“Uncle Harvey stays out of it. He and Father have never gotten on very well. As for William and Benson, they support us. You know we have always been close with them.”
“Well, let’s just hope it doesn’t come to a fight. I won’t compromise my convictions, but I am a Darcy. If it ever comes to a showdown, you know where I stand. I won’t let our legacy fall into ruin,” Fitzwilliam said, downing his drink.
“I agree. I’m not looking forward to that fight, either.”
“David, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, if indeed it ever happens.” Placing his pictures safely back in the book, he closed the volume and set it aside. “Now, one day this week I want you to come with me to pick out the rings. I already have in mind what I’m going to give her. Elizabeth doesn’t want anything bigger than one or two carats with either white gold or platinum. I prefer platinum.”
“Well, she could have asked for something more. You can certainly afford it.”
“Yes, but that’s not her. She prefers simple things.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow then, and I’ll be glad to accompany you when you go shopping.” David smiled as he left his brother’s sitting room. Confident that it was the right thing to do, he would stand with his brother.
~*~
That night in his room, David’s thoughts turned to his recent business trip to Charleston. His frustration was mounting. …What are these feelings I have, and more importantly, why do I feel anything at all? She’s not right for me, and I’m certainly not right for her. We’re too much alike…and yet… I can’t get her out of my mind. …Cecilia Lawton, what are you doing to me?
Chapter Fifteen
…he caught a glimpse of a white bird…
Fitzwilliam frowned as he looked out over the garden from his bedroom window, unable to see a thing, as a dense fog covered the ground. It was the Winter Solstice, four days before Christmas, and he hadn’t yet had the opportunity to visit Garrard’s. Meetings with Pemberley’s executive group, a meeting of the board, and many excruciating hours spent with his father poring over spreadsheets and financial reports had precluded any time for shopping, but today he had no engagements.
He sighed. The fog wouldn’t be burnt off for another two hours, but there was a bright side to things. After ten minutes spent with his solicitor, he’d discovered that he was now worth £22 million, as opposed to fifteen. With this unexpected revelation, he could afford to splurge on what he planned to buy for Elizabeth. With a smile, he jerked the curtains shut and turned to leave in search of his brother.
Finding David in his sitting room, he approached him and clapped his shoulder. “David, let’s go to White’s for lunch. The fog should be lifted by then,” he said, moving to the window and looking out again. “We’ll be meeting Bingley there. I also want to stop by Garrard’s and look at rings for Elizabeth,” he glanced back at David and smiled. “I want to find the perfect ring. Roger will drive us.”
“Sounds good to me.” David shrugged. “However, have you already spoken with Singleton? I thought he was busy this morning.”
“He is,” Fitzwilliam grinned, “with us.”
“Ah, you have me on that one. Just give me fifteen minutes, and I’ll be ready. I need to ring Cybil. I’m going out tonight.”
“You go ahead. I’ll meet you downstairs for coffee, but we won’t leave for another two hours.” With that, Fitzwilliam left his brother and hurried down the stairs.
~*~
For the first several minutes of the short drive, the brothers sat in silence before David finally asked, “I don’t suppose you want to go out tonight, do you? We’re going to the Embassy. You could come along for dinner, but you’d have to find a way home after that. I’m spending the night with Cybil.”
“No, David,” Fitzwilliam chuckled, “I don’t. I’ve got things to do at home, and then I want to ring Elizabeth. I don’t suppose you and Cybil could come by the house for a few minutes—no, don’t answer that.” Fitzwilliam held up his hand. “I was only joking. But seriously, why don’t you consider dating someone you could bring home?”
“Because if I did that, not only would Father get ideas, but the press would never leave me alone until I had a ring on my finger.” David shifted in his seat, his lips curving into a mischievous grin. “And you know they will find out where we’re going today.”
“Yes, I know. Let them speculate all they want. It doesn’t matter to me. I suppose we could pay the sales clerk to deny everything.” A wide grin spread across his features. “But then, that would never work. I’ll take my chances.”
