Meet Me at Oakham Mount

by Melanie Schertz

  Wickham strolled over to his former friend. “Darcy, what a pleasant surprise to see you here. Bingley, how are you? I have not seen you in years. What brings the two of you here, to this country village?”

  “Bingley has leased an estate near here and I am here on a holiday. What brings you here?” Darcy attempted to keep his expression and voice neutral. Since learning of Miss Lawson’s death, due to Wickham’s violation of her, his dislike of Wickham had grown.

  “As I have been in need of an occupation, I recently purchased a commission in the militia regiment which is encamped here, at Meryton. I am excited to be a part of the neighborhood, as it seems quite pleasant. There are quite a few pretty young ladies to keep me smiling as well.” Wickham gave Darcy a wolfish sneer.

  “If you bring about harm to any young lady in the neighborhood, Wickham, you will regret it. These are good people, not used to the likes of a scoundrel such as you.” Darcy said with a low growl. “Do I make myself clear?”

  “I have the right to flirt with the young ladies, Darcy. There is nothing you can do to stop me from doing so. If the ladies enjoy the attention I give them, that decision is for them to make, not you. Do no attempt to discredit me, or I will make certain your friend, Lawson, is mortified to hear the details of the night I spent with his sister. She was delightful, warm and tight as a virtuous maid should be.”

  Darcy could not stop himself as he reached out with his fist and connected with Wickham’s eye. “You vulgar animal, how dare you speak of a lady in such a manner? She was a proper young lady, never causing you or anyone harm. And you destroyed her.”

  “She took her own life, Darcy. I had nothing to do with her death.” Wickham staggered back from the man. I was in Town when Miss Lawson died, so how could it be my fault?”

  “You ruined her, forced yourself upon her. You took her virtue and left her with your child. When she learned of the babe, she could not live with the knowledge that the babe was yours. That is why she took her life. That is why she preferred death than to live her life with a part of you growing inside her.” Darcy was furious and unable to reign in his temper.

  “She may have told her brother and yourself such a story, but Victoria Lawson was pleased to be in my bed and granted me access to her most private delights. It does bother me that she could so easily kill my child. That was not right, though I was in no position to be a father. Too bad you did not offer to save her and marry her. You could have given her a proper name for her bastard child. But then again, the great and powerful Fitzwilliam Darcy could not be lowered to such behavior.”

  Wickham found himself on the ground. Shaking his head, Wickham tried to make sense of what had happened. Two men in red coats came running towards them. “Wickham, are you well?” one called out.

  “No need to worry, Denny, I am fine.” Wickham replied. “Just a misunderstanding with an old friend of mine; I am fine.”

  The young man named Denny stood still, frowning at the situation before him. “Sir, I would suggest you refrain from further misunderstandings with Lieutenant Wickham. He is a member of our regiment and I would not wish you to regret your actions. We protect our officers.”

  “Denny, no need to threaten Darcy, he is a pillar of society and was momentarily overcome with emotion over a tragedy which happened a year ago.”

  “If you can forgive his behavior, Wickham, then I will as well. But if he causes you any further harm, I will have him arrested.” Denny puffed out his chest, feeling he was important.

  Bingley took hold of his friend’s shoulders and turned him from Wickham. “Darcy, let us finish our shopping. We should be on our way soon.”

  Darcy’s eyes moved from Wickham to Bingley, finally able to calm himself. “You are correct, Bingley. Let us finish and leave the village.”

  ~~ ** ~~ Wickham watched his former friend walk with Bingley to the milliner shop. This was surprising to Wickham, unable to think of a reason the Great Fitzwilliam Darcy, the prince of Pemberley, would be stepping into a milliner shop. Taking a peek through the window, Wickham was able to see Darcy choosing ribbons. This made Wickham’s heart soar. This will be easier than I thought, as Darcy must have a young lady he is in love with. I will need to do some investigating and learn all I can of her.

  Denny walked up behind Wickham and glanced in the window. “Ah, it appears the men are purchasing gifts for the young ladies of Longbourn.”

