Darcy's Temptation

by Regina Jeffers

  Elizabeth opened herself to Darcy, and he snuggled into the crest of his wife’s arms, resting his head on her now-ample chest. “We will be strong; it is our destiny to be together.” Elizabeth lightly kissed the side of Darcy’s face. “Have faith in your dreams, my Love—have faith in our destiny. Making the most of every moment is the single most important lesson of my life.”

  “Do you have faith in us, Lizzy? Can our dreams come true?” Darcy caressed the side of her face. “In less than a year, we have lived a lifetime. I lost so many of our memories; I cannot lose this memory, too.” Darcy returned his attention to his wife’s neckline.

  Elizabeth could not answer him; all she could do was hold him.The realization of how much her husband lost made her ashamed of the fact she planned to deprive him of the gift of their child. Had she been successful, Darcy’s natural tendency for self-censure would have left him devastated. It amazed her how little she learned about misjudging him. Back at Hunsford, when he first proposed, Elizabeth judged him to be vain and prideful. Later, she discovered Darcy to be honorable—to be the best man of her acquaintance. So, how had she thought Darcy would not treat her honorably? He lost part of his memory, but he did not lose the man he always was. Elizabeth wondered if she would ever deserve him.

  They spent a couple of hours settling doubts which plagued both of them. Although they did not share a “marriage” bed, intimacy prevailed—both emotionally and physically. Elizabeth and Darcy pledged their devotion to one another. Darcy resolved to make a better life for his wife; Elizabeth resolved to recognize her husband’s true worth.

  When Darcy returned to his sister’s letter, satisfaction could be seen on his face.

  28 June

  Fitzwilliam,

  I must apologize for my actions for I fear when you discover what I chose to do, you may consider me not worthy of your love and devotion. I must thank you, my Brother, for demonstrating to me true love is worth all the riches in the world.As you noted, my affection for Mr. Harrison increases, and, of late, I learned Mr. Harrison is the one person who will complete me.

  Through Mr. Gardiner, I discovered Mr. Harrison is to be censured by those who object to his future political position. I cannot turn my back on this man now that he faces his greatest obstacle. I must do what I can to protect him; Mr. Harrison owns my heart.

  I promise you, my Brother, this is not an easy decision because I know my former actions were foolish schoolgirl illusions, but my devotion to Mr. Harrison cannot be denied. I go to Hines Park because Mr. Harrison needs someone on his side; I choose to be that person.

  Your loving sister,

  Georgiana

  Darcy’s hand shook when he read the letter and a curse escaped his lips.“What craziness is this?”

  “Of what do you speak, my Love?” Elizabeth reacted to his agitation.

  “Read it yourself.” He handed her the letter as he strode to the nearby window.

  Elizabeth looked at Darcy worriedly.“Will you go after her?”

  “My sister is with Mr. Harrison by now; she knew she would be at Hines Park before I received this missive.” Darcy did not turn around, and Elizabeth wondered if he now regretted not going after his sister instead of staying with her. She wondered whether this, too, might come between them.

  “We must trust Georgiana; she will not allow something to happen of an inappropriate nature,” Elizabeth began to reason out loud. “If your sister went to Hines Park, she must truly believe Mr. Harrison needs her. The worst, which could happen, is the man asks for her hand two months earlier than we anticipated. Mr. Harrison loves Georgiana, and he is an honorable man.”

  Darcy turned to look back at his wife. “Believe it or not, I accepted the inevitability of my sister’s regard for Mr. Harrison some time ago. I cannot say I approve of her decision, but it is Georgiana’s decision. I just wish she did not risk her reputation once again.”

  “Do you regret not going to London?” Elizabeth bit her bottom lip, assuming Darcy would blame her for what now happened to Georgiana.

  Darcy, seeing her distress, returned to her side. “Elizabeth, you are my life. I helped raise Georgiana; I taught her our parents’ values. Even if I were in London or Georgiana were here, she would find a way to be with Mr. Harrison. He is her destiny as you are mine.”

  “Do you truly believe what you profess, Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth lightly touched his arm.

