Darcy's Temptation

by Regina Jeffers

  “Love happened at Pemberley.” Darcy smiled. “We became a family again.”

  Edward looked on in amazement at the transformation of Georgiana Darcy.As one of her guardians, he took pride in the young lady standing up with him. “In case others do not have the merit to tell you, Cousin, you are splendid this evening.” Georgiana’s eyes flickered with excitement.

  “You made my evening, Sir.” Georgiana smiled at the man who gave her guidance through the years. “I hope Anne realizes the jewel she earned in her choice of a husband.”

  For Georgiana, waiting patiently for the set before the evening meal seemed interminable, but finally the opportunity to dance with Chadwick Harrison arrived.When he claimed her hand to lead her to the dance floor, the intensity between them could not be denied. When they lined up across from each other, their eyes found only one another.

  “Miss Darcy,” Mr. Harrison said as he wove his way through the other dancers, “you are magnificent this evening.” He dropped his voice so only Georgiana could hear.

  She circled the gentleman opposite her, but Georgiana smiled shyly at Mr. Harrison. “You must not speak so boldly, Sir.” Georgiana’s words offered him a reprimand, but her tone told Harrison she accepted his remarks.

  “I apologize,” Harrison offered as they passed again.

  “Accepted, Sir.” Georgiana graced him with a knowing smile, and when they took hands once again, Georgiana heard Harrison gulp for air.

  Finally, he found his voice.“You seemed out of sorts earlier, Miss Darcy.” Harrison hoped what he perceived in Georgiana’s face displayed her contempt for Captain Rutherford. Harrison could not suppress the jealousy he felt when Georgiana took the captain’s hand.

  “You are mistaken, Mr. Harrison, I found my cousin’s attention quite pleasant.” Georgiana flirted by feigning innocence.

  “Miss Darcy,” Harrison said as he took Georgiana’s hand for the second time in the dance,“you know I do not speak of the good colonel.”

  Georgiana blushed, and Harrison’s heart took flight. “The captain spoke too freely for my tastes.”

  “May I ask the source of your irritation? I would not want to make the same misstep.” His voice teased Georgiana’s sensibilities.

  They parted, weaving their way through the form. “Unless you speak of your own beliefs, you would not be discussing what the captain chose as a topic.”

  Harrison’s interest in Rutherford suddenly took a different course.“Am I to assume my sentiments were a point of discontent in your conversation?”

  Georgiana dropped her voice once more. “The captain warned me against being swayed by your opinions.” Her eyes darted around the room to see if others heard her.

  Harrison realized the captain upset Georgiana so he put his own present concerns aside. “Perhaps you misunderstood the gentleman.” He gritted his teeth as he said the words.

  “Perhaps,” Georgiana agreed, but neither of them thought so.

  When they went into dinner, Chadwick Harrison escorted Georgiana to the table, finding his way to the Darcy party with whom he was most familiar and with whom he recently spent most of his time.

  “Mr. Harrison,” Darcy greeted him, “how pleasant to see you again, Sir. How goes life at Hines Park?”

  “Progress comes steadily to Dove Dale; I hope you and your family will be kind enough to join me for dinner while you are in the area.” Harrison pressed his cause. “I am anxious for your input, Mr. Darcy, if you can spare the time.” Harrison then turned his attention to Elizabeth and Kitty Bennet as they approached. “Ladies, you look well.”

  “As do you, Mr. Harrison,” Elizabeth acknowledged.

  “Being at home once again renewed my energies, Mrs. Darcy.”

  Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand to lead her to their seating. “Mr. Harrison requests we dine with him some evening before we return to Pemberley.”

  “That would be pleasant, Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth replied. Neither expressed their concern about exposing Georgiana to Mr. Harrison’s attention so soon; that would be a subject for their private chambers.

  Darcy placed Georgiana close to Mr. Harrison but not next to him. He still wanted his sister to explore other possibilities prior to committing herself. Harrison sat to Darcy’s left, where Darcy could monopolize the conversation with the man, but her brother’s efforts only amplified Georgiana’s interest.