  “What can you tell me about the ladies?” Wickham asked. “Five sisters, the two eldest are the jewels of the neighborhood. Miss Jane Bennet is currently being courted by Mr Bingley. Her next eldest sister, Miss Elizabeth, is believed to have captured Mr Darcy’s attention. The man would have to be blind and an idiot to not be drawn to her. Miss Bennet is beautiful, do not mistake me, but Miss Elizabeth is beautiful and vibrant. I am partial to dark hair as well, so that adds to the young lady’s charms.”

  “Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I must learn more about her.” Wickham whispered to himself.

  ~~ ** ~~ Darcy and Bingley arrived at Longbourn, excited to see their ladies. Mrs Bennet was in the drawing room when the young men were escorted in.

  “Gentlemen, what a pleasure to see you today, as your presence has been missed with the recent weather.”

  “Thank you, Mrs Bennet, for your kind and warm welcome. We have missed being in the company of your family, feeling as depressing as the weather was.” Bingley stated. “Where are your lovely daughters this morning?”

  “Mary is in the music room, learning a new piece with the master who has recently been hired to work with her. Kitty is reading in the study, with her father, as she is becoming nearly as well read as her sister, Elizabeth. Lydia is in her rooms, resting. But the two daughters you are most likely inquiring after are in the dry room off the kitchen. Jane is fond of making her own scented waters, and Lizzy is assisting her sister in the preparations of the flowers they had stored there. Lizzy also makes some of the best salves and poultices, so I am sure she is working with her dried herbs to make those.”

  Darcy was impressed. “It is pleasant to see the young ladies so productively employed in activities.” “Well, with the holidays only a month away, the girls always enjoy being able to give some of the items to the tenants and staff as gifts. The little girls on our estate always enjoy receiving some of Jane’s rose water or lavender water. And everyone appreciates Lizzy’s talent with herbal remedies. She is often able to assist the apothecary in tending the sick and injured. And Mrs Hill says there is nothing better for her aching feet than the salve Lizzy makes to help with the swelling and pain.”

  “Your daughters are well liked by all who meet them, Mrs Bennet.” Bingley stated. “You should be proud of them.”

  “I am, Mr Bingley, though it would be nice to see them well settled. I worry about their futures, and wish to see them as happily settled as I am. That is the hope of all mothers, I guess.”

  “And a noble wish for your daughters, Mrs Bennet. They have the perfect role model for a good mother and devoted Mistress of Longbourn.” Darcy said, bowing over the hand of the woman who had created the woman he loved. “Bingley and I did some shopping today, and we could not stop ourselves from purchasing gifts for your family. You have been so kind as to feed us most days, and have been gracious enough to tolerate our constant attentions, so we wished to repay you in some small way.”

  “Oh, Mr Darcy, it is not necessary to bring us gifts. I do appreciate your generosity though. Let me call for the girls to join us.”

  Within a few moments, Mrs Bennet had gathered her daughters in the parlor. “Mr Darcy, it is a pleasure to have you and Mr Bingley return to Longbourn.” Elizabeth said with a smile. “We have missed you recently.”

  “Bingley and I have missed you as well.” Darcy said as he bowed over the hand of his beloved. “If the weather had not cleared, I believe I would have gone mad with despair.”

  “Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure to see you.” Bingley said as he walked to Jane’s side. The y
oung men took seats near their lady loves, as the younger Bennet sisters found seats in the room.

  “Ladies, we have enjoyed your company so much of late, when the weather cleared, Bingley and I decided to do some shopping to bring presents for you all.” Darcy was holding a stack of packages. He handed out the confections to the oo’s and ah’s of all the ladies. “Miss Elizabeth, this is for you.” He stated as he handed her the wrapped books.

  “Mr Darcy, this is far too kind of you. I could not possibly accept such a gift.” “Lizzy, as I am well aware of you and Mr Darcy courting, I would say it is allowable to accept such a gift.” Mrs Bennet declared.

  Elizabeth and Darcy were in shock. “Mamma, how did you know of our courting?” Elizabeth asked. “Do you find me to be a silly woman with no intelligence? Lizzy, Mr Darcy has been here almost daily, spending his time strictly with you. And, if that was not enough, I am aware that Susan has been chaperoning your meetings to Oakham Mount in the early hours of most mornings. What more rational answer could it be than the two of you are meeting quietly to court with no one to disrupt you?”

