Darcy's Temptation

by Regina Jeffers

  “Elizabeth.” Georgiana bit her bottom lip. “Shall you ever forgive me?”

  Elizabeth looked shocked.“Forgive you—for what?”

  “If I showed no interest in Mr. Harrison, my brother would not have gone to Hull to learn how to protect me. I promise to never see Mr. Harrison again!”

  “Oh, Georgiana, you did nothing wrong!” Elizabeth hugged Darcy’s sister again.“If it were not this situation, something else would take him away. It is part of our journey. I seriously believe that.”

  “Do you?” Georgiana gasped.

  Elizabeth tilted the girl’s chin so she could look directly in her eyes. “Your brother loves us; he will come home to us. As far as Mr. Harrison goes, let both your head and your heart decide. Do not blame him for what happened to Fitzwilliam.”

  “What would I do without you in my life, Elizabeth? Thank God Fitzwilliam gave me you.”

  Another week passed; Elizabeth went through the motions of normalcy. She addressed the books each day with Mr. Howard; she rode out regularly with Georgiana to make tenant visits; she approved Kitty’s renovations to the nursery.These were all things she would do if Darcy were home. She summoned her mantle of confidence as she went about her duties as the Mistress of Pemberley.

  Elizabeth’s charitable activities included the new village school. Along with Mr. Ashford and Kitty’s help, she chose books from Darcy’s library to be donated for the school’s use. “Kitty, please write to Papa later today and ask him for some of our old schoolbooks and the books we read as young girls. If he will send them, I will have staff go to Longbourn to bring them here.” Elizabeth handed her younger sister a book for the donations.

  “Oh, yes, we have so many books at our home, Mr.Ashford.”

  Ashford asked,“Your father is a reader, then?”

  Elizabeth began to laugh. “Our father, Mr. Ashford, could enter his library and never come out again if not for the demands of society.”

  Georgiana entered with books of her own. “Here is a copy of Goldsmith’s The Vicar of Wakefield and Mrs. Radcliffe’s The Romance of the Forest and The Children of the Abbey. Of course, some people may not approve of Mrs. Radcliffe’s offerings,” she teased. Georgiana added her contribution to the stack of books.

  Elizabeth picked up the Goldsmith book and fingered it delicately.“Is there something wrong, Elizabeth?” Kitty asked.

  Elizabeth’s eyes welled with tears. “We talked about those books, Georgiana, the day my aunt and I came here for tea. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were here. Do you remember?” Elizabeth took a seat, unable to stand any longer.

  Georgiana came and knelt in front of her. “Of course, I remember. You protected me from Miss Bingley; you were everything Fitzwilliam promised me you would be.”

  “We went into the conservatory; I chose the yellow boxwood rose.” Elizabeth’s voice seemed distant.

  “My mother’s favorite plant.” Georgiana swallowed hard.

  “Do you know Fitzwilliam brought every yellow rosebud from the conservatory to Kensington Place for our wedding night?” Tears streamed down her face. “In the conservatory I told him yellow was my favorite color of flowers, and although some say yellow represents jealousy, I believe it demonstrates a constancy of spirit—like the sun, it lasts forever. I preserved some of those roses in the books at Kensington Place.” Elizabeth broke down,“How can I go on without him?”

  “We are all together; you do not have to be without Fitzwilliam. He lives within you; your child will keep my brother alive for us until he comes home again.” Elizabeth allowed Georgiana to take her to her room; the girl offered endearments along the way.

  Mr. Ashford looked at Kitty; she, too, cried. Immediately, he was in front of her. “Do not be sad, my loveliest Katherine. I cannot bear it.”

  “What if Mr. Darcy never comes home?”

  The man pulled her to him so Kitty could rest her head on his chest. “It is a quandary, and although initially I thought there was little hope, I believe Mr. Darcy will come home to Pemberley. There is too much love for him in this house for God to allow Mr. Darcy to never return.”

  “Do you really believe this?” Kitty’s voice came out small.

  “Great loves never die, my Katherine.” He stroked the back of her head. “Your sister and Mr. Darcy have a great love.” He lifted her chin to look deeply in Kitty’s eyes. “Some day we will write the story of our own great love.”