  When the meal finished, the Matlocks announced the engagement of their son Edward to Anne de Bourgh. The guests had the opportunity to publicly acknowledge the couple’s union. The absence of Lady Catherine de Bourgh became a minor scandal, but many in attendance were familiar with the situation prior to their coming to the Matlocks’ anniversary party.

  Anne and Georgiana played for the gathering; they rehearsed two songs to dedicate to Edward. The colonel beamed as he watched both women closely. Georgiana became a young lady of wealth; Anne became the woman to whom he gave his heart. Now, he must remove Anne from Lady Catherine’s control in order for him to finally achieve happiness. These songs were symbolic of how far they had all come, but how far they still had to go.

  “Anne,” Elizabeth offered, “your gift of music was so special. Edward is blessed to find such an accomplished lady.”

  “Thank you, Elizabeth.” Anne dropped her eyes. “The pianoforte is a new love of mine, and Georgiana indulged my interest and helped me perfect these pieces. Edward gives me so much; music is of little consequence in the realm of things.”

  Elizabeth did not let her comments die.“Miss de Bourgh, in my limited experience, men appreciate when a woman gives gifts of little consequence.”

  “Actually, Mrs. Darcy is correct. The memory of your gift, Anne, will remain with me forever.” Edward kissed the back of Anne’s hand, while she blushed profusely.

  When the meal ended, Mr. Harrison led Georgiana back to the dance floor for their second and final dance set of the evening. “Miss Darcy,” he began softly so others could not hear,“your performance on the pianoforte tonight was incomparable, as are you.”

  “Mr. Harrison,” she laughed lightly,“your flattery is too much for a woman of my position to willingly accept.” Georgiana knew she should not encourage Harrison’s veiled declarations, but his words made her heart jump and her breathing labored.

  “Again, I must apologize.” The man could not hide his regard for Georgiana. “Your presence makes my tongue say things my mind knows I should not.”

  When they progressed down the line, hand in hand, Harrison noticed the color rising in Georgiana’s being. “I do sincerely beg your forgiveness, Miss Darcy,” he whispered. “I would not wish to lose your favor simply because I am too happy at this moment to control my mirth.” Harrison worried he overstepped his bounds.

  “It would be difficult for you, Sir, to lose my favor.” Georgiana said the words while looking Harrison directly in his eyes.

  Her boldness offered him all he needed for the evening. Georgiana accepted his advances and returned them within the bounds of propriety. Some day Harrison dreamed of abandoning all forms of propriety and making Georgiana Darcy his own. “That is all of which I may wish,” he said softly while allowing his eyes to return once more to hers in an intimate exchange.

  Several days later, Darcy escorted his family to Hines Park for Mr. Harrison’s dinner party. Edward and Anne accompanied them. Harrison played the good host, offering up the best of seasonal fruit and game birds for their enjoyment. Darcy and Harrison spent some time reviewing the changes made at Hines Park since Harrison took over as its master.

  “I like the renovations you made in the house, Sir,” Darcy assured him as they met in Harrison’s study.

  “I would prefer to use the entire house, but it is more economical to use just the two wings I showed you while I repair the last wing.”

  “An estate needs constant repair; your plan appears prudent.”

  “Beside the farm land, I plan to breed horses.The stable and bloodlines present at Hines Park wer
e part of my father’s passion. I must play to my strengths.”

  Darcy took a sip of the port Harrison offered him. “Your father’s love of superior horses was well known. My Cerberus was once his—that common knowledge should do you well.”

  “Then you believe my efforts will prove well for the estate?” Because of Darcy’s tendency to present a noncommittal face, Harrison felt unsure of Darcy’s approval.

  “Your initial steps prove sensible.” Darcy stepped to the window to look out over the grounds. “You must remain observant, especially through the spring, to all the little details. Is your steward capable?”

  “Although quite elderly, Mr. McAlyn is efficient. I considered finding a successor for him, however.At least, I should find him an apprentice.”

  Darcy turned back toward the man. “I will speak to Mr. Howard. Possibly he knows of someone who would serve your purpose.”

  “I remain indebted to you, Mr. Darcy.” Harrison offered him a bow of respect.

  “We should join the others.”

