Darcy nodded his head. “Georgiana would be distraught if she learned of my injury. I do not wish to cause her trouble for such a minor inconvenience.”
“A minor inconvenience? You were shot, and you call it a minor inconvenience? Thank the heavens it was a clean wound, which went clear through your shoulder.”
“It is minor, in comparison. The bullet did not strike any vital portion of my body, so that is a blessing.” Darcy huffed. He did not like to be the center of attention, no matter with whom he was.
“I am grateful for the miracle we were granted.” Richard stated, picking up his coffee cup and taking a sip of the cooling liquid. “I believe I need another cup of coffee, as this cup is in need of freshening.”
“Then go and order the tray and your coffee.” Darcy ordered his cousin. “That will not be necessary. I do not plan on leaving you alone, for I know you too well. You will attempt to leave your bed, which will only lead to your opening your wound and bleeding all over the place. No, you will remain in bed and I will step into the hall, where one of your men is waiting for me to assign him a task.”
Darcy was mildly disappointed. He knew his cousin was correct, his wound required his resting. Re-opening the wound could cause more problems with which he did not wish to contend.
~~ ** ~~ Leaving his daughter in the care of his sister in law, Mr Bennet stepped down the hall to check on Mr Darcy’s condition. Richard answered the door, and, as his cousin was awake, Mr Bennet was invited inside.
“Well, Mr Darcy, I never expected to see you again, and yet, I am beholding to you for all that you have done.”
Darcy shook his head. “You owe me nothing, Mr Bennet.” “But you have gone out of your way to search for my daughter, endangering your own welfare to recover her. To be honest, I am confused as to why you would go to such lengths to do so much, especially after you declared my daughter to be tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt you into dancing at the assembly last autumn.”
Turning a crimson red, Darcy was embarrassed. “You know of my foolish words? Does Miss Elizabeth know of what I said?”
“It was Lizzy who heard you.” Mr Bennet was surprised to see the young man blush. “Why would it matter to you what was heard? You made no attempt to enjoy our neighborhood, and it was clear to see you disliked those who live there. My daughter is shocked at your behavior, for she believes you have never looked upon her without finding fault.”
“Mr Bennet, I have never looked at your daughter to find fault. On the contrary, I could not help but admire her. She is unlike any young lady I have ever met.” Darcy looked away for a moment. “Bingley was provoking me to dance, when I was in a foul mood. I had received a letter from my sister and I would have preferred to have remained at Netherfield rather than attend the assembly.”
Richard smiled. “Mr Bennet, did my cousin seem proud and arrogant? Did he keep his distance from everyone, attempting to blend in with the walls?”
Mr Bennet chuckled. “That would be a fitting description.” “Then allow me to set the record straight. My cousin is extremely shy. His sister and I tease him that he wears a mask of indifference when he is forced into situations which make him
uncomfortable.” Richard said with a smile. “He has been like that since he was a child, and we have never been able to change him.”
“So, after hearing your cousin’s description, am I to assume you care for my Lizzy?” Mr Bennet decided to tease the young man before him.
“It would be fair to say I care for Miss Elizabeth. And it would also be fair to say that she is the most handsome lady of my acquaintance. I have struggled with my feelings for her, as we come from such different stations in life. But, all that matters to me is that she is such an amazing young lady.”
“I must admit that I am amazed to hear this, Mr Darcy. Are you certain you feel this way? My daughter is under the impression that you feel obligated after her coming to your aid at Hyde Park. I am not certain what happened at Hyde Park, but are the feelings you claim stemming from some sense of appreciation towards her?”
Darcy shook his head. “No, Mr Bennet, my feelings are the same as they were when I visited Netherfield. At the time I was visiting my friend, I was not willing to accept my feelings and allow them to blossom. My sister and Richard have told me to grab hold of my chance for happiness, and not let go. They support my decision to court your daughter, with the hopes she will make me the happiest of men by accepting me to be her husband.”
“Mr Bennet, I have a question to ask you. My cousin believes I am incorrect, but I have seen the emblem many times.” Richard began.
“Richard, now is not the time.”
“Yes, it is. I am curious, Wills.”
