by Pamela Lynne
Wickham was the supreme example of a rake. He traveled to her residence in Ramsgate with the single purpose of seducing the young girl and gaining control of her dowry. Never having a mother or any close female companion to explain such things, Georgiana knew nearly nothing about relations between a man and woman. Wickham took advantage of her innocence and took liberties with her that only a husband should. If Darcy had not found her in time, she would have been lost to her family and all respectable society.
But Darcy did find her, and ever since, their relationship had been strained. When he established her residence in Ramsgate, she was still a child—innocent and sweet, not believing anyone could purposely hurt her. Now, she was trapped in a strange place somewhere between childhood and womanhood with neither innocence nor maturity. She was lost in the rafters, rattling away in her own mind trying to cope with her heartache and shame. Darcy did not know how to help her.
For all her innocence, Darcy knew a fair amount of lust was involved in her actions with Wickham, and that was something for which he was wholly unprepared. When he was Georgiana’s age, he still had his father to explain to him how his body worked and how to control his baser desires. Georgiana only had Darcy and Richard, both of whom were nearly twice her age and could only see her as a little girl. How does a man of eight and twenty discuss such things with his younger sister, whom he practically raised on his own?
Although too late to stop her from acting the way she had with Wickham, Richard was able to talk to Georgiana after the fact. He insisted she tell him everything Wickham had done to her. It was a humiliating conversation for her and uncomfortable for him, but in the end, they were both relieved to know that, although she had allowed many liberties, she was still a maiden.
That fact did little to calm Richard’s mind. When he was with her, all he could think about was Wickham touching her in all the ways she had described. He could not carry a conversation with her unless he was well into his cups, which distressed her, so he mostly just stayed away. Darcy did not handle the situation much better. He did not know what to say to her, so most of the time, he just did not speak.
She was left to think on what she had done without much guidance from either of her guardians. Her brother had, thankfully, hired a new companion. Mrs. Annesley was both kind and disciplined. Under her tutelage, Georgiana was coming out of some of her shyness and doubt, but she still had a long road to travel to adulthood.
Georgiana was practicing the pianoforte in the music room when the butler came in to announce the arrival of Viscount Hedley, Sebastian Fitzwilliam. She groaned in annoyance.
“Does he know my brother is not here?”
“Yes, Miss Darcy. After I informed him of the master’s absence, he asked for you.”
“Very well,” she sighed. “Please send for Mrs. Annesley, and then show the viscount in here.”
“Yes, miss. Shall I send for tea?”
“No, if I do not feed him, perhaps he will not stay long.”
The seasoned butler repressed a chuckle, bowed, and left the room.
Georgiana rose from the pianoforte and began pacing the room. “What does Sebastian want? I hate entertaining guests when Fitzwilliam is not here, even family—especially family.”
Sebastian Fitzwilliam was Richard’s older brother and heir to the Matlock earldom. He was typical of the ton, enjoying all the finer things in life without thought to what that lifestyle cost both his wallet and reputation. He was known in London as an awful flirt. Indeed, he could charm the stockings off of almost every lady he met. There were few young widows who had not yet enjoyed his favors, and many bored young wives had also been privy to the viscount’s prowess. His escapades with willing wives and widows, however, had recently come to a halt when, as he was pleasuring an insatiable Lady Barrymore, he felt a pistol pressed against the back of his head.
On the other end of the gun was a very calm Lord Barrymore, who cared nothing for his wife, nor was he bothered by the fact that she had lovers. Coming home early and catching her with a titled lover, however, was an opportunity he was not going to waste. His family had squandered all its fortune, and he was pleased that instead of selling off pieces of his land for profit, he would pad his coffers with Matlock money. The earl was summoned, and arrangements were made: Sebastian’s life for twenty thousand pounds. The Fitzwilliams were left nearly destitute and had but one option: Sebastian must marry, both well and soon.
So there he was at Darcy House in the music room, facing his newly beautiful cousin, Georgiana Darcy. She stopped pacing and tried her best to mimic her brother’s stoic demeanor while her insides shook with nervous energy. The last time she had been alone with a man, she ended up on her back with the bodice of her dress around her waist. The memory of Wickham’s weight on her was on her mind as her cousin gave her a caddish smile. She recognized the look in his eyes. He was there to try to charm her and manipulate her out of her dress or her dowry, likely both. She believed the last cad’s word of love and devotion. She was too stupid then to know what he was after. This time, she was ready.
By the time they finished greeting each other, Mrs. Annesley had entered the room. She seated herself out of the way and worked on her sewing while observing the interaction between the pair. She was aware of Georgiana’s past behavior and was a little anxious for the young woman. Georgiana looked to her and smiled before fixing her steady Darcy glare on her cousin.
“As Jennings informed you, my brother is not at home, Sebastian. Is there something I can do for you in his stead?”
The viscount leaned forward and spoke amiably. “Georgiana, it has been at least a year since I have had the pleasure of seeing you. I hoped we could get to know one another now that you are all grown up.” He gave her a broad smile that lit his blue eyes in a lovely manner. It made him seem sincere, but Georgiana did not trust him. She knew she should end this visit quickly. She had already lost her patience, but she was worried that if he continued, she would lose her resolve. He was, after all, an extremely enticing man.
