“You have not met my wife, Mr. Darcy. There are very striking similarities between the ladies’ looks; even their gowns looked similar. The gossip was that my wife had been escorted to the balcony by Wickham and Sloane followed. She had been much in their company these last few weeks.” Quietly, he added, “I must confess she has given me little reason in the past to doubt these sorts of rumours.”
The room grew quiet for a moment while the general weighed all he had heard. “Darcy, you were hoping to stop Wickham from seducing your future sister-in-law. I have the understanding he has repeatedly schemed against you and your family. What was your plan?”
Darcy thought for a moment on how much to reveal in front of Wickham, but it seemed a higher authority than he was going to render justice this day. “I was compiling evidence that he intended to desert, sir. Rather than charge him, I intended to offer transportation to Australia or India.”
“Ah.” There was a lengthy pause. “Darcy and Sloane, you may go. Lieutenant Wickham, you will shortly find yourself bound for service in Jamaica as a private in His Majesty’s regulars. If you survive the journey, you will be lucky to survive the disease that plagues our troops there. I will not let you prey on any more families, attempt to re-establish yourself in a colony, or die as a war hero. All the families who could not bring you to justice out of fear for their reputations will finally have their due recompense. There is much evidence that you intended to desert. Be thankful you will not hang.” The general stood and bowed to the other gentleman, then quit the room.
Wickham turned pale and began to plead in earnestness. “Darcy! Surely you can alter his mind! Think of your father. You would allow his favourite, the friend of your youth, forced into such existence, with every breath facing the kiss of death?”
Darcy shook his head. “Wickham, you chose your path. This is not my choice. You have trifled with the wrong person at last.” Darcy and Sloane had just turned their heels to leave when Wickham lunged at Darcy.
In a moment’s time, there was shouting, punches thrown, and finally, a cracking sound before one man slumped to the ground with the other two peering over him.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Monday, July 13, 1812
Elizabeth happily descended the stone stairs of Pemberley with Alfred at her side. He had come from London with Georgiana, and Elizabeth amused herself with the notion that Darcy might have to fight her for the position of the loveable creature’s favourite person. He followed her incessantly. It did not bother her in the least. She found comfort in the friendly dog, especially in the absence of Darcy, who was due to arrive before nightfall.
Elizabeth and Alfred trekked on a path that wrapped around a narrow stream. In her week at Pemberley, this had fast become her favourite spot. The stream was natural and calming, and there was a very fine tree, perfect for leaning against while reading, which provided the right amount of shade from the hot sun while still allowing good light.
Elizabeth smiled, thinking of the library at Pemberley. She could spend years reading its volumes. Could and would! It was not just the library that enthralled her, however. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. The interior was everything she had expected from seeing Darcy House. From every window, there were beauties to admire. It was positively delightful and charming in every way.
She had not slept well the evening before due to anticipation of seeing Darcy. Before too much time spent in reading passed, she fell asleep under the great tree with Alfred at her side.
*****
Despite sore limbs due to his hard ride from the last coaching inn, Darcy all but ran from Pemberley’s stables to the house. He was several hours earlier than expected, and he hoped that would allow him some privacy with Elizabeth. His butler was rather surprised to see him in the hall.
“Mr. Darcy! We were not expecting you, sir. I will have a bath called for you instantly.” Glancing over his master’s dusty frame, he added, “Does Jennings follow with the carriage? I will call Henry to wait on you.”
Darcy waved his hand in dismissal. “I apologise for arriving unannounced, Reynolds. I will bathe before dressing for dinner. Henry will suit admirably; Jennings deserves to rest this evening. Would you know the whereabouts of Miss Bennet?”
Darcy was pleased to see the old and trusted servant break out in a grin. “She left with Alfred not too long ago. She favours the path by the old foot bridge on the west side, sir.”
