by Webb, Brenda
“Oh, I was not invited, but as your wife, I could not be turned away. I suppose it makes you feel more of a man to avoid me and pretend I do not exist.”
Richard had moved closer as well and put a steadying hand on William’s shoulder when he saw his cousin’s jaw tighten. William met his eyes before turning back to his nemesis. “You have Attenborough to attend you, or have you thrown him over already?”
“If you were more of a husband, I would not need him.”
Richard gritted his teeth and stepped even nearer. In the past, Gisela had gone after William’s face with her nails whenever his answers did not suit her.
Hoping to avoid sparring with her in public, William lowered his voice and spoke softly as he brushed past her while moving down the stairs. “Please leave. We have nothing to say to each other.”
Gisela swirled around, almost losing her balance on the narrow steps as she followed after him, intent on making him face her. Grabbing his arm just as he reached the street, she declared, “I think we do! All of London knows that you have taken that little Hertfordshire chit, Eliza Bennet, as your mistress! Do you think I shall let that go unchallenged?”
Richard had never seen William so furious. His hands were clenched, and his face quickly coloured as he rounded on Gisela. Even in her inebriated state, her expression betrayed that she realized she had crossed the line, and she shrank back a step as he came towards her. Taking her left forearm none too gently William pulled her towards the still open door of her carriage. The footman attending the door had a peculiar smile on his face and uttered not a sound as he stepped back to allow his mistress to be forced inside. Then leaning into the conveyance, William stopped only inches from her face as he spoke in a forced whisper that only Richard heard because he had moved to shield his cousin’s conversation from the now hushed crowd.
“I will say this only once, so listen carefully.” The tone of William’s warning made Gisela sober, and she wisely kept silent. “I am acquainted with Miss Bennet only because she is Mr. Bingley’s future sister and has become good friends with Georgiana. She is a lady— a designation you will never attain. She would by no means become anyone’s mistress. Should I hear that you have spread this scurrilous rumour, I shall see that the allowance we agreed upon and your other expenses are no longer paid. If necessary, I shall see that every farthing you have been promised is tied up in court until you are too old and infirm to spend whatever it might purchase. Do you understand me?”
Too numb to speak, Gisela only nodded, and William backed out of the doorway, slamming the door. He walked away leaving her with her jumbled thoughts and an aching arm.
For the first time in her life, Gisela feared that she might have gone too far, and William might make good on his promise to withdraw her means of support. Nevertheless, upon hearing the laughter of the crowd still gathered outside White’s, she glanced to see fingers pointing in her direction, and her anxiety was quickly replaced by rage and the need to strike back. Mortified, she lowered the shades as her driver pulled away.
Had she been aware that once they had gotten underway the majority of the guffaws she heard had originated with her own servants, she would have fired them all.
You shall pay for this humiliation, Fitzwilliam!
~~~*~~~
William slammed his fist against the side of his carriage. “How could she have learned about Elizabeth? I have kept my feelings for her private.”
“Perhaps your feelings are an open book, Cousin. It is not hard to read your thoughts when you gaze at her.”
“Blast! I should have been more careful! Now I have exposed Elizabeth to gossip and ridicule.”
“It is not your fault. Just remember that Gisela was never in company with you and Elizabeth, so she could not have picked up on your feelings by watching the two of you. The only way she could have learned about her existence and your love for her is for someone to have put the suggestion in her head. What you need to do is discover the identity of the informant.”
William grew pensive. “You are right in that I have never been in company with them both. Who could have been so diligent as to figure it out and be so bold as to tell her? The only ones that are aware of my feelings for Elizabeth, besides her father, are you, Aunt Audrey, Georgiana and Bingley.”
“Bingley— that is it!”
“You think Bingley told Gisela?”
“No, but his sister Caroline would gladly inform Gisela if she thought you had feelings for Miss Bennet, and it would hamper your progress. She would feel it would be to her advantage to stop anything from developing.”
“What do you mean?”
“It is obvious from the way she has always pursued you that, in her twisted mind, she thinks she will be your next wife, if you divorce Gisela. Naturally, she would not want any competition for the title of the next Mrs. Darcy.”
“If I thought that Caroline—I must find Charles and speak to him.”
“Well, you are in luck!”
“And why do you say that?”
“Because he is just now descending the steps of Darcy House.”
William leaned over to glance out the window on the other side of the carriage and watched Charles catch sight of them at the same instance. As his carriage came to a halt and the door opened, Bingley stood on the walk with a wide smile on his face.
“Darcy! I am glad you have returned, as I was just about to leave.” He glanced at Richard. “Colonel, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
Richard only had time to nod before William proceeded out the carriage door and began talking animatedly. “Charles, you must come back inside. I have something important to discuss with you.”
Both men were halfway up the stairs before Richard set foot on the pavement. He shook his head at the bemused footman who still held the carriage door. Then straightening his coat, he followed the other men up the stairs and into the house. By the time he reached the foyer, Bingley and William had already gone down the hall towards the study, and Richard headed in that direction at a brisk pace.
