A Touch of Night

by Sarah Hoyt

"Elizabeth!"

  It started as a scream, and ended in a roar as his huge dragon wings unfurled and he lunged forward.

  Chapter Twelve

  The dogs that had been fast closing in on Elizabeth balked at the sudden sound. The leader turned, his hackles still raised, as the green and gold dragon swooped towards him. From the look of terror in the wild dog's eyes, it was clear he had never seen a sight so ferocious and other-worldly in the stinking alleys he called home. The other dogs, attuned to their leader's every action, sensed his stillness and an unusual emotion emanating from him. They turned as well, and stood frozen in fear, their prey forgotten.

  In her position backed against a brick wall, Elizabeth trembled. When she had faced the attacking dogs to distract them from Jane, her fear had been replaced by a sudden rushing in her veins. Now all she had eyes for was the dragon. When her name had broken from Darcy's lips to tear the through the darkness and the frantic barking of the wild dogs, she had been overcome with feeling as powerful as it was indescribable. That he should be there at the exact moment she needed him most! That he should call her name and change form in the city, risk his life by exposing all! She stared, enthralled, as his voice distorted from a cry to a roar, and his clothes ripped apart. Toned muscled rippled with iridescent scales and transformed into wings and a sinuous torso. And then he took to the air in the confines of the alley and swooped low towards the dogs. She had never seen anything so beautiful and menacing. Torn between terror and sheer enjoyment of his supernatural beauty, she forgot to breathe and could hardly think.

  She was momentarily transfixed, and then, realizing the dogs had shifted their focus, she edged away, hurrying towards the other frightened dogs that were Jane and Charles. If she thought at all about the wild dogs' fate -- that they would surely soon be torn limb from limb or burned crisp in a burst of flame -- she felt no revulsion at the idea that a gentleman turned dragon would partake of such a horror. What outweighed every other consideration was dear Jane's safety.

  The dragon roared again, and closed in on the wild dogs with another great flap of his wings. The leader suddenly sprang to life as a talon swiped past its face. He let out a frantic yelp as he found himself trapped, his back against the wall where he'd kept Elizabeth at bay against only moments before. The other dogs scattered into the night, down gutters, through crumbled doorways: any tiny avenue of escape they could discover. The lone dog cowered and whimpered in the face of the dragon, blood running in a thin line down its nose.

  Alighting on the cobbles, the dragon lowered its open maw, teeth flashing in the moonlight, and closed around the miserable cur's neck.

  Elizabeth heard Jane gasp at her side, and turned from the grisly spectacle to see that her sister had changed back into her human form, and was crouched naked by her side. The spotted hunting dog stood close by in an attempt to hide her unclothed body from view.

  "Jane!" Elizabeth cried, pulling off her cloak and throwing it around her sister's shoulders. "Thank God I have found you!"

  "He must not kill him!" Jane moaned.

  "But if Darcy had not arrived that dog would have done its best to tear you limb from limb!"

  "He is only a beast, following instincts that have been twisted by life in this cruel city!"

  At that same moment, with a swing of his supple neck, the dragon hurled the dog down the alley. Elizabeth was amazed to see the heap of mangy hair and bones that she was certain no longer lived drag itself to its feet and run off yelping. At her side Jane heaved a sigh of relief.

  "Darcy is always careful keep his conduct, especially when in dragon form. The same rules that keep him civil to the lower orders of society make him kind to helpless animals. More so, he says, since they're not touched by reason and therefore can't help acting as they do," said Bingley who had returned to himself. In an attempt at modesty he held a corner of Jane's cloak just below his waist, doing his best to hide that most private area of his anatomy. "He has sworn never to kill while in his dragon form, animal or human. He could not live with himself if he did."

  Elizabeth tried her best not to look at Bingley. "Jane! Why did you leave our aunt's? How came the two of you here and together?"

  "There is no time to answer questions," said Bingley. "We must be gone before the were-hunters get wind of us. A dragon in the city cannot go unnoticed."

  They heard feet pounding and saw a trail of lanterns approaching. The dragon flew close and crouched before them.