  Darcy began to laugh. “Well, it was bound to come out sooner or later. Mrs Bennet, may I ask if you approve of our courtship?”

  “I must say that I do not. You have been courting for over a month now, I believe it is time to move forward. Do you intend to ask my daughter to marry you?” Mrs Bennet was determined.

  “MAMMA!” Elizabeth cried out. “We have not discussed becoming engaged, and I wish to take some more time before I am ready to commit. And I am not certain Mr Darcy will even wish to marry into such a family.”

  “Oh, I am finding your mother more and more endearing. I thank you, Mrs Bennet, for this is the direction I wish to take my relationship with your daughter. Have no doubt, I pray to win her hand before the holidays arrive.” Darcy was openly laughing. “Now, here is another gift for all of you. We stopped by the milliner shop, and Mr Green stated that he had a new shipment of ribbons arrived on Monday, but the weather has kept you ladies away. Bingley and I took the liberty to purchase a selection for you to choose from.”

  Looking to where his friend was sitting, he was surprised to see Jane Bennet sitting alone. Curious, his eyebrow lifted questioningly at Jane. A blush appeared on her cheeks, attempting to keep from drawing attention, Jane moved her eyes towards the door to the hallway, then behind her. If Darcy was a betting man, he would have placed a large bet of his friend having made his way to Mr Bennet’s study to have a discussion of importance to Bingley.

  The sisters were thrilled at the selection of ribbons they were presented. “Mr Darcy, you are a generous man with good taste.” Mrs Bennet stated. “Do I remember correctly, do you have a young sister?”

  “I do, she is quite young, only twelve years of age. And yes, I do enjoy purchasing gifts for her, including ribbons. So I have had practice in choosing ribbons.” His answer shocked even himself. It was rare that he would divulge such private information about himself. It was clear that he was becoming comfortable with the Bennet family.

  “She must be pleased to have such a kind elder brother.” Mrs Bennet stood and prepared to leave the room. “I will check on refreshments. I presume that you gentlemen will be joining us for dinner this evening. I am certain there will be some celebrating happening.”

  Elizabeth could not believe her mother’s comments. Had she greatly underestimated her mother all her life? Mrs Bennet was quicker to deduce the truth of what was happening around her, far quicker than Elizabeth had given her credit.

  Soon, Lydia and Kitty left the room, wishing to return to their activities, and Mary soon returned to the music lesson. Elizabeth, Jane, Darcy and Bingley found themselves alone in the drawing room. With Jane and Bingley having eyes only for each other, it was not long before Elizabeth and Darcy felt they were alone in the room.

  “Miss Elizabeth, I have missed our meetings at Oakham Mount. I cannot begin to tell you how dear they have become to me.”

  “And to me, Mr Darcy.” Elizabeth replied. “I forgot to ask, have you any recent news on your uncle’s condition?”

  “Mother wrote me that he is improving. She says he is better each day. She is worried though. My cousin, the heir to Matlock, is becoming almost cryptic in his behavior. Mother and my other cousin, Richard, are quite concerned with what Anthony might be planning. Richard is an honorable man; I have told you about his being a Colonel. His rank was not purchased, like many of the men of our society. He earned each promotion he has had.”

  “He sounds like the sort of person worthy of friendship.” Elizabeth smiled. “So, the Colonel is concerned with regards to his brother’s behavior? What are they planning to do with their concerns?”

  “As my uncle’s health improves, my cousin is speaking with Uncle of the need to protect the estate. If they can talk him into their plan, they will have the solicitor come to Matlock to sign papers for Anthony to be disowned. Then, when Anthony gambles and goes on his wild sprees, the estate will not be burdened with the losses. Richard should be the heir to the estate, he is much better prepared to take care of the estate, as he loves the land of his ancestors, as much as I love mine. Whenever he is visiting Matlock, Richard speaks with the steward and inspects the estate, making certain that any repairs which are needed are made. He takes care of the tenants, knowing they are the ones who make the estate profitable.”