“Tell me, Cousin, did your mother send you here to flirt with me, or did you come to court my dowry of your own volition?”
Sebastian lifted his eyes to meet hers and looked at her with disbelief. After a moment, he broke out in hardy laughter. He settled back into the sofa with his arms resting on the back and took in the sight of her surprised countenance.
“Well done, Georgie. Someone has taught you how to handle overreaching suitors quite well.” He leaned forward again and, in a very casual manner, rested his elbows on his knees. “I will end my quest before it begins, but if she ever asks, do tell my mother I tried.”
Georgiana was thrown by this sudden shift but could not help but smile. He was very charming. She looked at him curiously.
“You give up easily.”
Sebastian sighed, lowered his head for a moment then regarded at her intently. “You are lovely, dear, but you have a few years yet before you are ready to be a wife. Darcy and Richard are right to keep you from society. My mother was determined I press my suit even though you are not yet out. In this one instance, I would rather face Darcy’s wrath than hers.”
He stood and walked around the room, stopping at the pianoforte to run his fingers lightly along the keys. “Still, I must marry.”
“Have you considered Cousin Anne? Her dowry is at least the size of mine, I believe.”
“No one ever considers Anne.”
Georgiana felt offended for the cousin she could barely remember. “That is cruel.”
“No, dear cousin, that is honest. Besides, Matlock requires an heir, and I do not believe she is up to the task.”
Georgiana blushed at his insinuation and looked down. Sebastian smiled contritely as he stepped toward her and took her hands, drawing her up to stand.
“I shall leave you now, Georgie. I must return home to see who is next on my mother’s list of potential wives. We will keep this between ourselves, will we not? You will not tell
Darcy or Richard?” He looked at her beseechingly.
Georgiana giggled and shrugged her shoulders. “I suppose. But do not be surprised if I use it against you one day. I think a secret about a viscount could be rather profitable.”
He gave her another devastating smile, and she struggled to keep herself from sighing in approval. “You have no idea how true that statement is, Georgie. Until next time, my dear.”
“Goodbye, Sebastian.”
Her eyes followed him out, appreciating his retreating form. The clearing of a throat brought her attention around to Mrs. Annesley’s raised eyebrows.
“Well done, Miss Darcy, but I think we could have done without the flirty bits at the end.”
Georgiana laughed as she bounced up and down. “I did do well, did I not? I wish I could tell Fitzwilliam, but he would kill Sebastian if he knew.”
“I do not believe he would risk the Darcy name for murdering your cousin.”
“You are right. He would have Richard do it.”
The two women laughed as they made their way out of the room. Mrs. Annseley was well pleased to see that the young woman was beginning to heal. She hoped that her brother would as well.
********
Elizabeth sat between her uncle and Darcy, reeling from the news that her father had not let her go. She unconsciously leaned toward Darcy, who held her hand tightly in his own.
“You are certain he will come for me, Uncle?” She asked shakily.
“I have no doubt, Lizzy. As I told Mr. Darcy, I am rather surprised he has not already. You saw his determination the day we left.”
Elizabeth closed her eyes and nodded, briefly reliving the events of that last day in her mind. She lifted her eyes to Darcy and hoarsely whispered, “What does that mean for us?”
“Nothing has changed,” he said determinedly, looking in her eyes. “We may have to wait until your birthday to make a formal announcement, but I would like to proceed as we would in a typical situation.”
Elizabeth sighed in relief and then asked, “But what if Papa hears about our courtship in the mean time?”
Her uncle answered. “That could only work in our favor. A confrontation is coming, Lizzy. You must be prepared for that. I, for one, would prefer it to happen sooner rather than later. You do not want this hanging over your heads for another two months.”
Elizabeth nodded in agreement then lowered her face in her hands and began to cry. “I thought it was all over,” she sobbed as she felt herself being pulled into Darcy’s embrace. Mr. Gardiner knew he should not allow such liberties but decided to remove himself to the other side of the room next to his wife and let the young man comfort his niece. He realized this was their first step in learning to depend on one another before all others and so turned away to give them more privacy.
Not wanting to take too much advantage of Mr. Gardiner’s generosity, Darcy withdrew his arm from Elizabeth’s shoulders after a few moments and took both her hands in his.
“Elizabeth, look at me.”
Her tear-soaked face rose to meet his gaze, and his heart broke when he saw the fear and hurt in her eyes. He reached in his pocket for his handkerchief, gently dried her tears, and then placed the cloth in her hand.
“Listen to me, love. Your uncle and I will protect you. You are in no danger of returning to Longbourn. I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe and with me. Do you trust me to do that, Elizabeth?”
She looked into his eyes and saw concern, determination, and something else that calmed her. She knew instinctively that she could trust this man with her very soul. Too overcome with emotion to speak, she nodded her answer.
“Good. Then no matter what happens, we will face it together. I told your uncle earlier, Elizabeth, that I will never again leave without you. You are worth fighting for.”
