His uncle placed a hand upon Carlisle’s shoulder. “He has claimed Lady Althea told him she was betrothed to Darcy. She convinced Cade that Darcy abandoned her. If what Cade has confessed is true, your daughter deceived him cruelly.” Carlisle’s head whipped to the side and his mouth opened. “I know you wish to deny she could do such a thing, but you must consider the possibility. What if it is true?”
Carlisle crumpled into the nearest chair. “When my son Lawrence died from an outbreak of influenza in ninety-four, we were so thankful Thea was spared that we indulged her. She was a temperamental child, unlike Lawrence, who was good-natured and always wore a smile.
“Her elder sister was in school, so Thea was our last child at home. We took great joy in lavishing her with any trinket or gift that would make her smile. Philippa and I tried for more children, as I required an heir, but we were never blessed. Thea never wanted for anything as a result.”
“I knew she had set her cap on you last season,” confessed Carlisle, as he tilted his head to look at Darcy. “But we refused to allow any gentleman to court her during her debut season. We were not ready to let her go, and we felt a year might help her gain perspective and maturity on the situation as her sister had.”
His uncle sat in the chair beside Lord Carlisle. “The practice has become rather common these days, I believe.”
Carlisle nodded. “I know she is spoiled and selfish, and I confess I am terrified Cade is being truthful. She has decided she desires nothing more than to be Mrs. Darcy. I promised to make the introduction at the ball, but you had already entered a courtship with Miss Bennet. She begged, pleaded, and demanded I make you court her in Miss Bennet’s stead. I attempted to reason with her, yet she would not have it.” He cleared his throat and sniffled. “I hoped she would learn from the experience. She cannot bend others to her will to have all she desires.”
“What of your wife?” asked Richard. “Would she attempt to indulge your daughter in this?”
His eyes glistened as he swallowed. “Philippa cannot abide when Thea becomes upset or angry and attempts to placate her. I honestly do not know.” With weary movements, he rose and rang for a servant. When a maid responded to the summons, he requested his daughter be brought to him as well as his wife.
Lady Althea swept into her father’s study as though she owned it all. A wide grin erupted upon her face when she found Darcy standing near the fireplace. “Mr. Darcy! I did not know you had a meeting with my father. I do hope you are well.”
With a huff, Lord Carlisle grasped his daughter by the elbow and thrust her into a chair. Where he was stoop-shouldered and appeared weary before her entrance, his expression was now implacable and stern.
“What do you think you are doing, Papa? How dare you!”
Lady Carlisle’s high-pitched gasping shriek rent the air. “What are you about?”
He pointed to a chair across from their daughter. “You will take a seat. I have questions for both of you, and neither of you will leave this room until I have the answers I seek!”
“But to treat Thea in such a way!”
“Philippa, that is enough!” His wife’s jaw clamped shut. Had he ever spoken to his wife in such a manner or had he allowed her and their daughter to simply run amok?
Carlisle gazed down upon his daughter, whose lips were drawn into a fine line. “I want to know of your relationship with Erasmus Cade.”
“We played together when we were young, but you are well aware of that.” She waved a dismissive hand in front of her. “He is now one of your stewards as his father was before him.”
“You have continued a friendship with him?” Lord Carlisle’s eyes narrowed.
“We are now more acquaintances than friends. Why would I be friends with your steward?”
A smirk and a glance in his direction made Darcy stiffen. She had no care for Cade. Her father would never obtain the answers they required to prove her guilt. Lady Althea had too many years bending him to her will. His affection for her was also his greatest impediment.
Richard’s quiet but firm words indicated his agitation had been noticed. “Calm yourself.” Despite speaking to him, Richard still stared at Lord Carlisle questioning Lady Althea.
How could he tell him to be calm? The lady was misleading her father with great success. “He is angry, but she is playing him false.”
Richard made no response except to step in front of Darcy to stand before Lady Althea. “Cade claims you have exchanged correspondence.” Lord Carlisle’s jaw dropped and his wife’s exclamation was unintelligible.