Mr Bennet frowned, unsure of what the men were speaking of. Finally, Richard asked his question. “The garnet cross which was stolen from your daughter was recovered. On the back of the setting is an emblem. Was the cross a gift to your family?”
Turning quite pale, Mr Bennet was forced to sit down quickly. “You know the emblem?” “I have been on the royal escort detail many times. The emblem is from the family of the Duke of Brunswick. Did you do some service to the family? Was the cross a gift of appreciation?”
Darcy could see the elder gentleman was shocked. “Mr Bennet, can my cousin bring you some sort of relief for your current condition? A glass of port, perhaps?”
“No, no, I will be fine. Forgive me, there are very few people who know of the situation, and I have kept my secret for many years.”
“You do not need to elaborate on the matter, Mr Bennet. It was wrong of me to ask you.” Richard apologized.
“No, perhaps it is time others know of the situation. I will ask you to keep secret what I am about to tell you. Lizzy does not know the truth.”
Richard glanced at his cousin, and then back to Mr Bennet. “You have my word, as a trusted colonel in His Majesty’s army, not a word of this will be spoken without your permission.”
“And I can promise you to keep what you tell us a secret.” Darcy agreed. “Elizabeth is my natural daughter, but she is not the daughter of my wife. Nor is she a twin with Jane. They were born a few days apart. Elizabeth’s mother was the cousin of the Duke of Brunswick and Princess Augusta. She was cousin to Princess Caroline. I was deeply in love with Constance, Elizabeth’s mother. But before I could gain approval to marry Constance, Fanny Gardiner caused a situation which forced me into marrying her. You can ask Mr Gardiner, he will testify to the situation. Constance and I had anticipated our marriage, which did not come to be. I learned of Elizabeth’s birth and her mother’s death, when Elizabeth was brought to me. Fanny was expecting Jane, and I was able to convince the world that the girls are twins. They are both my daughters, and there are some similarities. Unfortunately, Fanny was far from pleased with the situation.”
“It was clear that Mrs Bennet was not fond of Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy stated, thinking back on all he had witnessed from his visit to their neighborhood.
“That is a huge understatement, Mr Darcy. My wife despises Lizzy. She will do anything possible to be rid of my beloved daughter. And that includes trying to marry her off to a man who is not worthy of Lizzy’s smiles, let alone her hand in marriage.”
“Has anything official been settled?” Darcy ask, his concern clearly etched on his expression. “No, but I would not be surprised to have my wife arrive here with a man who is interested in marrying my Lizzy. It is one of the reasons I sent Elizabeth to the Gardiners, and then insisted she leave London as quickly as she did. I would not put it past Fanny to set up another compromise, with Elizabeth being the one ruined in the process.”
Darcy thought for a few moments. “When your daughter and I are able, I suggest we travel to my estate. Once there, you can spend time with Miss Elizabeth, as you must wish to explain this news to her, before someone else does. If Mrs Bennet is willing to compromise Elizabeth to force her into a marriage, she would have no difficulties in telling her the tru
th of her parentage.”
“You are correct. All the way here, I went over and over how I should handle the situation. It is time Lizzy knows the truth. She deserves to know her mother’s family, and to be presented. Constance was a delightful lady, and her family has been holding many items for Elizabeth. Constance’s sister is still alive, and she lives in Scotland. She has longed to see Lizzy, and share her memories with my daughter.”
Richard looked at Darcy, seeing the determination in the set of his brow. “I agree, when Wills and Miss Elizabeth are able to travel, we should remove to Pemberley. If you wish to keep your wife and the suitor for Miss Elizabeth at bay, it is a perfect location. And it would be an ideal setting for Miss Elizabeth’s aunt to visit and make her acquaintance. The Gardiners are welcome there, as I am certain my cousin would tell you, if he were not in such deep thought at the moment.”
“Yes, yes, forgive me, Mr Bennet. My sister was already instructed to have the Gardiners stay at Pemberley, should they have traveled to Lambton rather than here. You and your daughters are welcome, and we can keep Mrs Bennet and any other…unwanted people from all of you.”
“It is a generous offer, Mr Darcy. I will speak with Lizzy and the Gardiners. If we were to accept, would you make me a promise?”