~~~*~~~
Later that evening, William and Richard were enjoying a cigar as they sat in the library watching the sunset through the large expanse of windows stretching the length of one wall. This bank of windows sported sparse curtains on either side so that the view to the gardens beyond as well as the evening skies could be enjoyed without obstruction.
Today had been full—with the fencing match, Gisela’s appearance and Bingley’s visit—so they were both fatigued, and Richard was not nearly as energetic as usual when he at long last boasted, “So I was right—Caroline Bingley was the culprit.”
“Yes, but if she had not confessed to Charles because she thought he was already aware of her ploy, we might never have had proof. Who could have foreseen that she would be so heartless as to send an unsigned letter disparaging Elizabeth?”
“I could and did! I have never liked that woman. She is nothing but an opportunist and a slanderer.”
William released a heavy sigh. “But I hate to think she would stoop so low because of her mistaken ideas about me. Elizabeth has never done anything to harm her and never would.”
“At least Bingley was man enough to take action. Caroline’s reduced circumstances and new residence will likely prevent her from causing further trouble.”
“Though I fear she did harm enough by informing Gisela. Nevertheless, Charles acted decisively, I will give him that. He is just as disgusted with Caroline and worried about the consequences of her actions.”
“I can hardly believe that Bingley has finally found his angel and has requested the hand of Miss Jane Bennet. Now all that is left is for you to secure the same promise from her younger sister.”
William stood and moved to the windows, taking hold of the frame and staring into the now fading sunlight as he gathered his thoughts. Richard knew not to interrupt when he was this pensive, so he said nothing.
“How can I pursue Elizabeth now? Even though
I threatened Gisela, I know she has already spread that falsehood, and I have no doubt that she will continue to tell it to anyone who will listen as revenge triumphs over prudence. In fact, she has probably told your mother, since they were most likely in each other’s company tonight.”
“Do not worry about Mother. I will explain to her what is in the cards for Gisela and suggest she defend Miss Bennet to the ton if she wants to be on the appropriate side when the dust has settled.”
“I hope your mother pays heed this time. I have ignored her support of Gisela in the past, mainly because I did not care to associate with either of them.” He glanced at Richard. “Forgive me if I have offended you.”
“No offence taken. I am not proud of my parents’ choices concerning Gisela.”
“In any event, I shall not forgive any slight to Elizabeth. She is everything lovely and decent and God knows that Gisela is good for nothing but ruining lives. How will I ever face her now that my wife is spreading rumours that she is my mistress?”
Richard walked over to stand beside William. “Your Miss Bennet is not a child, William. I imagine that she is a lot wiser in the ways of the world than you suspect. I can also imagine that she will not let any falsehood crush her spirit. She is no shrinking violet and is strong and defiant in the face of adversity. You should know that by the way she confronted you at the Holmes’ ball.”
William could not stop the smile that came to his face at the remembrance of her actions that night, but it was short-lived. “Still, Elizabeth should not have to deal with problems created by my marriage. Her sister is to marry Bingley, and that will bring her into the company of men of wealth. Perhaps not earls and viscounts, but men of trade who have substantial wealth—like Charles.”
“So at the first sign of trouble, you cast her aside like so much chaff—as though she is not worth fighting for.”
William whirled around, his features dark with fury. “How dare you say that! I am only thinking of her welfare. Before she met me, she was an innocent—her reputation above reproach. She deserves better than to endure the ton’s ridicule on my behalf!”
“She already has their ridicule! She is a country girl with values and a good head on her shoulders, but she is nothing to them because she has no connections, no wealth. At least if you marry her, you shall have felicity with the woman you love, and she shall have a good life with a man who worships her.”
“But by marrying me, she will be abandoning all hope of acceptance by society.”
“Miss Elizabeth does not impress me as someone who holds the ton in high regard. I have observed her often enough at events in Town to gauge that already. And you have never cared for the dictates of the ton. Marry her, Darcy, and take her home to Pemberley. Raise a house full of children, and let the rest of the world go to blazes.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“It will not be easy, just achievable.”
“God help me, I want to believe that. I cannot let go of the dream of her. I did not realise how numb I had become—not until she made me feel alive again. If I had to give her up now…” William could not finish.
“Then, do not give her up. Fight for her.”
“Only she can give me that right, and the last we talked she was convinced we had no future.”
“That was before she spent the week in Lord Wilkens’ company at Ramsgate. The moment she returns to London you must convince her that you have a future together. I, for one, think it not so hard a task. It was obvious to Aunt Audrey that she was in love with you during their first meeting in the park.”
“I pray you are right and she still loves me. The thought of her as my wife is all that keeps me sane at this moment.”
~~~*~~~
Grantham House
Gisela stormed through the house, cursing as she picked up various breakable items and tossed them in crumpled piles of porcelain and glass. All the while, as she advanced through the foyer and up the grand staircase towards her sitting room, servants, men and women alike, ran to hide from her wrath—everyone but Jemima.