  Harrison stammered, “Mr. Darcy, before we do just that, may I speak to you of a private matter regarding your sister?”

  “Mr. Harrison,” Darcy said, setting his stiff jaw line, “Mrs. Darcy explained to you my thoughts regarding my sister’s attentions.”

  “I understand, Sir. I would be offering false statements if I said I had no interest in Miss Darcy, but that is not of what I wish to speak.” Darcy’s eyebrow shot up in surprise. “I am concerned about Captain Rutherford.”

  “Captain Rutherford? Really?” Darcy exclaimed. “May I inquire upon what grounds you object to the captain? Please say it is more than jealousy for my sister’s time.”

  Harrison chuckled. “You recognize my dream of spending more time with Miss Darcy, and I will admit the captain’s attention to your sister did not go unnoticed; yet, it is his questioning of her regarding my political and social beliefs of which I speak.”

  Darcy came to sit across from Harrison. “Go on, Sir. You have my undivided attention.”

  “On two occasions of which I am aware, the captain questioned Miss Darcy about my beliefs regarding slavery issues.”

  “By what means have you found out this information regarding my sister?” Darcy’s protective intensity arose.

  Harrison stammered, “From Miss Darcy herself. I noted her agitation when she danced with the captain.When I asked out of concern for her well-being, Miss Darcy confided what was said.”

  “Although I am not comfortable with my sister keeping confidences, Mr. Harrison, I am appreciative of the trust she placed in you by expressing what bothered her to someone. I noted the captain’s effect on Georgiana after the first set, but I was unable to ascertain the situation.” Darcy’s own agitation showed.

  “May I speak freely, Mr. Darcy?” Harrison asked, and Darcy nodded his affirmation. “The captain, as I said, asked Miss Darcy if you objected to my company because of my views. Your sister graciously came to my defense. From what I know of Captain Rutherford, he has strong ties to those who oppose emancipation for slaves.”

  “And you, Sir, have strong ties to those who wish to push emancipation through Parliament.” Darcy’s statement became a question.

  “Mr. Darcy, from the first time I met your family, I openly professed my belief. Although England passed the Abolition Act nearly five years ago, the institution of slavery still has not been entirely abolished. I stand behind my beliefs, and I am willing to face those who think otherwise. What I am not willing to do is place your sister in a like position. My purpose in this conversation is to make you aware that your family’s association with me could bring Miss Darcy some censure and, Heaven forbid, some danger.” Harrison automatically dropped his voice when he said the words.

  “Danger!” Darcy snapped. “I will not tolerate Georgiana being placed in such a position!”

  “Neither shall I, Sir. I will withdraw my interest in your sister, at least temporarily. What I ask of you, Mr. Darcy, is to make yourself more aware of Captain Rutherford and his associates; I assumed you would want to know the situation.” Harrison seemed repentant.“I wish, Sir, I could change this for your sister.”

  Darcy sat for several minutes contemplating the innuendos associated with Harrison’s information.“I appreciate your offer to withdraw from my family; however, I doubt my sister would tolerate such actions, but I will ask you to curtail meeting with Georgiana or others within my household until I have in place protection for them and adequate information.”

  “I will do as you ask, Mr. Darcy.” Harrison accepted the terms willingly. “Now, we should rejoin the others before they suspect something to be wrong.”

  Consumed by his thoughts, Darcy rose. “I assume you are right, Sir. I thank you for your counsel, Mr. Harrison.”

  After dinner, when the gentlemen rejoined the ladies, Georgiana stirred when Chadwick Harrison reentered the room. Almost invisibly, her eyes suggested he join her on the settee. Looking casual, the man did just that as he turned his attention first to Elizabeth, ignoring Georgiana.

  “Mrs. Darcy, I hope Hines Park meets with your approval.”

  “It does, Sir; it reminds me of Netherfield Park in size and style, does it not, Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth sensed Harrison and Darcy had a new understanding, and she hoped to determine what it could be.

  Darcy added without much enthusiasm,“They are comparable.”

  Kitty joined them. “Mr. Bingley and my sister let Netherfield in our home county of Hertfordshire.”

