Imperative: Volume 2, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice

by Wells, Linda

  “A day or two?” Mrs. Shaw snorted. “Six months is more like it.”

  “They will be back at home by then.” Mrs. Duncan said thoughtfully.

  “Mrs. Shaw, have you the wreath? If we are to hang one, it should not be down for long.” Parker asked from the doorway.

  “Yes, Mr. Parker.” She hurriedly came forward. “I do not expect many visitors, though.”

  “Neither do I, but they will be warned if they approach the house.” He looked to Mrs. Duncan. “Do we have anything to serve them?”

  “Mr. Parker, I do know my business.”

  He smiled at her affront. “I had to ask. By the way, you will want to stock your larder, we will be receiving houseguests. Mr. Darcy just informed me.”

  “Guests?” Mrs. Shaw stopped her progress out to the hallway. “Who? How many?”

  “One at first, but ultimately it will be four. Colonel Fitzwilliam, you have already met, and Mr. Darcy’s uncle, Judge Darcy, his wife and son. I have no idea how long they are staying as yet.”

  “Are they bringing servants with them?” Mrs. Shaw demanded.

  “I am certain they will, at least a valet and a lady’s maid.” Tilting his head, he regarded her. “Is that a problem?”

  “A problem? That is six more mouths to feed! And only one girl to do the cleaning? We will have to bring in another maid, and a footman!”

  “No, we will be just fine with what we have. We cannot expose Miss Cargill to any other outsiders. The people who are coming are well aware of the situation.”

  “I will be doing nothing but emptying chamber pots all day. And carrying water. And cooking …” Amy sighed.

  “Perhaps we can bring in Ben from the stables to help out. He is not very busy. And of course, we will keep up with the dusting along with our other duties.” Smiling kindly at her, Parker took the wreath from Mrs. Shaw and continued out to the door.

  “He did not even ask me if I thought it was a good idea.” Mrs. Shaw stared.

  “Mr. Parker is not pleased with you.” Mrs. Duncan said shrewdly. “Don’t think that your critical looks at Judy go unnoticed.”

  “I have no idea what you are talking about.” She huffed and rolled up the rest of the unused black ribbon. “I am going to see to the guest rooms.” She turned and left the kitchen.

  Mrs. Duncan rolled her eyes and seeing Amy smiling, gave her a tap on the shoulder. “Enough of that my girl, don’t let those rabbits burn.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Duncan.” She quickly started turning the spit again and jumped when they heard the bells ringing for the front door. “Who could that be?”

  “A MINISTER?” Darcy’s brow creased when he heard the name of the visitor.

  Parker nodded from the drawing room door. “He wishes to bring comfort.”

  “He is likely a busy body.” Darcy mumbled and looked to Elizabeth when she admonished him by tapping his foot with her slipper. “Do you want to speak to him, dearest?”

  “Of course.” She stood and smoothed her hands over her skirt. “He is kind enough to pay a call.”

  “Of course.” Darcy looked to Parker and with a sigh, nodded. When he left, he looked to his sister, “Georgiana, I am sorry to have to ask you to leave.”

  “I understand.” She tried to push up from her chair, but Darcy was immediately there to help her to stand. “I was feeling sleepy anyway.”

  Watching her go, Darcy’s brow creased and he met Elizabeth’s concerned eyes. “She seems further along than we suppose, or am I incorrect?”

  “I am no expert in this, Will. But I suspect it is true. Aunt Susan will be here in a week or so, she will know far better than we.” She saw him biting his lip and turned when they heard boots upon the stairs.

  “Reverend Campbell of the Crossroads Presbyterian Church.” Parker announced and bowing; retreated.

  “Reverend, I am Fitzwilliam Darcy and this is my wife, Elizabeth. How may we help you, today?”

  The minister saw Darcy’s black armband, but he focussed on Elizabeth, dressed pleasantly in dove-gray silk. A black shawl lay casually over the back of the sofa. “I am not certain. The postman mentioned noticing a new mourning wreath hanging on the door yesterday, and I have come to offer my services.”