Darcy’s smile was even broader than Reynolds’ at the thought of Elizabeth already enjoying Pemberley’s beauty so much. “Excellent. Do not bother summoning anyone else or alerting the guests. I will greet them at dinner. I only mean to greet Miss Bennet before returning to my chambers to rest.” He pulled out his timepiece and added, “Have Henry wake me at four.”
He then hastily exited the house, ignoring his butler’s amused smile, and sought out Elizabeth. He found her nestled under a great tree, book at her side and bonnet off, curls fetchingly coming down, and rolled onto her side. Alfred also slept contentedly, his head resting on her knee. It was a charming picture, and it thrilled him endlessly.
Quietly, he sat beside her and whispered her name, but she did not respond. He gently stroked her cheek, earning him a crinkle of her nose, but still she slept. Not able to resist the temptation, he lay down beside her and snaked his arm across her waist. Although she was asleep and he was bone-tired, he acknowledged how good she felt against his chest, how right. He was too tired to have more exciting thoughts and could only smile at the fact that in about a month, he could enjoy this nightly. Warm contentment and peace stole over his heart, such that he had never known before, and he drifted into relaxed slumber.
*****
Elizabeth awoke and felt something heavy across her waist. At first, she thought it was Alfred, but upon opening her eyes, she easily saw that his head rested on her knee, and a man’s arm was across her. She became more alert and recognised Darcy’s familiar and beloved scent, mixed with horse, and felt his breath tickling her neck. His other hand held a wayward curl. She leaned into him for a moment; delighting in the strength of his frame, she smiled when he let out a contented sigh.
She turned and rolled to face him, Alfred easily slipping off undisturbed. A lock of Darcy’s hair had fallen across his forehead, nearly in his eyes. She gave into the urge to push it back and smooth his brow. He looked so beautiful when asleep and at rest. This is what it is like to sleep with a man? Elizabeth blushed at the thought. She knew they had not engaged in any marital intimacies, but this felt absolutely perfect, like there was no one else and nothing else in the world. But it would not do to be found like this.
With great reluctance she began to sit up, but he pulled her close and murmured sleepily, “Lizzzzzzy.”
She gave him a fond smile and bent to kiss his forehead, which caused him to stir. His long eyelashes fluttered for a minute before revealing his perfect blue eyes.
“I thought I was dreaming.”
Her heart skipped a beat, but she teased him. “Oh, you often dream of embracing women?”
He smiled widely, revealing the dimples that never ceased to amaze her. “No, only you, Elizabeth. For so long now.”
He pulled her face to his and gave her sweet and soft kisses all over her face before ending at her lips for one long, passionate kiss. She could feel his restraint, could feel how he held back, and she was conscious, too, of their position and their rising passions.
He broke the kiss and laid her head on his shoulder. As he stroked her hair, she laid her arm across his broad chest and felt his heart beat under her hand. “You can have no idea how many times I have imagined this,” he said.
They lay together in happy silence for a few minutes, feeling the warmth of the sun and hearing the low gurgle of the stream mixed with the chirping of the birds.
“When did you arrive?” she asked.
Darcy pulled out his
watch and sighed. “Nearly two hours ago. We should return to the house; it is almost time to dress for dinner.”
Elizabeth began to rise, wrinkled her nose, and laughed. “Yes, and you reek of horse!”
Darcy stood, helping Elizabeth to her feet. “If I am not mistaken, you do as well now.”
She gave him a mock glower. “You have much to learn, future husband. For I always smell fresh and sweet.”
He chuckled and kissed her lightly. “Yes, you do, my dearest…to me.”
They walked on towards the house, and Darcy asked how Elizabeth liked Pemberley.
“I like it very much. I will be quite content if we rarely leave after we marry, William. I…” She blushed and felt her sentiments were silly, but Darcy bade her to continue. “I feel as though it is a part of me, and I am part of it. I think I could go my whole life searching fine estates and woods and never feel at home until I found Pemberley.”
“I knew it from very early in our acquaintance. If ever there was a woman who belonged to Pemberley, it was you.”
