizzy. That is how bets are made and you are learning. Every pound should be carefully economised but people do bet such sums. I know men who had bet hundreds or thousands of pounds before.” He explained. “It is not uncommon to hear of men losing their entire fortune by gambling it away. Your birthday gift is not only your clothes but a trip to the tracks and a life lesson. Now, make the bet before they close. Once the race begins, you will lose your chance. Go on. I can afford it this time.”
Lizzy placed the bet and pocketed her receipt. They waited for the race to begin and Lizzy jumped up and down to see the horses take off and race around the tracks. While the upper level spectators were quiet and reserve watching the race, the people of the lower levels were rowdy with them cheering loudly for their horses.
Lizzy could not help but yell, “FLY, GHOSTHUNTER!” as her horse drew closer and closer to the finish line and won the race.
She squealed in joy and embraced William. Several cheers could be heard along with many more groans in disappointment.
“We will go pick up our winnings now.” William instructed. They began to walk towards the window when they were stopped by
William’s associate from school.
“I see your little friend has won. Who is this boy?” William’s friend asked.
William rigidly scoffed, “This is Liam Gardiner from Shropshire. He is my second cousin twice removed. Liam, this is Thomas Bertram of Mansfield Park. Son of Sir Thomas Bertram, Baronet.”
“Good looking boy there, Darcy.” Bertram commented. “Congratulations on your winning horse, young man. I hope you win many more bets.”
Lizzy answered as deeply as possible, “Thank you, sir! I wish you the same!”
Bertram left them and William laughed loudly. “Good job, Liam. Your disguise was perfect.”
Lizzy grinned. “What exactly is ‘second cousin twice removed’? Would that be your grandfather's sister’s grandchild or something?”
“I have no idea!” William chuckled. “Anyone who knows my family knows I have very few cousins, removed or not. We might be related after all, Li... Liam. At least as far back as Adam and Eve.”
Lizzy giggled, “So true! But then wouldn’t everyone be related?”
They laughed and collected their winnings and Lizzy had the broadest smile in her face. “I do understand the temptation of the easy win and why people would gamble away their entire fortune. I have in my hand at least two years’ allowance and it is an incredible feeling. It is absolutely insane.”
“Shall we place a few more bets?” William asked. “There is a saying of a ‘beginner's luck’ and you certainly seem to have it.”
Lizzy’s eyes opened widely again. “I could never! There is more money in my pocket right now than I have ever seen in my entire life. I know it is yours but it is incredible to hold it in my own hands and I could not risk losing a penny of it.”
“I had planned on splurging on you today so we will place a few more bets. Your winnings are yours to keep.” William smiled. “A few smaller ones with higher risks, perhaps. This will help you with your arithmetic skills and budgeting. Who shall we choose next? A few shillings or a pound at most.”