  Darcy nodded slowly, “That is kind sir; however, you should know that we are Anglicans …”

  “Of that I have no doubt, sir, knowing this is not your primary residence and noting your steady absence from my services since your arrival in the neighbourhood.” He raised his brows when the couple exchanged glances, “But death knows no boundaries, and if some spiritual comforting is wanted, I am willing to cross the great divide.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “My goodness, you make it sound as if we have a moat around the house.”

  “Well, it would come in handy knowing the history of your sect in these parts. But in the end, we all make the same affirmation of faith.” He smiled and took the chair Elizabeth offered. “So, there has been a death? May I ask who has passed?”

  “My father, Reverend Campbell. He was ill for a long time, and it comes as a relief to know he is at peace. It is his request that I not hide away in black for his sake when he will never see me again to appreciate the gesture. I will wear it publicly to respect the social rules, but in my own home, I will respect my father’s wishes.”

  “You are perceptive, Mrs. Darcy.”

  “I can see as well as you can, sir. I have felt your examination. The eyes are windows to the soul, are they not?” She tilted her head and he laughed.

  “So they say. But usually I am the one who is best at reading them.”

  Darcy said quietly, “I imagine you see a great deal of people in black in your profession, sir.”

  “It is my lot to serve those at the end of their lives.” Mr. Campbell studied the reserved man. “However they are offset by the joyous occasions, weddings, christenings, births …” He noticed an uncomfortable shift in Darcy’s shoulders and wondered if the couple had suffered any losses. To that end he looked to Elizabeth. “However, I hope that should you feel the need, Mrs. Darcy, you know that you are welcome in our sanctuary.”

  “I appreciate your kind offer, Reverend, I do. However, I have found peace with my father’s loss.”

  “Very well, then.” He slapped his palms upon his knees. “Forgive my intrusion …”

  “Mr. Campbell.” Darcy’s deep voice interrupted. “Beyond your obvious dedication to your faith and your flock, am I incorrect in assuming that your visit today was also an opportunity to … peek inside of Sommerwald?”

  “Mr. Darcy!” Elizabeth stared at him. “Mr. Campbell, please excuse my husband …”

  “No, no, Mrs. Darcy.” Mr. Campbell held up his hand and held Darcy’s gaze. “Before you get your back up, I will say that your husband is as perceptive as you. The entrance of the true Master of Sommerwald into the neighbourhood has been the subject of much gossip and speculation.”

  “I wonder what you will tell the curious neighbours you found?” Darcy asked.

  Leaning back in his chair, Mr. Campbell crossed his arms. “I wonder what answer you are seeking.” Darcy’s eyes bore into him and he said thoughtfully, “I sense that you want to be called … unremarkable.”

  “Why is that?” Darcy watched him.

  “Because you do not wish to attract attention. If you did, you would be joining in the limited society we have here. The one that is so very curious about you.” Elizabeth’s eyes closed and the minister nodded. “What is your trouble, Mr. Darcy?”

  “Does it make a difference how one is christened?” Darcy asked out of the blue. Elizabeth looked at him questioningly when Mr. Campbell sat up. “If a child is born away from his home church, is it not most important that he be christened should the worst befall him? Could he not always be christened once more when he arrives safely at home?”

  “I … I have never considered such a question.” Rubbing his chin, he studied the couple. “I assume that you are speaking of yourselves?
If that is so, Mrs. Darcy is not far along at all. Surely you will be able to journey to your home long before a child is due to arrive?”

  “My dear wife … is not carrying a child.” He took Elizabeth’s hand and their fingers entwined. Their suspicions had been dashed upon waking. She looked up at him sadly and raising her hand to his lips, kept his eyes on hers. “But we have very great hopes. Do you know of a midwife we might consult for advice?”

  “You are surely newly married, Mr. Darcy. It will come in time.” He watched them and smiled, “Do you know how wonderful it is to meet sincerity in a marriage?”

  “How could you know that by just looking at us?” Elizabeth said softly.