Elizabeth wanted to throw herself in his arms after his beautiful declaration but had to settle for squeezing his hands. She smiled through her tears and brought his hands to rest under her chin.
“I do not know what I have done to deserve such devotion, but I am grateful to be the object of it.”
They sat in this fashion for a few moments, each relishing the newfound intimacy. Much too soon, Darcy withdrew his hands and spoke.
“I must leave you now, Elizabeth, and attend to some business so that I may return tomorrow. Will you see me out?”
Darcy made his goodbyes to the Gardiners with a promise to return the next day. Mr. Gardiner made a point to say again that he was always welcome in their home. Elizabeth led him into the hall where he acknowledged the footman still standing guard with a nod then proceeded to the foyer where he gathered his outerwear from the maid.
Donning everything but his hat, Darcy once again pulled Elizabeth into his embrace, tucking her head under his chin. One hand held his hat across her lower back while the other rested between her shoulder blades. Her cheek lay on his chest, and her small thumbs stroked the fabric of his lapels.
“Elizabeth, the situation with your father will, unfortunately, weigh on our minds throughout our courtship, but I do not want you to live in fear. Promise me.”
She looked at him impishly and snaked her arms around his neck. “How can I be afraid when I have such a strong, steady gentleman to keep me from all harm? You promised me you would keep me with you, and I know that you will.”
“Do not ever doubt it, Elizabeth.” His hands began to stroke her back as he leaned down to smell her hair. “How did this all happen so suddenly? I knew I wanted you in Hertfordshire, but I did not think I could have you. But then I saw you yesterday, and at that moment, I knew I could not live without you.”
“I do not know. I tried so hard to dislike you when we first met. I have certainly never been indifferent to you and found you were on my mind more often than not. Then I lost everything and felt so very alone. As soon as you walked into the bookstore and looked directly into my eyes, I just knew you would understand and make it better.”
They looked at each other then, and neither resisted the urge to come together in a sweet, soft kiss that seemed to last an age. He finally pulled away and smiled tenderly as he said, “I must go now, dearest Elizabeth, but I will be back tomorrow.” After one more kiss, he turned and walked out the door, leaving Elizabeth to feel his loss acutely.
********
Darcy spent the twenty-minute ride back to his townhouse feeling a mixture of elation and apprehension. He could not help but enjoy the giddiness that enveloped him after his morning with Elizabeth, but the situation with her father had to be dealt with. He would cede to Mr. Gardiner’s advice to wait, but in the meantime, there were things he could do.
Upon entering his home, he immediately retired to his study to pen three letters. The first was to his steward in Scotland; the second was to his solicitor, and the third was a long-overdue letter to Kent.
Chapter Seven
* * *
Elizabeth was very poor company for her aunt and uncle at the breakfast table. She absent-mindedly buttered a slice of toast while her mind drifted over the memories of her time with Darcy the previous day. “My love,” he had said. He did not even realize he said it; it merely slipped from his tongue naturally. Elizabeth sighed with the memory. She was surprised when he said it, but what surprised her more was that she returned the sentiment. Still staring dreamily at her toast, she missed seeing her aunt and uncle look at each other and roll their eyes simultaneously.
“Lizzy dear,” her aunt began. “I would like you to keep the next few afternoons free so that we may go shopping.”
“More shopping, Aunt? Of course, I would love to join you, but do you need so much that it will take three days to complete your list?” Elizabeth teased.
“It will likely take longer, but three days will be a start. It is not for me, dear, but for you. If you are to be seen on Mr. Darcy’s arm, you will need new gowns.”
“I had some new gowns made not long before I left Longbourn. My ball gown has only been wo
rn once. Surely we do not need to purchase all that much, if anything at all.”
“We may be able to repurpose those gowns, but it is important to begin this courtship on the right foot.”
“And the right foot means new gowns? I believe I won Mr. Darcy’s regard dressed simply. Must I now cover myself in silk and feathers in order to keep him?” Elizabeth suddenly felt very self-conscious. A lifetime of being compared to Jane had made her sensitive to any slight or criticism of her appearance.
“Do not be ridiculous, Lizzy,” Mr. Gardiner chimed in. “You are about to enter a whole new world. High society is treacherous and full of young ladies who would kill to be in your place. You are far above them in the things that matter, like intelligence and kindness, but they will see none of that. They will only see what matters to them, which are all things superficial. You must enter the fray with poise and confidence, whether you feel it or not, and you must dress the part.”
Mrs. Gardiner placed her fingers under Lizzy’s chin and lifted her face to meet her gaze. “Your Mr. Darcy is accustomed to the very best of everything, which is why he chose you. When you marry, he will insist on you having new things. You might as well indulge us and let us spoil you while we still have the chance.”
“He has not yet mentioned marriage, Aunt.”
“Yes, he has,” Mr. Gardiner stated matter-of-factly. “And you must be prepared for this new life you will lead. You will go shopping with your aunt and spend as much of my hard-earned money as you possibly can. You are already stunning in muslin. You will outshine every shrew of the ton in silk. The fact that you are doing it for him will only make him happier. He will feel like the king of the world with you on his arm.”