Darcy nodded his head. “If it is within my ability to do so.” “Elizabeth will be shocked when learning of her true mother. I ask that you give her time to come to terms with what she learns, before you make any attempt to court her.”
“I can accept that condition, Mr Bennet. I make you the promise to give Miss Elizabeth all the time she needs to accept what she is to learn. If she believes me to dislike her, perhaps seeing me at my home will be an easier way to come to know me for who I am, not the mask she has seen.”
Mr Bennet agreed. “You are correct. Allow her to see the true Mr Darcy of Pemberley. I believe it is time we all acted as the people we truly are. And that includes my daughter being the beloved daughter of Constance, rather than the despised daughter of Fanny.”
Chapter 8
“I insist on speaking with my husband
immediately.” Mrs Bennet declared to the innkeeper. “I have journeyed a great distance, and I demand on speaking with Mr Bennet this very moment. There is a wedding to arrange, and not a moment to delay.”
Mr Gardiner had been in the dining room when he heard his sister’s screeching voice. He quickly made his way into the lobby of the inn. “Fanny, what are you doing here?”
“Mr Leland is here to marry Elizabeth, so, of course, her sisters and I have come with him. You would not expect me to leave my daughter to marry without me.”
“Fanny, please, keep your voice down. It would be best if you join me in the dining room. Thomas is upstairs with Elizabeth, as she is injured. The physician is with them, so you will have to wait for them to finish before you can speak to him.”
“I should go up to the room, as I must insist the physician do all that is necessary for Elizabeth to marry Mr Leland today. He has even purchased a special license to marry her. Is that not wonderful?”
“There will be no wedding today, nor for some time to come. Elizabeth has been injured, and will require time to recover. And, according to what Thomas has told me, he did not approve a marriage to Mr Leland.”
“Oh, Mr Bennet is being silly. Mr Leland is a fine catch for Elizabeth.” Mrs Bennet took hold of Mr Leland’s arm. “He has a fine estate, nearly as fine as Longbourn. And he is wealthy. Quite a fine
arrangement for someone like Elizabeth.”
Mr Gardiner was in no mood to deal with his sister’s foolishness. “Mr Leland, I am certain the inn is filled, as our party has taken up most of the rooms. You might wish to find one of the inns which is not filled, to find a room for yourself. My sister and nieces will remain here, with our family. I am certain Jane will wish to be by her sister’s side.”
Mrs Bennet was not taking chances. “I am certain there will be room for Mr Leland to remain here, especially as he will wish to be near his bride.”
A voice bellowed out from the bottom of the stairs. “THERE WILL BE NO MARRIAGE BETWEEN ELIZABETH AND MR LELAND! I have told you multiple times that you will not win this argument and I mean it. You forced me into a marriage I did not wish, and have made me miserable for all these years. I will not allow you to do anything to destroy Elizabeth’s life.” Mr Bennet was furious. After twenty two years of enduring a loveless marriage to a woman he could not tolerate, the Master of Longbourn erupted with the force of a volcano.
“Mr Bennet, please, keep your voice down.” Mrs Bennet attempted to calm the situation. “We can speak in your room.”
“Elizabeth is resting in my room. I will not allow you to disturb her. Mr Leland, I am afraid you will be denied my daughter’s hand, and, if you were to ask for Jane’s, I would deny you as well. You have a reputation of being violent. My daughters are precious to me, and I will not allow them to be forced into a marriage to someone who will mistreat them.”
“I have never mistreated a lady, Sir. I resent you for such an accusation.” “Mr Leland, it matters not to me if you resent my words. I have it on good authority that you are abusive, and have been so with your previous wives. Mrs Long is still convinced her cousin did not die from falling down the flight of stairs, as you claimed.”
Mr Leland was furious. “I will not stand here and be maligned by the likes of you. Everyone knows you were a fool to be trapped into marrying this viper. It is shocking you have not learned of her own secrets, as most of the neighborhood is aware of her liaisons.”
Mrs Bennet was shocked. “How dare you malign my good name? I will not tolerate such lies being said about me.” She turned and walked into the dining room, leaving a stunned group of people in the lobby.