  Kitty wanted him to kiss her again, but he already broke with propriety by taking her into his arms. Instead, Mr.Ashford slowly traced her jaw line with the back of his hand before releasing her. “Come, Miss Bennet.” He briefly took her hand to lead her outside.“I am in need of a walk in the garden.”

  “I think I would prefer seeing the boxwood rose in the conservatory,” she teased.

  Ashford stopped short and turned back to her; a smile overspread his face.“Any flower which so inspires love is definitely to be seen.”

  “Mrs. Darcy, I am sorry to disturb you,” Mr. Howard called as he entered the study.

  “What may I address for you, Mr. Howard?” The stress of her deprivation became more obvious the last few days.

  “Some of the tenants are stirring up trouble. With Mr. Darcy gone, some want to return to the old ways of planting. They are gathering at the Jefferson farm. What do you want me to do?” Mr. Howard fidgeted with his hat.

  Elizabeth came around the desk. “Tell Mr. Shepherd to hitch up the small coach; I will go with you to Jefferson’s. I am in no mood to hear their complaints today.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Darcy.” Then the man was gone.

  “If the Darcys want to be fixin’ with the crops, let them come here and do it themself.” Jefferson spoke loudly so all could hear.

  Unfortunately, about that time Elizabeth stepped around the corner of the building. “I am here, Mr. Jefferson. It seems you have a complaint you wish to address.”

  Jefferson scooped the hat from his head as a sign of respect, but he did not back down. “I be beggin’ your pardon, Mrs. Darcy, but my complaint lies with Mr. Darcy.”

  “Mr. Darcy is not here, and I am, so your complaint is mine to address.” Elizabeth came forward to face the man.

  “We be thinkin’ the four-crop rotation be a waste of land.” Jefferson could not back down in front of his friends.

  Elizabeth knew what happened in the next few minutes would affect how Darcy’s plan for his estate would be fulfilled; she chose her words carefully. “My husband is a learned man. You who have been on the estate for years know him to be as kind as he is intelligent. He rejoices at the birth of each new baby and grieves at the loss of each passing. He loves this estate. It is more than his ancestral home; it is his passion—his compulsion. He loves this land enough to suffer the censure of society to teach both his sister and me how to run the estate. He does not just want the knowledge of a future heir to the land to be his only hold on it. Mr. Darcy traveled all the way to Scotland to learn about the best way to save the land from depletion. The four-crop rotation is successful elsewhere, and it will be successful here. However, Mr. Jefferson, if you so object, we will release you from the obligation you have to this estate, but please understand if you choose to leave, you may never return. I will not help those who do not believe in my husband’s dream for Pemberley. I will gladly divide your land among your neighbors. So, what will it be, Mr. Jefferson?” Elizabeth stepped in closer as she knew Darcy would to make a point.

  Jefferson began to fidget under her stare, and Elizabeth fought back a smile of triumph. “Well, Mrs. Darcy, we meant nothin’ by it.We just want to be sure we be havin’ a home.”

  “Mr. Darcy’s heir is on its way. Pemberley is growing stronger each day. If you believe in my husband’s dream for Pemberley, then follow Mr. Howard’s orders. If not, tell Mr. Howard, pack your things, and leave the estate forever. Mr. Darcy’s dream lies in this land and this child, and I will broker no complaints in those areas.” Elizabeth turned on her heels and left
the men mumbling apologies as she left.

  Once they returned to the coach, Elizabeth let out the breath she held. “You were brilliant, Mrs. Darcy,” Mr. Howard gushed in admiration.

  Elizabeth slumped back against the coach’s seat. “I wish Fitzwilliam was here. He would know how to handle these things so much better than I.”

  “You are wrong, Mrs. Darcy; you did exactly what Mr. Darcy would have done. He would be proud of how you took on this task.When he first shared his plan, I scoffed, but Mr. Darcy knew you were the right person for this estate. Pemberley lives through you, and I do not just speak of the heir you carry.”

  Elizabeth blushed at his words. “I hope you are right, Mr. Howard.”