  Darcy kept his serious look, but he softened his tone.“I am concerned with what drove my sister to such a decision, and I wish she was more specific as to why censure of Mr. Harrison was a new issue.”

  Elizabeth interrupted. “Did you not say Mr. Harrison was to accept an appointment as a Parliamentary Minister? That must be her reference to Harrison’s future political position.”

  “At the moment my qualms with Georgiana’s decision lie in the question in what Mr. Harrison is involved. I cannot believe Georgiana would risk everything for a romantic tryst; it is not in her character no matter how much her affection for the man increased.” Darcy shook his head in disbelief.

  Elizabeth took his hand in hers.“Of course, Georgiana would never disgrace the family name by committing an indiscretion.”

  “Then why did she make the trip to Hines Park?” Darcy could not clear his thinking.

  “Fitzwilliam, I think you should go to Dove Dale,” Elizabeth said with determination.

  “Elizabeth, I just said I would not leave you,” Darcy assured her. Looking at her, at last, it dawned on Darcy Elizabeth feared he blamed her. “Elizabeth, I cannot control my sister; if she is safe, I have no other wish.”

  “I still think you should consider going to find Georgiana. Mr. Harrison’s estate is only a few hours away; you could ride Cerberus, and then we could be satisfied of Georgiana’s intent. If you go and return in the same day, I am sure I could muster the energy to entertain myself in your absence.” Elizabeth tried to act as if she, too, had not considered how precarious her own position might be. She shifted her concern to Georgiana’s well-being.

  “It is too late to ride today.” Darcy began to consider the possibility.

  “At dawn.” Elizabeth stroked his chin as he looked away, deep in thought.

  “Are you sure, my Elizabeth?” Darcy argued with himself over to whom he owed his allegiance.

  “Fitzwilliam, I insist. Georgiana is my sister, too; I wish no harm to come to her.You must go, my Love.” Elizabeth pushed herself up in the bed. “I would blame myself forever if she came to harm.”

  Darcy moved quickly to take Elizabeth in his arms.“Thank you, my Love.” He caressed her cheek as he clutched her head to his chest.

  Unfortunately, the dawn postponed Darcy’s leaving as it brought a torrent of rain and wind. Sheets of precipitation blanketed the windowpanes, blurring the view, and the wind rushed down chimney flues. Branches and saplings bent with the force. Darcy paced from room to room, waiting for the storm to lessen, but it raged on for hours.When the end could be safely determined, the clearing of the skies brought additional agitation. Darcy, like a caged animal, needed to act.

  “It is too dangerous, Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth reasoned. “Although on Cerberus you would not have the problems of a carriage ride, many roads must be covered in water or washed away completely. I will not have you risk your own life. This child needs you. I am distressed about Georgiana, but the thoughts of losing you are unacceptable.”

  “I know you speak the truth, but I am so worried about Georgiana. I feel there is something not right with all this.” Darcy looked out the window again, hoping the conditions miraculously changed.

  “I am sure the weather keeps my sister from us.” Elizabeth anxiously watched his silhouette.

  “I pray you are right.” Darcy wanted to will his sister to safety. He said no more, but Elizabeth knew Darcy would not stop until it was clear for him to go to find Georgiana. Elizabeth had another reason for not wanting Darcy to leave—the discomfort she felt the night she nearly delive
red the baby returned.

  When the attack came, Chadwick Harrison did not expect it. The warning told of a public outcry at the borough’s assemblage, but none came, and Harrison assumed the entail to be wrong. He should have recognized the subtle changes as his carriage approached his estate house, but Harrison was daydreaming of Georgiana Darcy, an event that occurred several times a day—actually, all day, most days. Going up the main steps, Harrison reacted too late to stop his attackers when they came. Before he could reach the door, Captain Rutherford appeared on its threshold; beside him, Rutherford’s companion, a grimy-looking slug of a man, stood, a bloody sword in his hand.

  “You are late,” the man looked on gleefully.

  Harrison froze momentarily, but as a flash of intent crossed the man’s face, Harrison caught an empty pot, using it as a shield to deflect the blade. He turned to make his escape, but Rutherford’s men surrounded him, grabbing his arms and pinning him back against the door. Harrison struggled, trying to assess the situation, but more men forced him to finally succumb.