  "He wants us to climb aboard," said Bingley.

  "But . . . will not the three of us be too great a load?" asked Jane.

  "It is our only hope of escape!" cried Bingley. "They are fast approaching."

  Completely forgetting his unclothed state, he grabbed up Jane and tossed her upon the dragon's back and then reached a hand out to Elizabeth. She climbed on in front of Jane and wound her arms around the dragon's neck as Bingley threw himself up behind. Her cheek was pressed against the dragon's ear as he fanned out his wings and rose in a steep spiral, landing upon a darkened balcony two stories above the street. She believed she could feel the very pulse of his great heart beat against her skin and she felt a tear of relief and fear slide down her face to drop on his warm scales.

  No sooner had they touched down on the cold stone and hidden themselves behind the balustrade a troop of RWH soldiers marched into the cobbled area they had just departed.

  "By all reports there was a were-dragon here!" came one voice.

  "And were-hounds!" came another.

  The lanterns circled. "They could not have vanished into thin air!"

  "The dragon could have flown."

  All heads went up, as if searching the sky.

  "With such a full moon we should see the monstrosity!"

  "They must have changed form and are now masquerading as humans!"

  "Search every house. They will not escape us!"

  They watched through the stone railing as the soldiers dispersed and banged upon doors. The dragon swished his tail and Bingley looked at him steadily, as if reading his expression.

  "Darcy thinks we should leave at once and I am of the same mind," whispered Bingley.

  "But . . . will they not spot the dragon as he flies away?"

  "As soon as all the soldiers have entered the houses we must go. Quick, onto the dragon's back in readiness," hissed Bingley. "It is our only chance -- we must take the risk."

  Elizabeth could barely breathe as she settled on the dragon's back once more and pressed her body against the warm scales of his neck and shoulders. It was unthinkable, really, that she was on Mr. Darcy's back, her thighs holding on around his ribs, her heart beating into his flesh. She had to think of him as a dragon -- that was the only way to manage it. Otherwise, surely, their position must be most improper.

  Moments later thought was not possible at all as the dragon lifted off from the balcony, slowly at first with its heavy burden, attempting to flap his sail-like wings with as little noise as feasible. With the moon so bright in the sky, they would have been clearly visible for miles around if the dragon had flown high, so he kept close to the rooftops, neatly maneuvering over gables and around chimney pots. A fog of coal smoke enveloped them and, as Elizabeth coughed, she heard the dragon clear his throat -- a most human sound. She trailed her fingers soothingly along his neck and thought she detected the smallest of sighs.

  "Where are we going?" Elizabeth finally thought to ask.

  "Darcy's townhouse. He has a specially designed balcony with French doors that are never locked. We will be safe there, if we can manage to arrive before dawn breaks."

  Sure enough, the sky was lightening. A pallid wash of grey in the east was becoming suffused with palest yellow and a hint of rose. Smoke was beginning to rise from chimneys as the London servants began their workdays, so much earlier than the masters that they served. The dragon took on speed now, swiftly swooping across open areas then twisting and turning around the obstacles of London's rooftop world.

  "
There it is!" said Bingley, his voice almost lost in the rush of wind the dragon's speed had created.

  They swirled down onto a secluded balcony, high on the back wall of a lofty townhouse. They alighted quickly and Bingley rushed over to a potted plant in one corner, emerging with a neat pile of clothing. He laid some of the raiment before the dragon and then returned to the dark corner to dress as rapidly as possible.

  Elizabeth averted her eyes but some impulse she couldn't name kept part of her attention on him so that, out the corner of her eye, she saw the dragon shift from glowing, sinuous gold and green scales to naked human perfection. Jane, by her side, pulled the cloak more firmly about herself, but otherwise showed no embarrassment at the sight of two naked gentlemen dressing themselves on a moonlit balcony.

  When Darcy was fully clothed he addressed Elizabeth. "I must apologise for again appearing before you in such a state, but it couldn't be helped."

  "I completely understand," she said. "Please think nothing of it. I must thank you for saving Jane."

  "And for saving Elizabeth, and Mr. Bingley," said Jane hurriedly.

