Arranged to Darcy

by Rebecca Preston

  Elizabeth felt a little surprised. Couldn’t he tell how much she loved him? She must not have been expressing it enough. If only he would tell her he loved her, so that she could say it back to him. She dared not say it first. It would destroy her if he didn’t say it back.

  At that point, a month away from their first anniversary, she was nearly certain he would say it back if she was to tell him she loved him. She tried to work up the courage, staring into the fire. If only she could just say those three words. Why were they so hard to say to Darcy, when she easily told her sisters and friends that she loved them?

  She knew the answer without question. Her love for him was different than anything she had ever felt for anyone in her life. It had grown strong over the past year. It was so different with him now.

  “You know that my feelings have changed, Darcy,” she said finally, unable to say what she truly wanted to say. “I have much respect for you and your ways. I care deeply about what you think.”

  “I feel the same way. What do you think I should do, Lizzie?”

  Elizabeth was surprised he asked her for advice. “About Wickham and Lydia?”

  “Yes.”

  Elizabeth had to think about it for a moment.

  “I wish that you wouldn’t interfere, Darcy.”

  “Your family doesn’t know what he’s like.”

  “Perhaps he’s changed.”

  The look he gave her was so doubtful it could not be mistaken for anything else. She pressed her lips together. “I know you don’t trust him. I know you think he’s only with Lydia because he wants to get his hands on your money. And I can’t say for certain that’s not what’s happening. But I don’t think anything good will be accomplished by interfering when we have no cause to do so. If we were approached by either of them asking for money, we would have good reason to be upset. But at this point, there’s little we can do to make the situation any different.”

  “We should warn them.”

  “They already know a good deal of information about him.”

  “They don’t know the truth. They don’t know what he’s done before. I don’t want to see Lydia getting in a predicament because of him. I feel as though my arrival brought him here. He has a way of turning up wherever I am. I didn’t see him when I was his benefactor. After I refused to keep supporting him, he started putting himself in my life whether I wanted him there or not.”

  “I know you don’t like him. But please, Darcy, you asked my advice and I’m asking you to please not do anything unless it’s warranted.”

  Elizabeth was suddenly overcome with exhaustion. She pushed herself up from the chair. “I’m going to bed, my dear. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “I’ll be coming up soon,” he responded. As she passed his chair, he lifted one hand and took her arm. She looked down at him and met his eyes. “You look beautiful tonight, Lizzie. I’m glad we married. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you by my side.”

  Elizabeth drew in a deep breath and leaned down to kiss him. “I feel the same way, Darcy. You make me very happy.”

  “I would be willing to bet you didn’t think you’d ever feel that way.”

  She smiled down at him. “Perhaps in the beginning I thought it would be impossible. But my feelings have changed a great deal since then. I’ve gotten to know you. And you’re a gentleman. Sometimes you confuse me. But you’re a true gentleman, Fitzwilliam Darcy.”

  He squeezed her arm and let go. “I’ll see you soon, my love.”

  Elizabeth left the room with a smile on her face and warmth in her heart.

  Chapter 31

  Elizabeth sat in the grass under a large tree, hoping she would actually get through some of the newest book she was reading. For the first five minutes, she looked out over the landscape, watching families pass by, walking their dogs and throwing small bits of bread to the ducks in the pond. She watched the leaves of the autumn trees fall. She enjoyed the soft breeze that blew gently past her.

  As soon as she opened her book, she felt a presence nearby and looked up to see George Wickham standing in front of her, a large smile on his face.

  “My friend!” he exclaimed. “I haven’t seen you in many months! May I sit with you?”

  Elizabeth couldn’t help smiling, and thinking about what a handsome picture he made against the park background. “You may sit,” she replied.

  “Are you sure there will be no talk of a married woman talking to a single gentleman?”

  Elizabeth laughed. “I doubt very much that anyone will say anything, Wickham. Sit and we can talk.”