  Rutherford motioned for the men to take him inside, and before he could calculate the danger in which he found himself, they chained Harrison to a supporting post in a back sitting room. Rutherford held back until Harrison was secured; then he strode forward. Scowling scornfully, he said, “Did you think we forgot about you, Harrison?”

  “I am unforgettable, am I not, Captain?” Harrison tried to look as if everything were normal.

  The captain found nothing amusing, and Harrison’s words infuriated him more. A backhand blow rocked Harrison’s sensibilities, as well as split his lip.

  Harrison licked the blood away. “What is wrong, Rutherford,” he continued his teasing tone,“no sense of humor?”

  Rutherford’s lips suddenly curled. He snarled, “I will be laughing soon, Harrison. When you are dead, I will be consumed with laughter.” The captain walked away, taking up a position in front of the windows.

  Harrison spoke calmly,“Do you not realize, Captain, even if you manage to kill me, it will not stop the belief in freedom for all God’s children?”

  “I will manage to kill you, Mr. Harrison.” Rutherford poured himself a drink.“It will be an elegantly slow death.You will be our example.”

  “I am insignificant. No one will care about my fate.” Harrison hoped to buy time until he could figure out his escape. “May I ask about my household staff?”

  “A few unfortunates chose to fight on your behalf and have met a suitable fate for their loyalty.The others are locked in the kitchen larder or one of the other storage areas.They will not be harmed.” Rutherford sat in a nearby chair.

  Harrison dropped his eyes. The blood on the mercenary’s sword was one of his staff members. “Do not hurt them; I will do what you wish.”

  “Whether we hurt them or not, you will do what we wish.” Rutherford’s voice lowered, as if he spoke evil. The captain nodded imperceptively, and the slimy man’s fist locked onto Harrison’s jaw.

  The beatings continued for what seemed like hours. Harrison’s face was bruised and bleeding, and more than once his mouth filled with blood.A cat-and-nine-tails took flesh from his back, but nothing changed. Rutherford made no demands; the captain simply enjoyed the process of killing a man.

  The dawn brought Harrison a bit of a reprieve. A powerful storm tore through the area, and Rutherford’s men bemoaned how the wind and rain delayed their plans to kill Harrison and all his staff. Harrison heard them, but he reached a point where he no longer cared for his own life, only his staff members mattered. He hung from the post; his arms stretched above him.At first, he stood; now, he truly clung, waiting for death to come.

  Georgiana Darcy’s coach rumbled across the poorly maintained roads leading to Hines Park. The storm forced her to delay her journey to warn Chadwick Harrison, and now she anxiously looked out the coach’s window at the approaching twilight.The coach moved slowly as it finally entered the gate leading to Hines Park. Georgiana wondered why no one was at the gatehouse to greet her, but her anxiety overrode her reason, and she had the driver press on.

  When the house was in view, the carriage lurched to a stop. Suddenly a clatter of horses’ hooves on the cobblestones and the angry shouts of men greeted them.A door flew open, and a masked intruder stood without, a gun drawn directly on her. Georgiana instinctively shrunk back into the shadows of the coach but the man grabbed her wrist, forcing her from the coach, literally pulling her down the steps before she could get her footing. She heard the door to the coach slam closed with a sinister thud.

  “Come with me,” the man sneered. Despite her genteel upbringing, Georgiana fought him desperately, digging her nails into his arm. Pulling her up the steps, the man physically threw Georgiana onto the floor of the nearest drawing room.

  Before she could look around to assess her situation, she heard Captain Rutherford’s voice and saw the polished tips of his boots. “Miss Darcy,” his voice was sweetly ominous, and Georgiana intuitively shivered,“so nice of you to join us.”

  Georgiana forced herself to a seated position while straightening her clothing.“Captain Rutherford,” she barely whispered.

  “No traveling companion, Miss Darcy? My, you are a surprising young lady. I always suspected you to be all sugar and no substance. Maybe some spice and vinegar run through your veins after all?” Rutherford reached down to offer Georgiana his hand, and in that moment, she knew him to be the embodiment of evil. “Do not worry, Miss Darcy, I will not let them hurt you.”