“I would never exchange letters with a man who is not family or my betrothed. What is this about?” Her eyes darted to Darcy, and he stepped back.
A harsh laugh escaped Richard’s throat. “You can wish for my cousin to your heart’s content, but he will never have you.” Her nostrils flared for but a moment, and Richard stepped closer. “Your contrived manner and fawning disposition repulse him, did you not know?”
“Colonel!” cried Lord Carlisle, though Lord Fitzwilliam restrained him with a hand to his arm.
Her chest rose higher with her unsteady breath. Could this truly work? Would she become angry enough to reveal her part?
Richard lifted one nostril in a disgusted sneer. “You are not good enough for my cousin. He would not so much as ask you to dance, yet you presume you are the best candidate for his wife?”
“He would be fortunate to have a wife such as me.” Her eyes bore into Richards as she spoke through clenched teeth.
“He would not deign you worthy to bed in a brothel, much less offer you his hand.”
“Fitzwilliam! Control your son! He goes too far!” screamed Carlisle as his wife screeched.
Lord Fitzwilliam threw himself bodily in front of Carlisle, and Lady Althea shot from her chair as though catapulted. “I will not be treated thus! I demand you remove yourself from my path, so I can leave at once!” She was furious, but would Richard’s cajoling be enough? Perhaps because she was enamoured with Darcy, he would be more apt to obtain a severe reaction than his cousin.
He strode forward, grabbed her arm, and thrust her back into her seat. “He is correct, though you have never cared to notice.” He placed his hands upon the arms of the chair and leaned into her face, ignoring the cacophony around them. “I may not have been introduced, but I remember you from last season. Many a gentleman commented on your coy manner and how freely you flirted with them. I also witnessed your haughty disposition and the selfish pleasure you took in the gossip you spread. I have more respect for my heritage than to make a lady with such loose morals the mother of my children.”
Her breath came in pants and her hands clenched in her lap until her knuckles drained of colour.
“Miss Bennet does not find enjoyment in belittling others. I shall never have any cause to question her devotion or loyalty to me. She will make an ideal wife.” She was close to buckling. “I remember the speculation last season amongst the men. I believe there is a bet on the books at Whites and Boodles as to whether you have been plucked. Still, a few men would have you for your dowry if you were willing.”
He straightened and backed from her, not removing his eyes from hers. “I shall never regret taking Miss Bennet as my wife as I would you.”
Lady Althea launched herself from the chair and slapped him. “When she is gone, you will come for me! I never fail to get what I want, and this time will be no different!”
Richard darted between them and restrained her before she could pummel Darcy as she appeared she might. She kicked and fought, but Richard held tight.
Did she mean to harm Elizabeth? Had that been her plan, but instead, Cade attempted to harm him, despite Lady Althea’s wishes? He tilted closer. “Erasmus Cade has been jailed for stabbing me this morning on Bond Street.”
His suspicion proved true when her jerking and flailing halted. “You? He stabbed you?”
Her shrieking tone pained his ears, but he did not move. “Yes, me. El
izabeth received no more than a bump on her head.”
“Simpleton!”
While Richard attempted to hold fast to her struggling body, Lady Althea screamed and ranted as her mother ran from the room. Lord Carlisle called after his wife, but she returned in a matter of minutes with a vial and a glass of wine in her trembling hand.
“Thea, drink this.”
“No! Unhand me at once!”
Tears dropped from the countess’s eyes as she grasped her daughter’s chin and tipped the goblet back as far as it would go. Lady Althea spluttered, but as she had no choice, swallowed the wine. She continued to fight until, after a time, she calmed in Richard’s arms.
Lady Althea’s wide pupils stared at Darcy. “I should have known Cade would make a bungle of this.” She mumbled some words they could not understand.
“What could you mean, Thea?” asked Lady Carlisle.
