Dearest Friends

Home > Other > Dearest Friends > Page 18
Dearest Friends Page 18

by Pamela Lynne


  “Yes, sir.” Bingley beamed, his tone as amiable as ever, not finding offense in the man’s faulty memory. “We met last autumn, Mr. Bennet. We were in each other’s company on several occasions, sir. I must be quite a dull fellow if you do not remember me.” Bingley smiled and looked around the table for reaction to his joke. Nobody laughed. He looked back to Mr. Bennet, who had removed a flask and emptied it in one swallow.

  His eyes moved to Jane, who was twisting her napkin, and then to Mary, who was sitting next to him, nervously stirring her soup. Getting no help from those ladies, he then began to address Mrs. Bennet.

  “I had the pleasure of meeting your brother in town, madam. Mr. Gardiner and I had some business dealings together. He is a very amiable man, and his wife is everything that is pleasant.”

  “How nice, Mr. Bingley. Our Lizzy is currently staying with them, did you happen to see her as well?”

  “Indeed, I saw her just last evening, and she looked quite remarkable. I would say she was glowing with happiness!”

  Jane and Mary both gasped, but it was Jane who spoke. “Lizzy is still in London? You saw her just yesterday?”

  “Yes, and you must allow me to offer my most heartfelt congratulations on her betrothal.”

  Mr. Collins smiled proudly and was beginning to speak when Bingley continued. “Darcy is an excellent man and will bring her much joy.”

  All eyes then focused on him, making him feel very uncomfortable. “I beg your pardon, Mr. Bingley, did you say Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Bennet asked in confusion.

  “Of course. He is quite besotted, if you do not mind me saying so. He barely left her side at all last night. It is my understanding they will remove to Pemberley by the end of the week. Will you all be traveling to Derbyshire for the wedding?”

  Mrs. Bennet had been following Bingley’s words, trying to make sense of them. The moment enlightenment finally dawned on her face, both Jane and Mary rose to go to her and try to quell what they knew would come. They were too late.

  “Oh, Mr. Bennet! We are saved! Lizzy is to marry Mr. Darcy. Oh, that clever girl, to go to town and catch a rich husband. What jewels, what pin money!”

  Caught up in her effusions, she did not see her husband’s face turn red with anger, nor did she notice when he shakily rose from his chair. She continued to exclaim their good fortune while her daughters tried desperately to convince her to stop.

  Bingley was distracted from Mr. Bennet’s movements by the parson standing across from him, who had begun his own tirade and the sudden movement behind him that signaled the youngest Bennet girls’ departure from the room.

  “Stop you caterwauling, woman, and remember Lizzy is to marry Collins and become mistress of Longbourn.”

  “But she will have Pemberley. What is Longbourn to such a grand estate? Perhaps now Mary . . .” Mrs. Bennet’s words were stifled by a sudden thunderous sound of flesh striking flesh followed by the thud of a slight frame hitting the ground. Bingley stood frozen in place as Mr. Bennet called out to his cousin.

  “Collins, be ready to travel to London at first light. We will collect Lizzy and be on our way to Gretna Green by nightfall.”

  He walked out of the room, and Mr. Collins trailed behind, leaving a bewildered Bingley, panicked and unsure how to soothe the three pained and humiliated women.

  Chapter Sixteen

  * * *

  The room was cold and dark when he entered. An ungentlemanly expletive fell from his mouth when he bumped into the furniture, cursing the servant who was supposed to light the fire an hour ago. He turned to find the cord to call the maid but was stopped by the sound of a match lighting. He saw the soft light of the candle then the glowing end of a cigar illuminating the face of his unwelcome visitor.

  “Gardiner, what the devil are you doing here?”

  “I was in the neighborhood and thought I would pay a call.”

  “I do not see why you would feel the need. My debts have been settled.”

  Mr. Gardiner took a long drag on the cigar and released the smoke slowly as he looked intently at the earl. “I beg your pardon, my lord, but I have found that though the books are settled, there is still one debt owed.”

  Barrymore guffawed, but before he could respond, Mr. Gardiner continued.