  Elizabeth decided to take tea in the lower drawing room. She sat with her feet propped up on a hammock; no one else came into the room, and, in a few minutes, she drifted off to sleep. Unusual for her, a nap came as the confrontation with Jefferson drained her of her energies.

  Elizabeth knew he waited for her. Compelled, she slipped carefully out of the bed she shared with her eldest sister, Jane. Grabbing her pelisse, she crept quietly down the stairs, unlatched the door, and hurried through the mist surrounding Longbourn. She cut across the open field and entered the tree line leading to the hill behind the estate. The morning mist rose slowly, and she felt as if she walked through a cloud. Why she came she knew not, except Elizabeth knew Darcy waited for her—needed her—loved her.

  Then a familiar figure filled her senses. Darcy turned to pick up Cerberus’s reins and began to mount. He wore his breeches, an open-neck shirt, boots, and a greatcoat. Elizabeth felt her heart flutter with anticipation. She loved this man with every ounce of being in her body. He turned at the sound of her approach, and their eyes locked, peering into each other’s souls. As if in a trance, they moved forward; only a lover’s embrace could satisfy their needs.Without a word, Darcy encircled her with his arms, clasping her to his body; she felt his warmth radiating through her, filling her with the love only he could give.The sun danced behind them as he whispered her name into her hair,“Elizabeth.”

  “Fitzwilliam.” She laid her hand upon his chest and welcomed his nearness. Their hearts beat wildly as they envisioned the happiness awaiting them.

  “Dearest Elizabeth,” he said, lifting her chin to look into her eyes. “What are you doing here?”

  She nibbled on his lower lip.“I could ask you likewise, Sir.”

  “I could find no sleep for images of you. I sought my release by riding here to assure myself this was not a dream, and I find a living, breathing Elizabeth.”

  “Fitzwilliam, you have no fear of finding yourself alone ever again.” She stroked the stubble of his beard. “For you, Sir, stole my heart, and only you may be rid of it. It is at your whim.”

  Darcy brushed his lips across hers in an inviting tease.“We should not be found together like this,” he said unwillingly.

  “’Tis true. My father might be required to defend my honor on my wedding day,” she said, bestowing a full kiss upon his faintly trembling lips. His arms enveloped her as she moved closer for a long, tender moment.

  As they separated, Elizabeth’s fingers gently traced his lips; he caught her hands and kissed her fingertips. “I will await you at the church,” he smirked as she turned to leave.

  “Do not forget to bring my heart,” she taunted him over her shoulder.

  “Elizabeth,” he called.

  Turning slowly and giving him an enticing gaze, she said,“Yes?”

  “You did not answer my question.Why came you here this morning?”

  “Did you not will it, Sir?” She laughed and walked briskly back to the house. Still feeling the tantalizing tingle of Darcy’s kiss on her lips and the intensity of his stare on her back, Elizabeth left him on the crest of the hill. In a few hours, she would be his forever.

  Brisk footsteps brought her to a waking state once again, and Elizabeth had just straightened her dress when Lady Catherine strode confidently into the room. Elizabeth staggered to her feet and made a quick curtsy to the elderly woman. “Lady Catherine,” she spoke haltingly.

  “Miss Bennet,” Lady Catherine snapped.

  Elizabeth set her jaw line. “Lady Catherine, my name is Elizabeth Darcy, and I insist you call me as such, or we can end this conversation before it starts.”

  Lady Catherine turned and walked over to a seat.“May I?” She indicated the chair.

  “Certainly.” Elizabeth gestured toward the chair. She already dealt with one crisis today; dealing with Lady Catherine on top of everything else could be more than she could handle. Elizabeth smoothed the front of her dress before taking a seat herself.

  “I will come to my point quickly.” Lady Catherine kept a prim and proper attitude. “My nephew met with a tragic act, and although his body has not been found, he has been gone nearly a month, and he has not returned home. We must assume he is no longer alive.” Elizabeth tried to interrupt—to protest—Darcy’s aunt’s words, but a raise of Lady Catherine’s hand indicated she was not through. “I understand from my daughter, who should be Fitzwilliam’s rightful wife, you are with child.”

  “My husband told you at Matlock I am with child. Our baby is due in July.” Elizabeth knew not where this conversation led.