  “I found Netherfield to be a fine estate for Mr. and Mrs. Bingley,” Georgiana joined the conversation. “As a young couple, the estate could grow with their family.” Georgiana chose her words wisely; Harrison understood her sentiment perfectly well.

  “Of course, nothing can live up to Pemberley or to Rosings Park,” Harrison added thoughtfully.

  “Mr. Harrison,” Edward asked, “I notice a framed letter from Olaudah Equiano and a copy of his book predominantly displayed in your study. Did you know him, Sir?”

  “I met the man only once; I was barely ten at the time. It was shortly before Equiano’s death, and I was on a trip with my mother’s brother to the Peak District. Equiano gave a reading from his book, convincing my uncle and many other listeners to purchase it. That is the copy you see in my study. Equiano not only wrote the book, he also published it himself by subscription, getting people to advance the money up-front. Later, when I realized the atrocities of the slave trade, I framed my uncle’s letter and took steps to preserve the book as a reminder of the social injustices it represents.”

  Anne joined Edward on his settee. “You seem quite vocal about your beliefs, Sir.”

  “I do not mean to offend, Miss de Bourgh,” Harrison sounded apologetic, “but it is a topic about which I feel passionately. The thoughts of nearly five hundred Africans crammed below deck and living in squalor, chained together as animals, plays heavy on my senses.” Harrison heard Kitty Bennet gasp, but he noted an acknowledgment of his views by Georgiana Darcy’s shifting of her weight toward him as if in alignment with his words.

  “Then Mr.Wilberforce’s Abolition Act has made an impact on slavery?” Edward wanted to clarify his point.

  “The law for which Mr. Wilberforce fought eliminated slavery on British ships; it has not affected the slave trade on foreign ships or in the British colonies.” Harrison tried to mute his feelings and to answer responsibly. “Of late, there has been little political movement for emancipation, and even Mr. Wilberforce is feeling the frustration of the situation. It is my understanding the man intends to resign his Parliamentary seat ofYorkshire for the borough of Bramber.”

  “Then even Wilberforce believes it to be a fruitless cause?” Edward’s intense interest in politics controlled the conversation.

  “William Wilberforce’s health has been less than perfect for some time, and being in his fifties, the man needs to refocus his energies, but he has not abandoned the fight. He will introduce a Slave R
egistration Bill soon. By registering the slaves, he hopes to prove whether the African slavers are still bringing in workers in the colonies.” Harrison knew the conversation made Darcy and several of the women uncomfortable. “However, I monopolized the conversation too long. Let us speak of something more pleasant, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Please tell me about your wedding plans.”

  “We originally planned a wedding in late June, but my commission is not complete until that time so I am afraid we will settle for mid-July.” The colonel’s voice faded. Harrison cared little for wedding plans, but after his earlier conversation with Darcy, he knew he must avoid the concept of slavery.

  The evening ended on a pleasant note with Georgiana and Elizabeth combining their talents for several songs. His wife’s voice always brought Darcy contentment, and he smiled at Elizabeth as she sang.

  “You are beautiful tonight,” Darcy whispered to her when Elizabeth returned to sit beside him.

  “You always say as such, Sir.” Elizabeth squeezed Darcy’s hand.

  “Your face has been all I have seen since those early days in Meryton. It is what I see in my dreams each night.” Darcy brought Elizabeth’s hand to his mouth to kiss the back of it.“I love you, Elizabeth.”

  His unexpected words of devotion took her by surprise, and Darcy watched as her eyes welled with tears. “I do not deserve you, my Husband,” she said under her breath,“but I am thankful each day you never gave up on us.” Her eyes rose to meet his in a loving gaze of pure devotion.

  In their room that evening, Darcy took Elizabeth in his arms. The fire burned down, and they sat quietly staring into the dying embers. Elizabeth traced his jaw line with her fingertips. Without warning, Darcy took her hand and kissed her palm and the inside of her wrist.

  “You seem troubled, my Love.”

  “I had an unusual conversation with Mr. Harrison.” Darcy and Elizabeth shared everything; trying to hide thoughts rarely worked so he easily confided in her.