  “I’m terribly glad to see you, Lizzie,” Wickham settled himself in the grass next to her, propping his legs up and resting his elbows on them. “I’ve thought of you often this summer.”

  “I hear you’ve been somewhat distracted,” she teased, narrowing her eyes at him.

  He blushed and grinned sheepishly. “I suppose I have.”

  “Lydia’s staying with Mrs. Forster for a time. I’m sure you knew that.”

  “Yes, I do know that.”

  “You’ve been seeing her while she’s there?”

  “I have. I hope that doesn’t make you upset. I don’t want to upset you.”

  She shook her head. “It doesn’t upset me, Wickham. I want you to be happy. But, as you must know, Darcy is suspicious.”

  “I am sure he is,” Wickham nodded. “How is the esteemed Mr. Darcy these days?”

  “He’s flourishing and comfortable.”

  “Your marriage is a success?”

  “It is. We’ve grown close. We have arguments every now and then, but we’re doing very well. Our anniversary is only a week away.”

  “Has it been an entire year already?” Wickham sounded surprised. She giggled.

  “It certainly has.”

  “I’m ever so glad you’ve found love, Lizzie. You deserve the very best life has to offer. I wouldn’t have thought Darcy would be the one to provide that happiness, but I’m ever so glad that he has. I was worried about you. I was unsure if he would provide for you what you needed to be happy.”

  “It certainly wasn’t money that attracted me to him. Tell me honestly, Wickham, if you value our friendship in the slightest…” She hesitated, and he tilted his head. “Are you in love with my sister? What are your true intentions? I don’t wish to insult you. But I must ask the question, as I’m cautious with my family.”

  “I’m not insulted, Lizzie. It’s a logical question, especially now that you’ve been in the presence of Mr. Darcy for so long. I assume he put this suspicion in your mind?”

  “He’s told me of your past with him, Wickham. That’s all that needs to be said. I’m your friend. I don’t wish for you to be hurt. But Lydia is my youngest sister and not as mature as would do her some good. Please be honest with me.”

  “I wouldn’t lie to you, Lizzie,” Wickham looked directly at her as he said it, but dropped his eyes as he continued. “I haven’t always been the best of characters, though my intentions were always straightforward. I never intend to hurt anyone, but it seems that sometimes I do irreparable damage and can’t go back. I don’t intend to be this way with Lydia.”

  “She isn’t wealthy. My family isn’t wealthy.”

  Elizabeth noticed when Wickham’s face fell. “I know this.” His voice was quiet. They were both silent for a few minutes.

  “I’m sorry if I insulted you,” Elizabeth said softly.

  “I will be all right, Lizzie. I don’t wish for you to think badly of me.”

  “I don’t want to. But I have reason to, it seems. Darcy is worried that you’re using my sister to get to his money. Or that you’re expecting a large sum to come to Lydia from Mrs. Forster. I don’t want to think that either of those reasons could be your motivation for courting my sister.”

  “I’ve truly been done the worse in this situation!” Wickham cried out. “You mustn’t believe me to be that kind of man.”

  Elizabeth
didn’t know what to think. Darcy was positive Wickham was up to something nefarious. Speaking to him now, Elizabeth couldn’t see any of that arrogant desire in her friend. She found herself looking away from him, trying to sort through her feelings.

  “Lizzie, I do hope we can continue to be friends. I don’t wish to lose you. You have been one of the most reliant people I’ve come across since coming to Hertfordshire. I do respect that you always speak your mind and ask the important questions. I want to reassure you. I want you to know that I’m not going to hurt Lydia.”

  “You’re sure that you can give me that reassurance? You’re positive you’re doing the right thing by my sister?”

  “I don’t wish to harm Lydia,” Wickham insisted. “No matter what you have heard from your husband.”

  Elizabeth wanted to be satisfied with that answer. Still, she found herself remembering all that she had been told about him and it made her unsettled.

  “I’m so very pleased that your marriage is a success, Lizzie. It’s delightful to see you happy and prospering. You have very little to worry about.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “And yet I’m always worried.”