“I’ll cover for you so you can have the privacy you deserve. I can only imagine what it might be like otherwise. Well, here we are,” David said as Singleton pulled in front of the store.
Getting out of the car, Fitzwilliam gave instructions. “Roger, pick us up in one hour, and then we’re going to White’s.”
“As you wish, sir.”
Strolling through the door of Garrard’s, the Darcy brothers were recognized immediately. “Gentlemen, what a pleasure it is to see you today!” The manager extended his hand, greeting both brothers. “What might I assist you in?”
“I’d like to see your selection of platinum engagement rings …and,” Fitzwilliam whispered, “if you will, please keep it confidential.”
“Mr. Darcy, you can be assured of that. We serve the most exclusive clientele in Britain,” he smiled, “and we are discreet.” He directed them to a sales associate in a small private viewing room with instructions to provide whatever the gentlemen wanted and to keep it quiet.
Even though Garrard’s possessed one of the largest selections of rings available anywhere, Fitzwilliam found nothing suitable. “None of these are what I have in mind.” He shook his head. “She’s a very traditional lady whom, I believe, would prefer a solitaire, about one to two carats in size, and I want a blue diamond. Her taste runs along the lines of the mystical. Tolkien and Lewis are among two of her favorite authors.”
The associate nodded. “Ah, I have just the ring, Mr. Darcy. It’s the most expensive ring we carry, and of the highest quality. It’s a round, two-and-a-quarter carat eternal cut solitaire—and it is a blue diamond.”
“Fabulous!” Fitzwilliam beamed, “I would like to see it. It sounds like what I have in mind.”
The associate gathered the cases and took them to the back, returning with the most beautiful ring Fitzwilliam had ever seen. He reverently lifted it from its case, sending shards of pale blue color dancing through the room as he held it up to the light, turning it ever-so-slightly in his fingers. It was an ocean-blue solitaire on a delicate band etched with vines and leaves interspersed with tiny channel-set white diamonds. The set was complete with a matching wedding band. It looked as he had always pictured the Silmaril from the world of Middle Earth would look, and it reminded him specifically of Lothlorien.
“I’ll take it!” he eagerly declared. “She’ll love it, and I’ll take a matching band for her and one for me, along with a plain one for her. I want them engraved with the inscription Elizabeth & Fitzwilliam. They are to be resized to a size five for her and a size eleven for me.”
The sales clerk hastily scribbled all of Fitzwilliam’s instructions. When she had finished writing, she glanced up with a pleasant smile. “We can have those ready to be picked up by Wednesday of next week, if that suits you. Will there be anything else, Mr. Darcy?”
“Yes, I’ll take these as well.” Fitzwilliam pointed to an emerald pendant he wanted for a wedding gift and a beautiful pair of ebony bone hair sticks adorned with rubies for Christmas. “That’ll be all.” He gave the clerk a satisfied smile along with his credit card.
Once in the car, David eyed his brother closely, reflecting on the particular attention he’d displayed when selecting his purchases. He could see his brother was completely besotted and violently in love. David rolled his eyes. …I hope I never act like that over a woman. But I’ll do whatever it takes to help him. He’s
happier than I’ve ever seen him, and he deserves it. I wonder what she…? Darcy, you’ve got to shake this… He released a heavy sigh. …This is getting damned irritating. When I least expect it, she invades my thoughts, be it day or night…But not tonight… Tonight I’m going out …Cybil has a way of making me forget everything… including you, Cecilia…
Finally arriving at White’s, they exited the car with special instructions for Singleton to pick them up within ninety minutes. Meandering through the crowd to their usual table, they found Charles waiting. “Bingley, how very good to see you,” David said as he grabbed Bingley’s hand. “Tell me, are you as taken with your Miss Bennett as my brother is with his?”
“Oh, indeed I am. I miss Jane terribly.”
“Well then,” David laughed as he took his seat, “I have to hear about this Miss Bennett, too. You’re both acting like complete love-struck fools.” Directing his gaze at his friend, he asked, “Charles, have you ordered yet?”