  “Your husband is stroking your wedding band, Mrs. Darcy. And your blush shouts your feelings to the world.” He drew a breath and clasped his hands. “A midwife? My sister happens to be one, but she lives in Gretna Green. She has a brisk business in babies born of heavy mothers hoping to make the babes legitimate before it is too late. They say their vows and fall into bed. She has even had a baby’s head crowning as the blacksmith pronounced them married.” He sighed and shook his head. “But at least it saves them. These girls are so naive …”

  “You do not condemn them?”

  “I do not condone them, but I have compassion. My brother, the heir to our father’s small estate, has several natural children. Of course the mothers and children were ruined where he was free to be the idiot he is.” He saw the Darcys exchanging glances. “I am sorry if I offended …”

  “No, no, not at all, sir.” Darcy spoke quickly. “Not at all.”

  “Elizabeth … Oh, forgive me, I did not realize you had company.” Richard bowed at the doorway. “I should have known Parker was following me closely for a reason!”

  “Richard.” Darcy sighed and stood as Mr. Campbell and Elizabeth did. “Reverend Campbell, this is our cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

  “Not anymore.” He bowed. “I am merely a gentleman now.”

  “Fitzwilliam. Ahh yes, I heard Miss Kelly mentioning you to her mother as they were leaving church the other day.” He saw Richard’s eyes widen. “Interesting. Will you be in the area for long, sir?”

  “I … I do not know.” He bit his lip. “Did Miss Kelly say anything in particular … sir?”

  “Something about the colour of your eyes, I believe.” Darcy repressed a smile as the minster winked. “Well, I see that you are freshly arrived and I do not want to be in the way of guests.” Turning to Darcy, he bowed. “Sir, if there is any service I may provide for you, simply ask.”

  “I will; thank you.”

  “Mrs. Darcy, bless you and your family during this difficult time.” He took her hands and closed his eyes for a moment of prayer and smiling, let go.

  “Thank you, let me show you to the door.” Elizabeth glanced at Richard and smiling at his continued dumbfounded expression, left the room.

  “Who was that?”

  “You were just introduced, you idiot.” Darcy shook his hand and the men embraced. He peered into Richard’s eyes. “hmm. Nothing remarkable there. That must have been what they were discussing. The dullness she perceived within.”

  “Hey!”

  “Port?” He opened a decanter and smiled.

  “Oh, well yes, of course.” Richard sidled up to him. “Who was he?”

  “He may be the solution to our problems. His sister is a midwife, and he has a brother with a penchant for ruining girls.”

  “Good Lord, we need a midwife! I forgot about that.”

  “I only remembered this morning, so do not kick yourself. Of course Elizabeth probably was already feeling out the subject and I have ruined her plans.”

  “How is she?”

  He hesitated and hearing her approach, said softly, “Ask her.” Darcy raised his glass when she came to the door.

  “How are you, dear?” Richard smiled and taking three steps, set down his glass and wrapped her up tightly in his arms.

  “Dear?” Darcy growled.

  “Ignore him. He sounds like a bear.” Richard muttered and kissed her cheek. Elizabeth laughed and he let go. “What did I say?”

  “Nothing, Richard.” Kissing his cheek, she squeezed his hand. “I have not seen much of Miss Kelly this past week, but she asks after you often.”

  “She does?” He looked down at his boots. “Now what do I do?”

  “Take a bath.” Elizabeth turned him towards the door and gave him a push. “You cannot court a lady smelling of horse.”

  “No wonder I have always failed up to now.” Retrieving his glass, he downed the drink and saluted them. “Georgiana …”

  “Napping.” Darcy smiled.

  “Then a bath it is.” He looked between the two of them. “May I say, it is good to be home?” Giving them a wink, he turned and headed up the stairs to his bedchamber.

  They listened to his boots thumping along and Elizabeth laughed. “He is a bull in a china shop.”

  “Yes.” Darcy sighed. “And he is here.” He looked at her sadly. “Will we never have our honeymoon?”

  “Yes.” Elizabeth stood on her toes and slipping a hand around the back of his neck, drew his head down to hers and kissed him. They both sighed and as Darcy leaned in to kiss her again, she whispered, “And I promise you, Fitzwilliam Darcy, its celebration will be all the more rewarding for the moments we steal.”