  “You told my nephew you expect a child in July, but I know better. I have proof this child you carry will come in June because it is not my nephew’s heir, but is instead the offspring of a militia officer.You, Miss Bennet, are no better than your youngest sister.”

  Elizabeth gasped. “Lady Catherine, how can you say such lies? The child belongs to Fitzwilliam Darcy!”

  “You may sway the opinion of others, but I am onto you. You will leave this house immediately, or I will expose your deceit to the world,” Lady Catherine demanded.

  Upon hearing the commotion, Georgiana entered the room. Seeing Elizabeth’s distress, she rushed forward and stood by her, taking her sister’s hand. “Lady Catherine, what are you doing here?” Georgiana’s voice cracked with emotion.

  “I come, my dearest niece, to restore this property to a true Darcy, to you.”

  Georgiana shook her head in disbelief. “Lady Catherine, even if my brother never returns to us, he left a jointure for Pemberley in Elizabeth’s name. Fitzwilliam wanted Elizabeth to be here. His plan for this estate revolved around Elizabeth and his child.”

  Lady Catherine offered her cut.“That is precisely my point, Georgiana. The child does not belong to Fitzwilliam. It is the bastard child of a militia officer; I heard rumors of such from Mr. Collins.”

  Georgiana flushed with anger and then squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. “Aunt, I will not tolerate such lies about my sister in this house.You would never speak as such if my brother were here.”

  Lady Catherine continued as if everyone agreed with her.“I will send the Colonel to take over the estate.As your guardian, he will run it until you come of age, and then it will be yours.”

  “Lady Catherine.” Georgiana steadied her voice as she stared vehemently at her mother’s eldest sister.“That would be a futile effort. Even if you successfully forced Elizabeth from this estate, when I came of age I would deed it back to her. I plan to marry and move away from this land. Pemberley belongs to Elizabeth.That is what Fitzwilliam wanted, and that will be my resolution. Now, if there is nothing else, I will ask you to take your lies and leave this house! It belongs to Elizabeth and to me, and neither of us cares to welcome you here again! Good day, Madam.”

  With Georgiana’s help, Elizabeth rose to her feet; she and Georgiana locked arms and exited the room. They never looked back, but they heard servants scrambling as Lady Catherine scattered them in her wake.

  The emotional day played havoc with both women. They entered the music room although neither of them planned to play. They held each other tightly, while tears came to them again. “Oh, Elizabeth, I am so sorry you suffer at my family’s hand.”

  Elizabeth used her knuckles to force the tea
rs from her face. “It is my family as well; Mr. Collins is my cousin. It just proves what Kitty feared—people in Meryton still speak poorly of our family even after your brother bought Lydia her respectability. How could Mr. Collins repeat such lies?”

  “Mr. Collins says what my aunt wants to hear.Would it not be a miserable existence to depend on another’s favor as such?” Georgiana reasoned.

  “You have the same kind of goodness as my dearest Jane.” Elizabeth squeezed Georgiana’s hand. “However, I feel no sympathy for the man. He deserves all the groveling, which is forced upon him by your aunt.” Elizabeth led Georgiana to adjoining chairs.“Can you fathom what Lady Catherine said?”

  “If she were successful, Lady Catherine would be able to alleviate two of her vexations. She would drive you from Pemberley, and she would separate Anne and Edward by sending him here to be my guardian.”

  Elizabeth nearly laughed. “Lady Catherine is a pathetic creature, although I admit to loathing when she comes near me. Thank you for defending me against her. After my early confrontation with Mr. Jefferson about the crops, I had little left to fend off Lady Catherine’s attack.”

  “Although I wish with all my heart my brother would return, I am glad he did not witness what just happened. I am sure he would have done our aunt bodily harm.” Georgiana fought back her laughter. “Could you not see my brother physically removing Lady Catherine from the room?”

  “In Matlock, Fitzwilliam restrained his contempt for Lady Catherine’s accusations.” Elizabeth, too, found humor in the images. “However, in the comfort of his own home, I doubt if restraint would be a word in his vocabulary.” Elizabeth took Georgiana’s hand once again. “You have become quite the force with which to face; your brother would be happy you finally found your voice.”