Lydia looked at everyone curiously. “You did not know? Good God, I saw her with Mr Jameson and again with Mr Banks. What a good laugh this is.”
~~ ** ~~ After taking his wife into the dining room, which was quickly vacated by the men who had traveled with Darcy and Richard, allowing Mr and Mrs Bennet, Mr Gardiner, Mr Leland, Jane and Lydia to have the room. Lydia was still chuckling over her father’s ignorance of the situation, for Lydia had known for some time. Jane was pale from learning of her mother’s behavior, and Mr Bennet was quick to move to her side, aiding her to a nearby chair.
Turning his attention to Mr Leland, Mr Bennet stood tall and proud. “What happens between my wife and myself is our matter, not yours. You will never be a member of my family, therefore, you are not required to remain here. If I were you, I would make myself scarce.”
“I have paid good money to bring your wife and daughters here, and paid for a special license. I will not leave here without my bride.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam had heard the uproar and slipped inside the dining room. “Sir, I believe Mr Bennet has given you his answer with regards to your desire to marry his daughter. It will not come to be, and you had best leave this establishment.”
“And who are you to make such decisions?” Mr Leland turned his ire towards the unknown man. “I am Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, and I will warn you, as a friend of Mr and Mrs Gardiner, and Mr Bennet and his daughter, I will not allow you to force your presence upon them any longer. If you are not willing to go on your own, I am more than happy to assist you on your way.”
“You do not scare me.” Mr Leland stated. “I will not be tossed away like a crust of moldy bread. I have invested time and money into securing the hand of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and I will have her as my wife.”
“I beg to differ, Mr Leland.” Richard announced, his hand on the hilt of his sword to further his determination. “Mr Bennet has made his point clear, and I will support his decision. If that requires me to remove you from this inn, I will do so.”
Mr Leland looked amongst everyone gathered in the room. Finally, disgusted and frustrated, Mr Leland gathered his belongings, which had been brought inside the lobby, and departed Liverpool. He was dete
rmined to ruin the Bennet family as soon as he arrived home. Everyone in the neighborhood would soon learn of Fanny Bennet’s infidelity.
With Mr Leland gone, Mr Bennet turned on his wife. “I may not be the best spouse, but, since our marriage, I have never dishonored my wedding vows. You forced me into this sham of a marriage, so you have no one but yourself to blame if you are unhappy.”
“You have treated me poorly, Mr Bennet, and I wished for comfort, even if I was required to look elsewhere. I will not accept any blame, you have been a horrible husband, always looking towards your precious Elizabeth, ignoring my beloved Lydia. You even prefer Elizabeth to Jane, who is the sweetest natured person in the world.”
“This is not the time or place to have this discussion, Fanny.” Mr Gardiner hissed at his sister. “You and Lydia will take the room Helen and I have been using. We will take the sitting room which is attached to Thomas’ bedchamber. Jane, I assume you will wish to spend time with Lizzy.”
Jane was still shocked by all that had happened. “Y…y…yes, Uncle. May I go up to her now?” Mr Bennet nodded his head. “Of course, my dear girl. I am certain Lizzy will be pleased to see you.” He placed a kiss on his daughter’s forehead. “I will take you up to see her.”
“I demand to see Elizabeth, for I insist we settle this matter of her marriage.” Mrs Bennet made to follow her husband.
“Elizabeth has been through an ordeal, and I will not have you disturbing her.” Mr Bennet glared at his wife. “You will not speak to her, enter the same room as her, write to her, or give anyone a message to Elizabeth from you. Do you hear me? You have given me the perfect excuse to divorce you. Do you wish to have your reputation destroyed? Do you wish to see your name trampled in the mud? I will not protect you. Whatever shame you bring down on your shoulders is yours with which to deal. I have no shame in the situation, as I made every attempt prevent our marriage. It was not until you tore your gown’s bodice and conveniently had your sister come in the room with your father, making it appear I had tried to take advantage of you, when I felt trapped. Your father was pleased to be rid of you, as he told me later. He knew what you had done, but he was more concerned with being shod of you than worrying of your reputation. Your father even told me that if it would not have affected your brother’s reputation, he would have told you that you were a fool and to accept any consequences for your behavior.”
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