“Yes, I ordered what we usually have. Fitzwilliam told me he didn’t have much time. I hope that’s all right with you,” Bingley said as the waiter approached with their order.
“That’s fine. I’m in a bit of a hurry myself. I have to pick Cybil up at five.”
“Still seeing Cybil, I see,” Bingley chuckled as the waiter set his sandwich, soup, and salad in front of him.
“Yes, when I’m in town, and she’s not working.”
After dismissing the server, Bingley leaned forward and asked, “David, why don’t you date a nice girl? Surely you know more than show girls from strip clubs.”
David laughed aloud, flashing a wide grin as he picked up his salad fork. “You already know the answer to that, so let’s not talk about me. I want to hear about you and what you’re doing. Tell me about this Jane Bennett.”
As they began to eat, Charles related his story in full, explaining how he and Jane had met and how their relationship developed. Concluding, he stated, “David, I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed life more. The school is small enough to form a personal relationship with other faculty members, as well as the more serious students, and yet, it’s large enough to experience the full academic life.”
“Bingley, it looks like you and Fitzwilliam have found your calling. It sounds laid- back, sort of like your personality, and the people seem friendly enough, according to my brother.”
“Oh, they are,” Bingley replied while stirring his soup. “I enjoy the society very much, but I don’t think you would. The night life is rather dull, unless you’re interested in whatever is taking place on campus.”
“Well, if catching a husband is the current rage, you’re right, I wouldn’t be interested.” David lifted his sandwich.
“Oh, I wouldn’t say catching a husband is the rage.” Bingley laughed. “But they are people like you’ll find anywhere else. You will come to the wedding, won’t you, and bring Georgiana?”
“I wouldn’t miss it, and neither would Georgiana, but getting around Father will be the sticking point. He’s not going to approve, and you know it,” David said, casting a cautious glance at his brother.
Fitzwilliam nervously picked at his salad. “I know, David, believe me I know, especially after our last talk—or rather his last talk at us, but I’m going to persist in speaking with him. He may surprise me.”
“I highly doubt it, but we’ll see,” David said, raising his glass to his lips.
“Darcy, you mean you haven’t told your father?” Bingley frowned. “I guess that’s the advantage I have over you. My money is in trust, the business is run independent of me, and my father is dead. But I honestly don’t think he would have been as narrow-minded as your father. I do feel for you.”
“Well, I’ll find out soon enough,” Fitzwilliam said calmly, “but it doesn’t matter. I’m over thirty, and I will do as I damn well please.” Picking up his spoon to taste his soup, Fitzwilliam added, “Now let’s find something else to talk about.”
All agreed. They sat and talked for over an hour until Bingley finally looked at his watch. “We’d better finish up. I have to be at my solicitor’s office in one hour. Belington needs to go over my personal finances with me before we return next week. I don’t suppose I will see you again until we go back on the 30th?”
“No, I don’t think so, unless you call ‘round. With Pemberley complex officially closed for the Christmas holidays, I’m taking a trip to Hertfordshire tomorrow, and then to Pemberley. Ring me up after Christmas so that we can make plans for the return flight.”
“Will do,” Bingley said, getting up to collect his things. “I’ll see the two of you later.”
Chapter Sixteen
…Elizabeth belonged here… with him…in his life and in his bed…
Up bright and early the next day, Fitzwilliam prepared for his trip. As he packed enough clothes for one day, he thought about all he’d learned concerning Elizabeth’s family. He was anxious to be on his way to gather the evidence he was looking for. He also wanted to go to Pemberley to see the old paintings in the family gallery and take a closer look at his own family history. He had many questions. Snapping the bag shut, he walked downstairs to his waiting Jag where he set out on the short scenic drive to Meryton and then on to Longbourn village.
He’d never had a reason to visit Hertfordshire, therefore he had no idea of what to expect. Glancing around as he entered the village, he suspected the house had once been on the corner of Longbourn Street and Church where a local pub now stood. He sighed as he continued on his quest. Once he reached his destination, it was not too difficult to check the records. First, he went to the Longbourn Parish Churchyard.