  “He does seem to be the better of your two cousins. Your uncle has suffered greatly for his eldest son’s actions. What will happen to the Viscount?” Elizabeth asked.

  “Knowing my cousin, he will either be killed in a duel, drink himself to death, or end up in debtor’s prison. Unfortunately, we can no longer watch over him and protect him. We have in the past and it has only caused further problems.” Darcy was grieved by the situation.

  Sensing the melancholy washing over the man beside her, Elizabeth attempted to change the subject. “Tell me more of your mother. What is she like?”

  Smiling, Darcy instantly knew what she was doing. “Thank you, my dear Miss Elizabeth. Mother is a kind and loving lady, though she can be a most

  intimidating force to be reckoned with. She is slightly taller than Miss Bennet, with light brown hair, green eyes, and a smile that can make others feel at ease. She is the finest lady I have ever known, until I met a certain young lady from Longbourn who captured my heart.” He raised a hand and gently placed it on her cheek. “You know that you have my heart, now and forever?”

  Elizabeth blushed profusely. “Mr Darcy, I beg you, let us continue our discussion.” Her eyes pleaded with him, yet they cried out to him that her desire be felt.

  “Let me tell you of my father.” Darcy took pity on Elizabeth. It was clear that she loved him, but she was having a difficult time being able to speak of it. “My father was the eldest, with one sister and one brother born after him. His sister died when she was five and ten, from a severe fever. Father was devastated, as he told me he doted on his sister. His description of her was that his sister, Rebecca, was all that was sweet and nice. There is a portrait of her on the wall at Pemberley. She was blonde, with curls, and bright, blue eyes. She had dimples when she smiled, which Father claimed was a family trait.”

  “I have seen your dimples, and find them quite intoxicating.” Elizabeth said, her hand reaching for his cheek and touching the spot where the dimple was known to appear.

  Darcy smiled, allowing her fingers to caress his left dimple. “My father had them as well. He said that his father also had them. My uncle was said to have had them, though I never saw the man smile. He was a sad man, as he lost his wife, in childbirth, the year after I was born. My uncle, Michael, died five years ago. He had become a recluse, not wishing to spend time with anyone, except a handful of servants who had been with him for years.”

  “How terrible, to lose the ones you love and shut yourself away from the world; such a lonely existence.” Elizabeth declared. “So you are the last member of the Darcy family?” />
  “I am. Though, I look forward to marrying and having at least a dozen children to rebuild the family.” Darcy could not help but notice the blush grow stronger in her cheeks.

  Hearing a cough, Bingley attempted to draw attention to Jane and himself. “Darcy, let us take these young ladies out for a walk in the gardens.”

  “Bingley, my good friend, you have made a most wonderful suggestion. Ladies, do you approve?”

  ~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~

  CHAPTER 7 After the walk, the men remained at Longbourn to dine before returning to Netherfield. Darcy was pleased for his friend, though envious of Bingley being able to openly declare his love for Jane Bennet. Darcy knew that Elizabeth loved him, it was clearly written in her eyes when she looked at him, but she was afraid of being in love. Everything was happening quickly, though she had come to express simple gestures, such as the sweet caress of his dimple. The simple touch spoke volumes of her heart. And he was certain, one day soon, he would have the joy of announcing to the world that he, Fitzwilliam Darcy, loved Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

  Before leaving Longbourn, Darcy had a chance for a private meeting with Mr Bennet, informing him of Wickham’s past behavior and warning Elizabeth’s father of the danger the younger man posed to young ladies. It was advice Mr Bennet would soon wish he had heeded.

  ~~ ** ~~ It had been a week since Wickham had seen Darcy in Meryton, and he had also witnessed his former friend at a dinner held at Lucas Lodge. Darcy rarely left the side of Elizabeth Bennet, and Wickham took great joy in watching the man’s behavior with the young lady.

  Wickham had seen the look in his childhood friend’s eyes. He knew that Darcy had developed feelings for this country miss, even if he had not acted upon them. Wickham also knew that this was the way he would strike back at Darcy. And he was certain he could convince some of the others in his unit to participate in Darcy’s destruction.