  “Do you not wonder, sir, what business I had in such a fashionable neighborhood this evening?” He raised his eyebrows to punctuate the question, but no response came. “I see you are curious, so I will tell you. I attended a celebration dinner. My niece has recently become engaged.”

  “I congratulate you, Gardiner, but I fail to see what this has to do with me.” Barrymore remained standing during the exchange and watched Mr. Gardiner lean back in the chair behind his desk and take another long drag.

  “Do you not, sir? Well, I shall tell you then. My niece has been so fortunate as to win the heart of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. You are acquainted with him, I believe?”

  Still no answer.

  “I understand you personally offered him your congratulations at your club the other day.”

  “Gardiner I—” He was silenced when Mr. Gardiner raised his hand.

  “While I was waiting for you to join me, I took the liberty of examining your bank book.” He gestured to the open book on the desk next to a sheet of paper, ink, and quill. “It seems you have left a draft unsigned. Perhaps you would care to sign it now, before you pen a letter of congratulations to my future nephew.”

  Barrymore glanced down and blanched at the sum and unwisely chose that moment to find a small amount of pride.

  “And if I refuse?”

  Just then, a dark figure emerged from the shadows behind Barrymore. Mr. Gardiner took the cigar from his mouth and leaned forward onto the desk, pinning the man with his intense glare.

  “I suppose I could be willing to negotiate.”

  Early the next morning, a crate was delivered to Darcy House. It contained an engagement gift from the house of Barrymore: a beautifully framed portrait of a young woman with sapphire eyes and shiny blonde curls. The letter that came with it said the family would not complete the season in town and so wanted to send its most heartfelt congratulations. Darcy tossed the note to Richard, who read it with great curiosity.

  “I am going to breakfast with Elizabeth. I will give Mr. Gardiner your regards.” Richard was left to ponder just how much Mr. Gardiner had laid out to settle the matter and how in the world he would ever repay him.

  ********

  William Collins was a man who could never claim great intelligence. He fudged and slurred his way through life, relying on condescension rather than wit to maintain his livelihood. Yet, even he began to question whether traveling to London with a deranged man on a mission was a good idea. He had not given it a second thought, not even after Mr. Bennet felled his wife the night before, until he saw the man place a pistol in his coat pocket before they exited the house that morning. It would not do to kill the nephew of his patroness—or rather, watch while his opium-crazed cousin did.

  What would, possibly, be worse would be allowing his comely betrothed to ensnare Mr. Darcy, thus taking his attention away from Miss de Bourgh. Lady Catherine would not be pleased. But, if they could remove Eliza from London without incident, then all would be well. He would retain the good opinion of the great lady, enjoy the favors of a lively wife, and, from the looks of it, inherit Longbourn sooner rather than later. Is his pea-like mind, this was an excellent scenario indeed. He forgot about the frame of mind of the man who sat slumped over in the carriage seat across from him and allowed a peace to come over him. Although he could not sleep, he did rest his mind in daydreams of his future life.

  ********

  Richard sat in the breakfast room, toying with the note from Barrymore. Sebastian, who had decided to sleep at Darcy House rather than endure a short carriage ride home with his parents, joined him and asked what he was contemplating so seriously. Richard handed him the note as he sat down with his tea.

  “So it
is done then? How did this come about? Did Darcy pay him?”

  “I do not think so. He implied Mr. Gardiner had something to do with it.”

  “Ah, that would not be surprising. Barrymore did insult his niece after all. He certainly would not run from a fight.”

  “How much does Father owe him?”

  Sebastian sipped his tea before answering. “I am unsure of the exact amount. The coffers were not completely empty, nor do they remain so. Father kept enough to pay the servants of both houses until the harvest comes in. I believe we owe at least ten thousand.”

  The fact that Sebastian said “we” did not go unnoticed. “I saw you speaking to Mr. Gardiner last night.”

  “Yes, and I will be seeing him before he leaves with you for Pemberley to discuss our loan.”

  “You are not coming as well?”