Reverently brushing away the dirt and debris from an old stone in a secluded area, he found what he had come to see—the grave of Thomas Nathanial Bennet. Thomas was buried next to Mary Elizabeth Beauford Bennet, and next to them were Edward Thomas Bennet and Frances Emily Gardiner Bennet. He pulled out his PDA. The record matched the name and dates Elizabeth had given him, and, as he already knew, Thomas Nathanial Bennet and his son, Edward, were his ancestral grandfathers.
As Darcy left the family cemetery, he thought he caught a glimpse of a white bird, but when he turned to catch the sight more fully, it was gone. He wrinkled his brow and looked about, but there was no bird. He shrugged it off and walked in the direction of the church. The rector was more than agreeable, and after checking the parish records he had provided, Darcy found what he was looking for—the birth confirmation of John Thomas Bennet, matching the exact date recorded on the gravestone in the Cumberland Plateau. It was the same family; therefore, John Thomas Bennet was indeed his distant uncle. As he closed the book, he wondered about the inscription on John Bennet’s headstone. Was John Bennet speaking of him and Elizabeth? He needed to know more before he could make that judgment.
Having learned all that could be learned here, he left for Pemberley, taking the longer drive, savoring the scenic beauty of the English countryside. It had been so long since he had been to Pemberley that Fitzwilliam had almost forgotten the beauty of his boyhood home. As he pulled into the long drive to Pemberley House, a strange euphoria came over him.
“Pemberley,” he whispered to himself. This was where he belonged…where his family belonged, and that included his brother and sister. The house was more than big enough for three families. He sighed gently as he rounded the curve to the Great Elizabethan Hall. …I have grown apart from Georgiana. I need to rectify that. I love her, and I want her close to me… Family is important…at least to me. Finally, when he pulled up to the house, two servants came out to meet him.
Dorothy Reynolds’s beaming face greeted him as his Jag rolled to a stop. She had been in the Darcy family’s employ for many years. In fact, for generations, her ancestors had worked for the Darcys. She was like a mother to him, and Fitzwilliam loved her very much.
“Master Fitzwilliam! It’s so good to see you. I cannot tell you how glad I was to hear from you when you called yesterday.”
“Dorothy, how have you been?” he asked, giving the older woman an affectionate hug while he kissed her cheek.
“I’ve been well, but I’m even better now, seeing you here at Pemberley. I’ve made the master suite ready as you requested and will have a light meal prepared for you immediately.”
“Thank you. I want to change first and go for a ride. I’ll eat when I get back. I especially came to see the family gallery. I feel like a trip down through the past.”
As soon as he entered the house, he took the stairs two at a time and turned to the left once he reached the landing. Heading towards the gallery, Fitzwilliam reflected on his lineage while he contemplated the future. The gallery was old, holding images of five hundred years of Darcys as well as his own family. Walking the hall, he looked over the generations, observing how they all seemed to favor each other in appearance. While he studied each one, he remembered stories that he’d either read or had been told.
Finally, he reached the portraits he was looking for—Fitzwilliam Alexander Darcy and his wife, Elizabeth Rose Bennet Darcy. Staring at the portrait, he frowned. Why had he never noticed it before? He looked almost identical to his ancestor, and since David looked enough like him to be his twin, they both did. Then, he focused on the image of Elizabeth Darcy. He was amazed at how strongly she resembled his Elizabeth. Their hair and eyes were the same color with that same unmistakable sparkle, and their smiles pleased in the same manner. He marveled. Perhaps the past was going to meet the future. …Well, I dare say if we can be as happy as you were, then we shall be quite happy indeed. He continued for several more minutes looking over the portraits, before turning to leave.
Once he had changed, Fitzwilliam walked to the stable, saddled his chestnut stallion, and headed out. Riding over the estate gave him a certain satisfaction as he explored places he and David had ridden as boys. A sudden peacefulness filled his heart, and he smiled as a herd of red deer bolted and thundered into the woods. This is where I belong…My strength is renewed here…this is home.
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