“I told him Miss Bennet was at fault, but he insisted on blaming Mr. Darcy.” She giggled as Richard eased her back into the chair. “He was always sweet on me. Did anything I asked.” She bit her bottom lip with a wicked grin. “I once told him the butcher’s son made an improper overture to me. Cade beat him for it. He had not even so much as glanced at me. I lied—”
“Dear Lord!” Carlisle gripped the arm of the chair. “What else have you done?”
A weak murmur followed, but her eyes closed as she leaned her head to one side and fell asleep.
“Philippa?” Lord Carlisle looked between his wife and daughter.
“Laudanum to calm her.”
He placed a hand to his forehead and held it there. “Did you know?”
“I knew she wanted Mr. Darcy, and I attempted to introduce them at the ball. When his courtship with Miss Bennet became public later that night, she began to speak of forcing his hand. I told her we would find another way. I said you had men in your employ. My intent was to prevent her from making a fool of herself.”
Her attention moved to Darcy. “Any person could see you are besotted by your betrothed, sir. I did pay my brother, who is a bishop at Doctor’s Common to destroy your petition for a special license. I knew you would wed regardless, but Thea was pacified in knowing that I was attempting to help her. I assumed that when you wed, she would decide you were not worth her time, and find a new gentleman to pursue.”
“You did not stop her from her blatant flirtations in the company of Miss Bennet.”
“No, betrothals have ended for one reason or another. I decided to leave her be as she was doing no one harm. I never knew.” She gulped. “I knew she could be ruthless but no more so than the usual ladies of society.” As she sank to her knees, she caressed her daughter’s porcelain coloured cheek. “Over the last year, I have come to realize that we were mistaken. We allowed her every indulgence and never taught her to temper her behaviour. Even so, I had no idea she had become this.”
His uncle stood behind Lady Althea’s chair. “What will you do?” He held Darcy’s eye. “My nephew would like to ensure he and his betrothed are safe from your daughter. As long as you see to it she cannot harm him or his family further, I believe he will be satisfied.”
“I have no wish to ruin your family. If you can assure me you will curb her threats, I shall trust you in the matter.”
Lord Carlisle leaned against his desk, once again weary. “My nephew inherits my title and my estate when I die. The scandal would mean little to him, but I do appreciate your discretion and willingness to allow me to deal with this matter. I have no wish for people to remember me by the horrible actions of my daughter.
“I must conclude my business here, but I have an estate in the northern part of Ireland. It is rather remote, which will serve our purposes well. We shall remove from London and journey there as soon I can settle matters.
“Regardless of her behaviour, Thea will not return to London. She has proven I cannot trust her, and as much as it pains me, we must arrange her future elsewhere. A meeting between the two of you or Miss Bennet might stir old feelings and ill will.” His voice was soft as he stared at his daughter. If one did not know better, one might believe he was talking aloud to himself.
He cleared his throat and looked to Darcy. “Does that suit?”
“I believe your plan a sound one. I appreciate your consideration towards Miss Bennet and myself.”
The man before him was not the proud, confident gentleman Darcy had met at the ball. He no longer held himself straight and tall, but sagged and was downtrodden. His suit was crumpled, his forehead creased, and dark circles framed the undersides of his eyes. Despite their triumph in forcing a confession from Lady Althea, this was no victory. A family was in ruins, and though through no fault of his own, their situation was pitiable.
Darcy stepped forward and offered his hand. “Lord Carlisle, I believe you have been long desiring our absence. Should you require any help to conclude your business endeavours prior to your journey, I would be pleased to be of aid.”
As Carlisle’s hand wrapped around Darcy’s, he cleared his throat. “You are too charitable. Had I acted as a more responsible parent, we would not be in this situation.”
“It is possible, but we cannot know if the outcome would be different. Since you are willing to rectify the situation, I bear no grudge against you or your family.”
His uncle moved to his left side. “I can help conclude your argument in the House of Lords should you require it of me.”
“I shall, no doubt, be in contact, Fitzwilliam.”