  “No, I have to get married. Remember?”

  Richard nodded, and he and Sebastian both rose as Georgiana walked in the room.

  “Cousins.” Her voice was cold.

  “Goodness, Mouse, that greeting was as frigid as my bath water this morning. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?” Richard asked.

  Georgiana paused her perusal of the breakfast display and turned to her companions.

  “Warm baths are reserved for those who do not humiliate their cousins.” Her accusatory look caused both men to look away.

  “Did your wayward butler find his tub rather chilly as well?” Sebastian’s attempt at humor only increased her anger.

  “Jennings’ behavior has been addressed. Fitzwilliam took care of the situation before he retired last night and did so with compassion and authority because that is what he does. He takes care of things and people, including each one of us when necessary. What did you two find necessary last evening? Brandy. How could you behave so when we both needed your support?” Her voiced cracked a little with those last words, but she waved off their attempted apologies.

  “I do not care to hear your words. If I have learned anything these past months, it is that words mean very little.” She looked directly at Richard. “Actions speak much louder. I certainly hope that the next time the need arises, the actions of a Fitzwilliam will prove more deserving of the friendship of a Darcy.”

  ********

  Elizabeth’s feet dangled off the ground as she was held secure in her love’s arms, giving him a sound kiss good morning.

  “You are here early.” The look of absolute delight on her face told him she did not mind.

  “I could not wait to see you. I find myself ill at ease this morning, dearest, and I am unsure why. It is likely just the effects of last evening. I cannot apologize enough for my family’s behavior.”

  “I understand better than anybody, perhaps, that you cannot control your family’s actions. I do wonder, though, why did your parents name you Fitzwilliam?”

  Darcy chuckled. “Because they could not name me Anne. I was named for both my parents, just as Georgiana was. There is an Alexander thrown in there as well.”

  “Fitzwilliam George Alexander Darcy?” He nodded. “I like it. We have plenty of options to name a son then.” The implication of her baring his heir earned another kiss. He released her and pulled back, gazing down with much tenderness.

  “Enough of that, Miss Bennet. You can no longer take such liberties with my person without at least presenting me with a decent breakfast.” Elizabeth took in his teasing countenance. Those dimples would be her undoing.

  “Very well, Mr. Darcy. If what you have been nibbling does not satisfy, then by all means let us seek out further sustenance.” She suddenly felt very curious and let her eyes drift down to see what affect their playfulness was having on the gentleman. He seemed to be enjoying himself.

  Darcy followed her gaze and hardened further when her eyes rested on the front of his trousers. She looked up and blushed when she saw his intense glare. She moved to leave the room but Darcy stopped her and pulled her close.

  “Oh no, my girl. You do not get to look at me like that then walk away.” He gave her a searing kiss while one hand pressed against her back and the other trailed down her arm. He took her hand and brought it to rest on his throbbing groin. She gasped as he ran her palm down his length.

  “Elizabeth,” he moaned softly. “I want you so badly, my love, need you so badly. I need to make you mine, to be inside you and feel your warmth surrounding me. Will you keep me warm, my Lizzy? Will you be mine, always?”

  The desperation in his voice broke her heart. She moved her arms to his neck and pressed herself against him as much as she could and he reciprocated the embrace, holding her so tightly she could hardly breathe.

  “Will?” He looked down into her eyes that were full of concern. “Tell me.”

  He loosened his grip and leaned his forehead against hers. “Forgive me, my love, as I said, I am ill at ease this morning and am seeking comfort. I love you so much, Elizabeth. I wish we did not have to wait.”

  Her eyes continued to question him, and if he could have given her an answer, he would have. Perhaps it simply was the effects of spending an evening with the Fitzwilliams or relief that Richard would not be called out or even guilt that Elizabeth’s uncle had solved another mess his family created. Whatever it was caused a painful tension in his chest, and something deep within was calling him to take her. Take her home, make her his, never let her go. Take her.

  He tightened his grip once again and spoke low and pleading, “Elizabeth.”