“It is not just the house and grounds. I feel you here, feel the Darcy legacy, and am in awe that you have felt me worthy.”
“Do you still feel uneasy about becoming mistress?”
“Who could feel uneasy with Mrs. Reynolds present?” Elizabeth laughed. “No, your staff run everything very efficiently and unceremoniously. There is a natural order and elegance but no false pretensions, much like its master.”
Darcy looked a little pink, and Elizabeth, having mercy on him, turned the conversation. “Everything was settled regarding Wickham before you departed Weymouth, then?”
“Yes, but I would prefer to inform everyone at once, if you can wait until after dinner.”
“Certainly, but you must promise to tell me every detail.”
They reached the house, and Darcy went in search of Mrs. Reynolds on a small matter, while Elizabeth ascended the stairs to her room to ready herself for the evening.
*****
After a touching reunion with Georgiana and warm greetings to the Gardiners and Kitty, the whole party sat down to enjoy dinner. Dessert was served in the drawing room, and Darcy acquainted the group with the details of Wickham’s fate and Lydia’s wellbeing that had not been explained in recent letters. The eyes of everyone were upon him as he explained the scene at the major-general’s house in Weymouth.
“Sloane tried to subdue Wickham, but he slipped out of Sloane’s grasp, and although he tripped, he managed to grab my torso, toppling me over. He landed on top of me, knocking the breath out of me.” Georgiana and Elizabeth winced.
Darcy reflexively stroked his jaw and briefly considered protecting their sensibilities, but he had promised to explain everything. “He did get in a few punches before I was able to fight him off with Sloane’s help. Wickham’s strength matched his feelings of desperation. He shrugged off Sloane and lunged for me again. This time, I was able to strike him before he reached me, and he stumbled backwards. Sloane tried to grab Wickham before he fell, but he pushed Sloane out of the way. He fell back over a chair, breaking it underneath him.
“There was a dreadful cracking noise, and Wickham lay groaning and ceased resisting. He appeared to have injured his ribs, but the physician did not think any of them broken. Wickham left on a ship bound for Jamaica on Wednesday as a private in the regulars. I saw the ship leave myself.”
They all breathed a sigh of relief.
“And what of Lydia?” Elizabeth asked.
“She refused Wickham, adamantly, but she seemed genuinely attached to Sloane. He is fond of her but swears he did not lead her to believe an offer was pending, and she believes herself to be heartbroken. She and the Lucases have returned to Hertfordshire now.”
Darcy began to think himself responsible for the young girl’s feelings, but Mr. Gardiner spoke up, “Come, Darcy. A girl likes to be crossed in love now and again. She will get over it soon enough.”
*****
Monday, July 28, 1812
Mr. Bennet looked at the young man seated across from him in his study. Only four months ago, he had called him a seducer and a rake. Now he knew him to be the preserver of his family’s reputation and the man who held his daughter’s heart.
“Mr. Darcy, thank you for meeting with me.”
“It was no trouble, Mr. Bennet.”
“I should like to dispense with the formalities. I would be honoured if you would call me Bennet.”
Darcy smiled. “I should like that, and you must call me Darcy.”
“Darcy, nearly four months ago, I refused you my daughter’s hand and called you unworthy, but I was wrong—you have earned her regard and my thanks. I could not be handing my daughter over to a man who would cherish her more.” Bennet was surprisingly misty-eyed at the end of his speech.
“I still think of my behaviour at the beginning of our acquaintance with abhorrence. I was properly humbled by your and Elizabeth’s opinion of me and have striven to be a better man. I can never thank you enough.”
“You do promise always to treat her as a treasure, Darcy? Heaven help you if you do not. I am sure Mrs. Bennet would delight in seeing Pemberley or your house in Town, should I offer to visit you.”
Darcy did not suppress a shudder, and Mr. Bennet was pleased to see his future son was learning to enjoy teasing.
Returning the jest, Darcy replied, “I know Elizabeth has rightly been regarded as the brightest jewel in the county for a very long time now, sir!” They shared a smirk at the phrase Sir William Lucas used to praise Elizabeth.