  “What have you to be worried about?”

  “The welfare of my family is very near to my heart. It hasn’t been easy, this last year, as I had to become used to the idea of being a wife. Someday I’ll be a mother. I think about my future all the time. Don’t you think of yours?”

  “I do, yes. I think of where I’ll be in five or ten years. Will I be prosperous? Will I be happy? But, Lizzie, we can’t worry about the distant future. Our time should be spent dwelling on the blessings of now and whether we are happy now. Don’t you agree?”

  “I would agree with that, yes. I must tell you, Wickham, if I do find out that you have nefarious plans and you don’t treat my sister with the respect she deserves as a woman, I’ll seek vengeance on you like none you’ve ever seen.”

  Wickham stared at her for a moment. When she grinned at him he smiled back, relief flooding his face. “You frightened me, Lizzie.” He shook his head. “You truly frightened me.”

  “As I should have,” she insisted, chuckling. “I won’t allow my sister to be treated harshly. It’s unfair for her. She’s a sweet girl, though she has some growing up to do.”

  “You haven’t spoken with her in the last several months. She’s growing into a mature young woman. I’ve been able to speak with her on topics that she never would have broached before.”

  “Truly?”

  Wickham raised one hand. “My hand to God, Lizzie. She’s growing up. I would like to be there when she’s matured into a fine young woman.”

  “Do you plan to marry her?”

  Wickham raised his eyebrows. “I know you like to come to the point, my friend. That’s one of the dearest things about you.”

  “I do like things to be said when they need to be said.”

  “She’s not ready for marriage.”

  “I agree with you.”

  “She has grown tremendously since the first dance I had with her. But she’s still not ready to take that step.”

  “And will you if she wants you to? Is it in your plans?”

  Wickham blinked and looked away for a moment. “The thought has crossed my mind.”

  “You’re considering her for marriage then?”

  “I do believe I’ve answered that for you.”

  Elizabeth fell quiet. Then she nodded and placed one hand on his arm. “I do hope things work out for the best for you, Wickham. I truly do. You’re my friend and I want no unhappiness in your life. But please be careful with my sister. She’s a sweet girl. She will be hurt easily.”

  “I know.” Wickham nodded at her. “I know.”

  “So, walk with care. Don’t allow her feelings to grow if you don’t have the best intentions for her.”

  “I’ll be careful with her, Lizzie. I promise you that.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled at him. “There’s one thing I know that pleases her about this. I don’t even need to ask her or to have spoken to her recently.”

  “What’s that?”

  “She was always attracted to men in uniform.”

  They both laughed.

  Chapter 32

  Elizabeth found herself excited about the prospect of going to the celebratory ball being held at Longbourn that evening. She hadn’t seen her family for several weeks and she missed them. They had decided to give a ball in the honor of her first anniversary with Darcy, so it was imperative that the two of them be there. She had changed her mind about wanting to socialize, since her love for her husband was now established. She poked a comb through her hair after drying off from a bath. She pinned it up as it dried so that it would curl down over her shoulders when she unpinned it.

  Darcy came sweeping into the room, looking dashing in his coat and tails. He tipped his hat to her with a smile on his face. She turned in her dressing table chair and held on to the back of it, smiling back at him.

  “You look stunning, my dear!” she exclaimed. “And here I am, nowhere near ready to go.”

  “I take much less time than you do getting ready, my love,” Darcy laughed. “That’s a fact that has long been established. I don’t mind waiting. I enjoy watching you dress for a party.”

  “Do you?”

  “I do.”

  “I’m excited to go tonight.” She turned back to the mirror and continued readying herself. “I want to see how Colonel Fitzwilliam and Jane are doing.”

  “Last I heard, they were very happy together.”

  “That’s what Mother’s last letter said, as well. She’s very pleased with their relationship. The colonel doesn’t have a great deal of wealth, but he’s a charming and amiable man. He gets along with everyone, it seems.”