  "It pays to have a fearsome friend like Darcy in such situations," said Bingley with one of his engaging smiles.

  Darcy opened the doors and invited them into his house. The French doors opened onto a small sitting room with comfortable, ample armchairs, upholstered in the most elegant pale yellow silk. Motioning for the ladies to sit down, Darcy tugged on the bell pull.

  "You must have some tea," he said. "My man has been with my family for years and is the soul of discretion. He will attend to everything personally."

  Elizabeth sat and thought how bizarre the night had become. She had gone from wandering the city despondently, being trapped by rabid dogs, saved by a dragon, flying desperately over the city, to being offered tea as if she were on a social call.

  "My sister is in need of a gown," she said. She knew she was imposing very terribly on the gentleman, yet again, but she saw no way around it. She and Jane would need to take a hackney or to walk to Gracechurch Street and Jane could not do so barefoot and naked beneath a flimsy cloak.

  "I beg your pardon," Darcy said, and looked mortified. "I should have thought about it, of course. I made provisions for Bingley and myself for... these circumstances. But not for... a lady. If you will follow me, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, I think I can provide for Miss Bennet's needs." Darcy led them down the hall where he stopped before a door and knocked. "Georgiana," he said in a loud whisper. "Are you up?" He scratched, gently at her door.

  The door opened quickly. "Fitzwilliam! I was so worried when I realized . . . oh!" The girl's face suffused with red when she noticed that her brother was not alone. The blush made her appear even younger.

  "May I present Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet? Miss Bennet requires your help with a clothing problem."

  Georgiana opened her door wide and smiled timidly at the two ladies. "I am so pleased to meet you. I... My brother has spoken..." She stopped in a confusion of shyness. "Please, do come in."

  Darcy bowed and backed away, telling the ladies that tea and scones would be awaiting them when they were ready.

  "We are almost of a size," said Georgiana surveying Jane, "though I am a trifle taller than you are, Miss Bennet. I am sure we can find something in my wardrobe."

  Elizabeth was torn between relief and amazement at Miss Darcy's easy acceptance of a naked lady coming into the house with her brother. How strange, she thought, the circumstances that a well brought up young lady should easily accept what would otherwise be beneath reproach. She must be used to these situations. Well, perhaps not with ladies. But she must be used to these circumstances as I am. We've both grown up protecting a sibling whose condition imperils his or her life -- a sibling who would be killed for the sin of being born with a dreadful condition.

  Miss Darcy, in the act of throwing open the door to her dressing room, looked at Elizabeth. Their eyes met for a moment, and Elizabeth was sure that Miss Darcy understood her perfectly. The girl smiled shyly, as though thinking that here was someone who knew what her life was. But at the back of Georgiana's eyes there was a deeper sadness that no smile could touch. Elizabeth remembered that Georgiana's fiance had been a were. And killed for it.

  "If you'll come into my dressing room, Miss Bennet," Georgiana said. "All of my clothing is at your disposal." Quickly, she suggested a chemise, gown, stockings, and even shoes. Elizabeth helped Jane dress while Georgiana shyly looked on.

  "I have heard so much about you, Miss Elizabeth," she said, "and have long wanted to meet you, only these circumstances are quite unexpected."

  "Indeed," said Elizabeth. "I would imagine that most of your guests do not call quite so early."

  "Or expect to be clothed," added Jane.

  Georgiana looked at Elizabeth speculatively. "Sometimes..." she said, then shook her head. "You do not become a were, Miss Elizabeth?"

  "No, only my sister," smiled Elizabeth.

  "You can trust me to keep her secret."

  "And you can trust us with your brother's secret as well."

  "He told me that you had sympathies for lycanthropes," said Georgiana. "I am so pleased to meet someone I am able to speak freely with about such things. I am usually very nervous in company for fear I will inadvertently give something away."

  "I know how you must feel," said Elizabeth and reached over to squeeze Miss Darcy's hand reassuringly. "Before this, only my aunt and uncle and myself knew of Jane's affliction. Such openness has never been possible. The necessity of being secretive all the time can be stressful."