  “WE WILL NOT BE LONG, DEAR” Darcy leaned to kiss Elizabeth as he stood from the breakfast table.

  “Only a moment, I know, I know.” She smiled. “I believe that as much as I believe you are likely to play for me tonight after dinner.”

  “Is that a challenge?” He said with a slow smile as her brow arched. “Because I will take it on, if there is a prize for me, too.”

  “Here we go.” Richard put his napkin down and nodded to Georgiana as he rose to his feet. “What do you think he will demand?”

  “I hardly know.” She looked between the couple. “Something awful.”

  “My sister’s confidence notwithstanding …” Darcy cleared his throat and looked back to his wife, “I demand that you sing.”

  “Oh, Will.” Elizabeth said softly and looked down.

  “Shall we shake on it?” He offered his hand and tilting his head, caught her eye.

  His silent nudging did the trick and she lifted her chin. “No. It is not a fair challenge. You will enter the study, and immediately turn around, declaring your discussions finished just to achieve your desire.”

  “Would I do that?” Smiling, he let his hand drop and squeezed her shoulder when she nodded. “Very well. I will just be left to think of something else.”

  “Go on. Get to work.” Elizabeth gave him a little shove. Richard bent to kiss her and exasperated, she pushed him away before he even approached her cheek. “You, too!”

  “What did I do?” He cried as he stumbled a bit.

  “You are in league with him!” She waved her hand at Darcy. “Go!”

  “Such a kind, welcoming hostess, your wife is.” Richard grumbled and fixing his coat followed Darcy out the door. “She will be the talk of the ton.”

  “I have done that already.” Elizabeth called after them. “They found me charming.”

  “Charming.” Richard laughed. “According to Mother they found her curious.” Darcy stared and he shrugged. “She does not fit the mould, Cousin. But she assuredly held her own and won over a fair few of them.”

  “But not all.”

  “Of course not. Did I tell you that Cathy was so taken with her that she attempted to copy her hair style?”

  “The little hypocrite. Elizabeth won over more than a few of her equals if your sister was trying to emulate her.” Darcy settled into his chair and watched his cousin prowl the room. “What are you doing? I thought that we were to talk estate business. If I am to watch you wander in silence, I would much rather return to Elizabeth and win my bet.”

  “You will win that bet only if Elizabeth wants you to.” He st
opped and clasping his hands behind his back, he looked out at the garden. “As much as I appreciate your great advice and knowledge, and certainly all that you have done over the past month on Matlock’s behalf … I did make this journey for a particular purpose.”

  “Ah. Besides emptying my wine cellar and interrupting what can only laughingly be labelled a honeymoon.”

  Richard stiffened, and then turned. “Come with me. Come with me to the Kellys’.”

  “Why would I do that?” Darcy rested his elbows on the desk and laced his fingers. “If anything, it is their turn to visit me, as I was last at their home for the hunt. I suppose that they are waiting for an invitation,” Richard looked at him expectantly, “but, of course, we are in mourning and will not be entertaining.” The deep sigh reverberated around the room. “Which is why I am surprised that the ladies of the house have not come calling to pay their condolences yet. If the good reverend knows, surely the Kellys do as well.”

  “They were probably going to interview him first to see if they would be welcome.” He began pacing again. “That is what Mother would do; find out the lay of the land before entering the new territory.”

  “Must everything have a ring of military strategy to it?” Darcy laughed.

  “Please come with me.”

  “Were you not, until very recently, a colonel in His Majesty’s army?”

  “Yes, yes …”

  “Have you lost more below the waist besides your sword?” Richard spun around and Darcy raised his voice, “You have been in battle! What is so different about calling on a woman?”

  “I have never engaged a woman before.”

  “Balderdash!” Darcy cried. “How many dozens of skins did I give you at Christmas, and how many sheep died to satisfy your proclivity over the years?”

  “Darcy!” Richard hissed and looked at the door.

  “Do not tell me you are suddenly shy? Not after I was forced to endure your ribbing for years about my reluctance to avail myself of easy women?”