“And can you forgive an old man who was too foolish to see your value and attempted to run you off?”
“It is long forgotten, Bennet. I can never regret the circumstances that brought about my earning her love and respect and made me a better man. Can you forgive my arrogant treatment of your family?”
Bennet stood and walked over to Darcy. Clapping a hand on the other man’s shoulder, he said sincerely, “All is forgotten, Darcy. Come, let us see if you cannot rescue Elizabeth from the inane prattle about lace.”
Both men chuckled as they exited the room, and Bennet knew that, while he had some ways to go in establishing a better rapport with Darcy, all would turn out well.
*****
Monday, August 3, 1812
Happy was the day when Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet wed at last, their closest friends, Charles Bingley and Jane, beside them. After a wedding breakfast, which both sets of brides and grooms felt lasted entirely too long, the couples were finally on the road to London. Jane and Bingley were to stay at Hurst’s London home for a week before returning to Netherfield. Darcy and Elizabeth desired to spend their wedding night at Darcy House in London, rather than on the road. Then they would continue to Pemberley.
After their carriage was well outside the Meryton limits, Darcy closed the curtains and slid across the aisle to sit next to Elizabeth. He placed one arm around her shoulders and held her tightly to his side.
“And how would you care to pass the evening, Mrs. Darcy?”
Elizabeth beamed brightly at her new name. “All I wish is for you to take me home, William.”
Darcy nuzzled her neck. “We are bound for London and going as quickly as we safely can manage, my dear.”
She leaned in to kiss him. “I have told you before, you are my home.” Once again, she was rewarded with his perfect smile and beautiful dimples.
Gathering her up entirely into his arms, he said, “Welcome home, Mrs. Darcy.” Then he bent his head and kissed her, leaving her breathless with the promise of his passion, which she would experience in every way that evening. Truly, she had no cause to repine the thought.
Epilogue
Wednesday, June 22, 1853
Darcy slowly walked up the stairs to his chambers, bone-tired from the day. He had seen the last of his children marry today. Margaret had been born eighteen years into their marriage, and after six children and several years without a new addition, he and E
lizabeth were taken by surprise to find she would enter a seventh confinement.
The day had been long and exhausting. Pemberley had been filled to the brim with all their family and friends. In forty years of marriage and life with Elizabeth, he had managed to get over most of his dislike of crowds. Of course, on such a celebration who could but feel joy? A father giving away his daughter can feel a great many things besides joy.
It never failed to strike him just how much he could agree with how his father-in-law must have felt all those years ago when he unceremoniously demanded Elizabeth’s hand. Darcy had faced it many times by this point. Each time a young man had come to his study declaring words of undying love for one of the dearest ladies in his life, he felt anger. Anger that a man dare challenge his authority and dare think he could provide for his girl as well as or better than he. It mattered not how well he knew the man and his family. Nor did it matter how well he liked or respected the gentleman. He was always confident that no man was good enough and that he would always be the first and best man in her eyes. But next came the part that always sapped the power out of his punch. The man would claim he had her consent, that the lady loved him. She wanted to leave Darcy, and of her own will. Yes, he knew exactly how Mr. Bennet had felt.
He let out a little chuckle when he acknowledged his Lizzy was a bit prone to times of nervousness like her mother, though it manifested in different ways. Elizabeth was never so dramatic as her mother, the occasions were rather justified, and in the end, she would rally herself to focus on the tasks at hand. Between this and after having four daughters of his own and rearing Georgiana, he could quite understand his father-in-law’s tendencies.
Darcy begrudgingly admitted there were some benefits to his daughters marrying, as grandchildren came soon afterwards. Darcy and Elizabeth’s three sons, Theodore, Fitzwilliam, and Bennet, and three elder daughters, Anne, Elizabeth, and Rebecca, had produced a total of eighteen children and still counting, each a joy in their own way.
Compromising Mr. Darcy Page 26