Being Gisela’s personal maid, it was not possible to hide, as the mistress was calling out her name at the top of her lungs, so Jemima waited at the top of the stairs and paled when she noted the condition of the once lovely coral gown that Gisela wore. Jemima tried to remember what day she had retrieved that particular item from her mistress’ closet—was it two days ago or three? She could not recall. The one thing of which she was certain was that Mrs. Darcy had not returned home last night or the night before, and the stench of the alcohol on her breath was making her nauseous.
“Where have you been, you sorry girl?”
“I have been here as usual, madam.”
“Quiet! I do not wish to hear your excuses!”
Gisela stomped into her bedroom, followed by Jemima, who began helping her mistress out of the gown she was struggling to peel off with no luck. So inebriated that she could not handle the buttons, Gisela quit trying and let the girl finish the task. Finally, clad only in her chemise, she rounded on the maid again.
“Go prepare my bath and be quick about it. Lord Attenborough will be here shortly to take me to a ball.” Jemima curtsied quickly and turned to go. “Stop! Do you think you are too good to answer me?”
“No, madam.”
“Then execute a proper curtsey and answer me before you leave!”
Jemima had had enough. She had secured a more lucrative job with Lady Carrollton that was to begin next week, and she was certain that the housekeeper there would let her stay in the servants’ quarters until her position began.
“I will tell the footman to bring up your bath, Mrs. Darcy, but I will not be helping you with it, as I am no longer going to be your maid. I was waiting until you returned to inform you that I have found another position.”
Gisela went wild with anger, grabbing Jemima by the shoulders and shaking her. “You cannot leave me! I have lost too many maids already. You will stay! Do you hear me? You will stay!”
Jemima managed to pull free of her grip and ran down the stairs towards the servants’ quarters where she had hidden her already packed bag. Quickly grabbing it, she gave the housekeeper a solemn nod before running out the back door.
Upstairs, Gisela gathered her wits and did not call after her errant maid. Instead, she flopped back on the bed crying loudly. The rest of the household staff tiptoed around the house, ignoring her complaints until she quieted—apparently asleep.
Thus, when Lord Attenborough arrived later that evening to escort Gisela to the ball, he was informed that the mistress was indisposed. Highly agitated, he left in a huff.
Had he seen the lady in question, however, he would have been relieved to have been saved the awkwardness of the situation. Gisela Darcy had finished off the balance of a bottle of brandy that had been sitting on her dressing table. Still clad in her malodorous chemise, she was presently lying face down on the rug in front of the fireplace, snoring as loudly as any man.
~~~*~~~
Chapter 24
Ramsgate
Hawthorne Hall
The Dining Room
Georgiana found it hard to contain her excitement. Gazing around the magnificently decorated room filled with hundreds of beautiful people all dressed in their finest attire, she was awestruck.
This was not how she had imagined Lady Hawthorne’s birthday party would be when she was first informed of it. In fact, from her aunt’s description, she had thought it would be a picnic on the lawn, but the picnic yesterday had only begun the celebration and now she found herself dressed in finery and seated next to the honouree at a lavish dinner party. As she turned to share something with Elizabeth who was seated on her left, she found her conversing with the man sitting across the table. Consequently, Georgiana turned to speak with her hostess and found the free spirited woman leaning in to say something to her as well.
“I am so proud that you accepted my invitation to be my special guest tonight, Geor
giana. You look very lovely.”
“Thank you. I am delighted my aunt allowed me to participate. This is my first dinner party that was not entirely comprised of my family.”
Lady Hawthorne smiled as she glanced across the table to the now empty chairs where Audrey Ashcroft and Alfreda Wilkens had been seated only moments before. She was pleased that her little conspiracy was being carried out according to plan. Outwardly she showed no unease as she glanced back to Georgiana.
“Audrey was kind to grant my request that you be allowed to attend. I know that you are not yet out in society, but I did not want you to miss my birthday dinner. Besides, a young girl has to start somewhere!”
“And what a lovely place to begin!” Georgiana trumpeted, stealing another glance around the room. “I feel like a debutant.” Then she began to splutter. “But… but do not tell my brother, or he shall lock me in the attic until I am at least one and twenty.”
“Fitzwilliam is a bit old-fashioned is he not? I shall be sure and tell Audrey not to mention how much you enjoyed tonight. She will not breath a word, I assure you.”
That statement was followed by the hostess’ customary loud chuckles which reverberated across the room, causing everyone to glance in their direction. Georgiana blushed as all eyes fixed on them, but after a few seconds the guests returned to their own conversations, and she sighed in relief. Then she noted the empty chairs and enquired, “Where has my aunt gone? Should I go after her and see if she needs anything?”
“She and Alfreda went outside for a breath of fresh air. Do not worry your pretty head about them as they should return shortly I would imagine.
Georgiana’s attention was quickly diverted by a piece of cake now being placed in front of her. She promptly began to devour it, providing her hostess a respite from her questions. Sighing in relief, Violet Hawthorne was about to enjoy her own slice of cake when an old friend stood to offer a toast. The room quieted as he tapped a piece of silverware on his crystal goblet to get their attention.