  “That’s a good thing. He was looking for a good family to join. He deserves to be happy.”

  “You’ve always been good friends with him, haven’t you?”

  “Yes, we grew up together and have always been close.”

  “You share a mutual respect.”

  Darcy dropped himself into a chair behind her and watched as she touched her face with powder. The puffs came out around her face, making her sneeze. He laughed.

  “I’m sorry,” he said. “How amusing that you would throw powder on your face and not expect it to make you sneeze.”

  “Who told you I wasn’t expecting it?”

  They both laughed.

  “Yes, he and I have many of the same desires in life. We’re similar in many ways.”

  “Almost like brothers.”

  “I don’t know if brothers are as close as he and I,” Darcy responded. “I’ve seen brothers who didn’t get along with each other. Some have been at war with each other most of their lives. I wouldn’t want a brother like that.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “I understand what you mean. You think he and Jane will make a good couple?”

  “I do. I’m pleased with it.”

  “Do you have any of the latest news about Lydia and Wickham?”

  Elizabeth had told Darcy about her chance meeting with Wickham in the park. She didn’t want him to hear from someone else that she had been seen in the park talking to another man. He had taken the news well enough that she felt comfortable telling him about her prying questions. He was unsure if he could believe the answers, but he didn’t argue with Elizabeth about it, nor did he do anything to interfere with the relationship Wickham and Lydia were forming.

  “I don’t hear anything bad, which is a good thing,” he responded.

  “I agree. He seemed so positive when I spoke to him. I can’t help feeling he may have changed his ways. Do you think he’ll be there tonight?”

  “I feel strongly that he’ll be there.” Darcy didn’t sound happy about it. “Lydia will be there. I’m sure he won’t be far away from her. You haven’t mentioned, I notice, that your dear friend Charlotte has decided to marry Mr. Collins, my aunt’s patronee. He’ll inherit L
ongbourn, correct?”

  “Yes, upon the death of my father. I’m hoping that won’t be for many years.”

  Darcy nodded. “Of course. I only mention it because it seems such an odd pairing. Will Charlotte be happy with him? Does she love him?”

  “I didn’t love you when we married,” Elizabeth pointed out. He scrunched up his nose and she continued. “She’s more interested in comfort than love. She wants to be content where she is.”

  “He’s a bit snobbish, if you ask me. Too arrogant for a clergyman.”

  Elizabeth giggled. “I’ve thought the same thing many times about him. But, as I said, it doesn’t take love for a marriage to work.”

  “Our marriage is working out,” Darcy said in a light-hearted voice. He was still watching her every move. It didn’t bother her in the least. She was happy that he wanted to watch her. Soon, she would ask him to help her into her dress.

  “Are you saying we have no love in our marriage?” She tried not to sound hopeful. She knew she loved him. But she had yet to hear him say it. He called her ‘my love’ and such phrases. But he had never said “I love you.”

  “I’m not saying that by any means. I can’t speak for you. I only know how I feel.”

  “You must know how I feel by now, Darcy.” She turned in her chair again to look directly at him. “I’ve always dreamed of being with a man I love and having children and a family like my mother and father had.”

  “Do you believe you can have such a family with me?”

  “I do. Yes, I do. I had misgivings at first. But I’ve decided that it can work.”

  “I’m glad to hear you feel that way. I feel the same. Do you think I’ll make a good father?” He looked away from her for a moment, his mind obviously picturing the future when he would have children to look after. “I would never have believed I would ask a question like that.”

  He chuckled as she responded. “You’ll be a wonderful father, Darcy. You’re not the same man you used to be.” She held up one hand to stop his response so she could continue. “And I know you say that people can’t change but people can mature, can’t they? As they experience more in life, they do change. I have a feeling it’s something that’s ongoing. Why, my mother and father are probably much different than they were when we were younger or before we were even born. That change comes from the life we experience and the adventures we go through.”