Carlisle had a difficult time holding their eye as they said their farewells, but Richard offered no more than a nod before the butler was called to show them to the door. Once they were standing upon the pavement, Darcy scanned the façade of the noble exterior.
“I do not envy him.”
“Nor do I,” agreed his uncle.
“Do not become complacent yet, Darcy.”
He turned to his cousin. What could he mean?
“We still need to locate Wickham.”
“You will forgive me if I wish to do no more than return home and spend time with Elizabeth.”
“Do not forget to take a bit of laudanum for your pain.” His uncle peered at him over his spectacles. “Carlisle may not have noticed, but I can tell by your posture that you are in a great deal of discomfort.”
“Nothing until I retire.” He grasped Richard by the sleeve. “Do you think you can bring a vicar to Darcy House this evening?”
“What are you thinking?”
“Elizabeth’s family arrived this afternoon amongst the chaos of what happened on Bond Street, and I intend to wed her this evening—even if I must tell her father that she has been residing in the mistress’ chambers since the attack.”
His uncle grinned. “Given your lack of propriety, I do not think such a disclosure necessary.”
“I am taking no chances. Wickham’s target will remain on her back whether she is my wife or betrothed. At least if she is under the same roof, I can be assured of her safety.”
Richard guffawed. “She is perfectly safe at Clarell House. You just want your wife.”
“That I do, Richard. That I do.”
Chapter 27
“Look at this house!”
Elizabeth closed her eyes as her teeth screeched across each other. Her mother was not even within the walls of Darcy House and her voice could not be missed!
Lady Fitzwilliam placed a hand upon her arm. “Whether you choose to believe this or not, I shall not hold your mother against you. She will not be the first or the last exuberant lady I meet in this life.”
“Yes, but she is not your relation. I love my mother, though at times, I do wish she could behave with decorum.” She wrung her hands before her. “I fear what she will say. I do not want to lose the servants’ respect due to her behaviour.”
“The servants have seen enough of you in the last fortnight to know you do not resemble your mother. If they were so mistaken, Mrs. Rowley would never tolerate any disresp
ect towards you or my nephew. Do not let such a trifling matter disturb your equanimity. This is to be your home. No one should make you feel out of place. Do you understand?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
As her family’s voices carried down the hall, Elizabeth stood with Lady Fitzwilliam backing her while waiting for them to be announced. As footsteps drew nearer the door, she drew a long breath and released it in a heavy stream of air.
“All will be well. You will see.”
After one last glance at her future aunt, she drew herself up as tall as she could. She was to be mistress of this house and was not responsible for her mother’s actions or the thoughtless behaviour of Lydia or Kitty. At least Jane and the Gardiners were relations for whom there was no reason to blush.
Jane rushed forward and embraced Elizabeth when she entered. “Aunt has told us what happened on Bond Street. You cannot truly be as calm as you seem.”
“I was terrified in the moment, but I cannot dwell on what could have happened. He has been captured, and for that, I can be nothing but grateful.”
“Elizabeth, may I have the pleasure of an introduction?”
She linked arms with Jane. “Lady Fitzwilliam, this lady is my beloved elder sister Jane. Jane, Lady Fitzwilliam is Mr. Darcy’s aunt and the mother of Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
Her sister curtsied. “I am honoured to make your acquaintance, my lady.”
“Lizzy! You never mentioned in your letters how grand Mr. Darcy’s home is! ‘Tis larger than Longbourn!” Her mother looked between her daughters and Lady Fitzwilliam as her elbow dug into Elizabeth’s side. “Are you not going to introduce us?”
After a slight nod, Elizabeth stepped around and one by one introduced the remaining members of her family. Once they curtsied and bowed as propriety dictated, a loud, mocking sound erupted from Lydia.
“Lawd, Lizzy, it is no wonder you accepted Mr. Darcy. I could even put up with a tedious man like him to live in a house such as this.” Despite her sister’s remarks, Lady Fitzwilliam gave no more reaction than a twitch of her lips while her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, Jane, and Mary turned to the youngest Bennet sister agape.
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