  "Oh yes!" cried Georgiana. "Oh, yes, very much so." Tears in her eyes spoke of probable memories of her dead fiance.

  Elizabeth looked away, and hoped that Georgiana could feel her sympathy and understanding. She found herself wishing very much that Georgiana lived closer to Longbourn. She could not, of course, correspond with Miss Darcy on this subject, but it would have been such a relief to have someone with whom to share her dreadful family secret.

  As soon as Jane was dressed, all three joined the gentlemen in the small salon. The tea tray was awaiting them. Georgiana did the honors as hostess and poured tea while Darcy passed around buttered scones. He waited until they had all drunk and eaten a bit before he brought up the question that was uppermost in everyone's minds.

  "Miss Bennet, do you have any idea how you came to be released from the room at your relatives' house?"

  Jane became thoughtful. "I have pondered upon that these past three days, during my ordeal in the city. I was changed already, you see, when it happened. I dimly remember pawing at the door and then . . . it opened. I was through it before I could think and restrain my animal side. And then . . . freedom overtook me. I ran for the simple joy of being outdoors under the moon. I wanted to find a park, larger than the small one near my uncle's home. Before I knew it, I was lost. I am so sorry that I lost self control and caused so much worry for everyone."

  "You were not to blame," said Bingley, rising at once to her defense. "Of course you could not help yourself. I know that feeling of need all too well."

  "Do you remember anything else?" asked Elizabeth. "No one in that household would unlock that door."

  Jane's brow wrinkled. "I remember a smell . . . something unusual. The dog in me wanted to chase it up a tree or down a burrow . . . not a squirrel or a hare . . . something malevolent . . . I've got it -- weasel!"

  Darcy's face darkened. "You're certain it was weasel?" His voice was tense, almost tinged with anger.

  Jane appeared taken aback. "Well . . . I am almost certain . . . it was musky and . . ." She trailed off.

  "Darcy!" cried Bingley. "Cannot you see Miss Bennet has been through enough already? For three days she has lived in fear in the worst slums in town."

  "I am sorry if I have alarmed you, Miss Bennet," said Darcy apologetically. "It is just that the circumstances are so suspicious and weasel means only one thing to me." But shook his head, as i
f at his own thoughts, and he did not go on to elucidate what one thing it was. "Bingley -- how did you come to be with Miss Bennet? Your sister told me she had not seen you in two days."

  "I was on my way to White's when I had a sudden urge -- not the urge to change -- an urge to walk where I had not planned to go. It was as if I was being drawn somewhere. And all the time Miss Bennet was on my mind. I think below my conscious thought, I smelled her scent." He blushed. "By day's end the feeling became stronger and stronger and then it was intermingled completely with the urge to change form. I admit that I lost control and . . . the next thing I knew I was in my dog shape, running through alleyways until I met the same dog that I had met while staying at Netherfield." His eyes glowed softly as he related this part of his story. "It was foolish I know, but we ran together, just enjoying being in each other's company. At dawn we found ourselves under a bridge, changing back to our human forms. Luckily there was some long grass for Miss Bennet and I to hide in. We were both naked -- I could do nothing to help her in that state because I could not leave her alone, unguarded in that part of London. We decided to stay all day under the bridge and then, at night, I was to lead her to Gracechurch Street in dog form. We talked and we slept, and then we shifted form and started out through the alleyways of town, where we were set upon by that pack of wild dogs."

  As he told the story, Elizabeth took Jane's hand and stroked it. "My poor Jane," she said when Bingley had finished. "What a harrowing experience."

  "At least that second day out, with Mr. Bingley for company, was by far better than the first, when I was all alone and scared out of my wits that someone would find me, curled up in a corner behind a pile of rubbish."

  Elizabeth pulled Jane into her arms and stroked her hair. "It is over now, dearest, and you are safe." She turned to Mr. Darcy. "I thank you for your hospitality, but I think it must be safe now for us to go abroad. My aunt and uncle are very worried -- We must -- It is incumbent upon us to relieve their anxiety as soon as we may. We cannot justify leaving them in such suffering a second longer than needed. If you will but direct us we will be on our way."