  Georgiana reluctantly accepted his hand. “Where is Mr. Harrison?” she demanded as she stood.

  “Oh, my darling Miss Darcy.” Rutherford moved in closer to her.“You do not want to align yourself with such trash.The man is hardly worth your attention.” His breath on her cheek caused her to shiver.

  “That may be,” she said with some determination, “but I still wish to see Mr. Harrison.”

  “Very well.” Rutherford’s sneer spread into a wicked smile. “Follow me.”

  Rutherford turned on his heels and strode away from her.A woman of lesser stature would have trouble keeping up with him, but Georgiana was used to following Darcy around. Rutherford was no challenge for her. The number of armed guards in the hallway bothered Georgiana, and she feared for Mr. Harrison’s life. Finally, they entered a back sitting room.

  Georgiana’s eyes fell on the man she loved. She started to rush toward him, but Rutherford’s hand gripped her arm.“You have a visitor, Mr. Harrison,” the captain said sarcastically.

  Harrison lay in a clump on the floor. Rutherford released him from the hanging position only moments ago. Harrison knew others were in the room, but his body ached from the pain, and he could not respond. Georgiana gasped. Harrison’s badly beaten body lay twisted and barely conscious at her feet. Rutherford kicked at him with the toe of his boot, and Harrison rolled to his back, exposing a bloody face, swollen badly from the many blows he sustained.

  “Say something to the gentleman, my dear,” the captain taunted both of them.

  Georgiana swallowed hard, trying to force evenness into her voice; yet, when she opened her mouth, no sounds escaped.

  “What? Are you becoming shy once again? Then let me assist you.” Rutherford held tight to Georgiana’s wrist, smiling at her in a dark way. He pulled her closer to the bloody heap which was Mr. Harrison. Impulsively, she reached out for the man on the floor.“I see you prefer Harrison to me even today,” Rutherford whispered in her ear as he forced Georgiana close to him. Caressing her face, he brushed his lips against her cheek,“But I will make you change your mind.”

  Georgiana finally found her voice. “You do not frighten me, Sir.”

  “I shall change your mind about that, too, but first I will give you some time with your lover.” Rutherford twisted Georgiana’s arm, forcing her to her knees in front of Harrison’s body.Then he violently released her, strode through the door, and locked it behind him.

  Georgiana momentarily followed hi
m with her eyes; then she turned her attention to Chadwick Harrison. Nearly unconscious, but still alive, despite his wounds, Harrison lay limp. Immediately, she cradled his head in her lap. Using her handkerchief, Georgiana wiped the blood from his face. A pitcher of tepid water stood on a sidebar. She rushed to it, pouring some in a bowl and rushing back to him.

  “Please, God,” she whispered as she touched the damp cloth to his mouth.“Chadwick, I am here.” She cleaned his face with the water and the handkerchief. Her touch had been part of Harrison’s daily dream, and he wondered if Georgiana could be real. His head lolled forward, trying to focus on the reality of the woman.“Please,” she begged, willing him back to her.

  Harrison’s eyes fluttered open; Georgiana’s face hovered over his. If he died this moment, happiness would flow through his veins.“Are you real?” he managed to say through swollen lips.

  “I am real, and I am here with you.” Tears misted Georgiana’s eyes. Frantically, she began to tear strips from her petticoat to bind his worst wounds. Georgiana felt each wound to be worse than the last.“Chadwick, stay with me. Please fight to stay with me,” she whispered in his ear.

  “I am here,” he managed to say at last. Much more, he could not put into action, but Harrison gave in to her desire for his recovery. If Georgiana Darcy willed it, Chadwick Harrison would respond.

  For the next thirty minutes, Georgiana nursed him. She placed drops of water in Mr. Harrison’s mouth; she kissed him gently, afraid to hurt him more. Little did she know, to Harrison each kiss held ambrosia of the gods, but there was also a sadness that Georgiana would see him die.“Why are you here?” he said at last.

  “I came because you were in trouble.” Georgiana kept her voice low in case Rutherford listened.