  “Uh hum.” A voice sounded from behind them. A maid stood with her eyes diverted. They separated quickly. “I beg your pardon, Miss Lizzy, but Mrs. Gardiner is waiting the meal for you.”

  Elizabeth nodded to the girl, looked at Darcy apologetically, and led him to the breakfast room. Whatever Darcy was thinking was left unsaid, and they enjoyed a quiet morning with Mrs. Gardiner and the children.

  ********

  The carriage stopped in front of a brick house on Gracechurch Street. The two inhabitants stepped out and took a moment to breathe in the cold air before ascending the steps. At least one of the visitors expected the door to be open to them so did not knock but entered unannounced. As they reached the end of the foyer, their way was blocked by a solid wall of flesh looking down on them with an unwelcoming scowl. They would go no further.

  Sitting in the parlor reading a book to John while Elizabeth helped Annabelle learn a new stitch, Darcy was alerted to the sound of raised voices. He looked to Elizabeth, who motioned for the nanny to take the children upstairs. Darcy went into the hall, followed by Elizabeth, and was met by Mrs. Gardiner, who was quite alarmed. The three of them looked toward the foyer and saw Remy standing firm, blocking the way from whoever was making the loud protestations.

  Elizabeth finally recognized the raised voice when it shakily demanded, “I must see Lizzy.” She stepped forward slightly, and before Darcy could stop her, she called out, “Jane?”

  Chapter Seventeen

  * * *

  Remy La Croix was an imposing figure whether he was caught with a smile or relaxed features. When his face was fixed in his usual stern manner, however, he was utterly frightening. His intimidating stance was perfected over the years, and his employer found him quite useful in the right type of negotiations. One look into his cold blue eyes could render a man witless and afraid.

  The person standing in front of him now felt none of those things. Jane was merely confused. She did not see why a man who had protected her as a child stood before her now giving her his most intimidating glare as if he did not know her.

  Jane’s tears flowed as she pleaded with him to allow her see her sister. He staunchly refused until he heard Elizabeth’s soft voice come from behind.

  “Jane?”

  “Lizzy!” She tried to move forward, but the footman would not relent. He looked over his shoulder at Darcy, whose features were as stony as his own, then to Mrs. Gardiner, who gave him a small nod. He pursed his lips and reluctantly let her thr
ough.

  Mary had been standing behind Jane, trying to summon up courage to remain upright in front of her uncle’s footman. She had managed the situation at Longbourn remarkably well, but the strain of the events the night before, plus an early morning flight from Netherfield, left her on edge. If the man had not let them through, she most certainly would have swooned.

  They both rushed to Elizabeth, but Darcy pulled her close to him before they could embrace her. Their aunt stepped forward to take their hands. Jane was perturbed by yet another barrier to her sister, but she spoke to her anyway.

  “Lizzy,” her voice spoke of her alarm, “why are you still here? Did you not read my letter?”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I had no letter from you, Jane. I have had nothing from Longbourn since I came to London.”

  Elizabeth was shaken. Seeing Jane brought forth an array of emotions, not the least of which was curiosity. She leaned heavily into Darcy, fearing her knees might buckle at any moment. She had not been prepared to see her sisters. The last days with her new family had been delightful, but now she was presented once again with the hell that was Longbourn. She did not know whether to fight or flee, so she looked to Darcy for support.

  He linked her arm with his as he began to speak. “Miss Bennet, Miss Mary, you both look a bit agitated if you do not mind me saying so. Did you travel from Longbourn just this morning?”

  “No, sir, we came from Netherfield. Mr. Bingley removed my mother and sisters from Longbourn last night after an incident at dinner.” As if summoned by the mention of his name, Bingley appeared in the hall, followed by Remy.

  “It is fine, Remy,” Mrs. Gardiner began. “Let us all go into the parlor. Mary, you especially look as if you could use some tea.”

  Mary shook her head and responded as her aunt guided her into a chair. “No, ma’am, there is little time for that. We have come to warn Lizzy. Papa and Mr. Collins are on their way here to collect her and take her to Gretna Green.”

 

‹ Prev