by Kate Speck
William Darcy lifted the girl and spun her around in circles. “I missed you, too! You are still so slight, Lizzy! Georgiana is taller than you now, I think. She showed me the ponies and cannot wait to show off her riding skills when you come to Netherfield today.”
“It was the best feeling in the world to ride on Ghost and she is so intelligent. Although she doesn’t go as fast as when I ride on Snowflake with you, it is an incredible feeling to ride.” Lizzy shared as she inspected his face after pulling him to kneel down. “Did you learn much at Cambridge? You look like you lost some weight and have not been sleeping well. I told you that you have to eat your meals so you do not become ill, William!”
William spoke while Lizzy pinched both of his cheeks, “You fuss like an old woman, Lizzy.” He squeezed her cheeks in return. “You are still slight and it must be due to all of your adventures. I have a gift for you.” He let go and she released his face. He stood and walked over to his stallion and pulled out a wrapped package from his saddlebag. “This is your reward for all of your Latin translations. You did very well with the first one, missing only two, and your second sheet was perfect.” He handed her his gift.
Lizzy sat down on the ground to rip open the paper wrap. “It is a beautiful leather journal, William!” She excitedly exclaimed.
“It is for you to begin writing down some of your incredible adventures, Lizzy. I know you do not like to sit and write but perhaps you will be a great author someday and share some of your adventures with other young girls who wish for more than sewing and embroidering.”
“Thank you, William!” She embraced him. “I have a gift for you as well but it is at home. I must get it for you now. Will you take me home so we can fetch it first? Then I want to show you Ghost and how well I ride her.”
William smiled affectionately, “Certainly, Lizzy. Georgie is waiting for you and told me your Italian is getting along quite nicely. But I have something else to give you. I had it specially made for you knowing how small your hands are, but you must be careful with it. It is not dangerous but you might still hurt yourself or someone else if you do not take care.” He walked to the stallion again and pulled something from under the saddle. “Close your eyes, Lizzy, and lift up your palms to receive it.”
Lizzy enthusiastically shut her eyes tightly and raised her hands together.
William placed something cold and quite heavy on her hands and Lizzy stood still. “You can open your eyes now.”
Lizzy opened her eyes and gasped to find her palms holding a beautiful medieval-style dagger at about sixteen inches long with a round pommel and handguard made from strong bone. She held it up in awe as she pulled it out of the sheath and saw the shiny steel blade. “It is the most beautiful sword I could have ever imagined!”
William chuckled, “Considering how much imagination flows through your head, that is saying quite a lot! It is called a rondel dagger and is what a knight used as his second weapon. It is not sharpened, Lizzy, as you are not ready for it, but if you clobber someone with it, it will cause damage, so you are not to use it on anything but air, do you understand me?” He sternly warned her. “As soon as Mr. Bennet approves, I will also give you some sword fighting lessons so you know how knights handled their weapon. I had it made for you and even had your initials carved on the handle. See?” He pointed to the flat bottom of the pommel, “It says E.B.”
“E.B.?” Lizzy lifted an eyebrow.
“Yes, silly girl. For Elizabeth. I did not want Lydia getting an idea that it belongs to her later.” William laughed.
Lizzy giggled and placed the dagger back into its sheath. She jumped onto the young man and embraced him. “Thank you, my blood brother. I promise to be careful with it and will treasure this forever. Let’s go to Longbourn now. I want to show papa your gifts and fetch yours. It’s nothing compared to what you gave me but I hope you’ll like it. I missed you so much. You must tell me all about your adventures!”
The pair rode on Snowflake as they excitedly shared their news and made plans to ride their horses and enjoy the Yuletide season with their families.
~*~
“And how did Lizzy like your gifts, Fitzwilliam?” Mr. Darcy asked his son as they sat together in the library while the girls were continuing their lessons with Miss Carter. “Did she squeal in joy and thank you repeatedly?”
William chuckled, “You know her so well, papa. She was ecstatic and very appreciative of all that she was given. There is so much more I wish to give her and I am eager to teach her how to fence.” He rubbed his chin, “I wish she were a boy and could be my brother. She has a joy for life that I have not seen in anyone else and she could have been a fantastic sea-captain or philosopher or even a professor as a man. It is regrettable that she is a girl and will be limited in her choices, especially since she will never marry.”
“Her choices might be limited but she could become an author with a generous benefactor. There are plenty of female authors, even if it is frowned upon by most, and perhaps she will be the next Mary Wollstonecraft. Why do you suppose she will never marry, Fitzwilliam?” Mr. Darcy gently asked. “She is young yet but might prove herself to be a worthy wife to someone, someday. She might surprise us all, son.”
“I think not, father,” William shook his head. “Can you imagine her sitting in a drawing room with guests and serving tea? I cannot ever see her sitting demurely like her sister Jane, to entertain her neighbours and gossip about the latest fashions and table decorations. She will always be a hoyden and offend those who do not appreciate her and she will live out her life as a bluestocking.”
Mr. Darcy smiled, “And what type of ladies do you believe you will marry? Someone like Jane Bennet, perhaps?”
William laughed, “Not Jane but perhaps someone like her. She is too timid and we do not have any common interest. She is pretty for a little girl but she smiles too much. I wish for someone like mama; beautiful and wealthy with good connections. I wish to make you and mother proud by choosing someone worthy to be mistress of Pemberley someday.”
“And had you seen anyone who has turned your head at school?” His father asked. “You are young yet but will be of age to marry in three years. Anyone catch your eye to amuse yourself for a while?”
William coloured, “No, father. I have been concentrating on my studies and kept away from those influences that are against your teachings. I know many of my associates visit certain places for their pleasures but I do not wish to participate in such activities and risk dishonour or diseases for myself. I know it is common but I choose to be the anomalous.”
“Good, Good.” Mr. Darcy replied. “I know that ultimately, the choice is up to you, son, but I wish for you to think of your future and the consequences that immediate gratification might bring to yourself, your future wife, and even your future children. I am proud of you, no matter what, and I respect your decisions as a reputable gentleman. Your mama hopes for grandchildren, but not for another five to ten years!”
William pulled out the small book of sonnets that Lizzy had given him and traced the title with his fingertip. “She is special to me, father, and I hope you will not mind that I plan to take care of her like my own sister when she is older. Perhaps my future wife will be a good friend to her and help Lizzy accomplish her greatest wishes in life, whether in arts and sciences or writing and travelling the world. I hope Georgiana learns much of Lizzy’s free-spirit in order to enjoy life as she does, and I will not abandon my blood-brother to the opinions of the myopic society who cannot see her for the treasure that she is to us.”
“I feel the same way, Fitzwilliam. Your mother and I have ensured that she will be secure in her future and I am pleased to hear that you will care for our dear Lizzy. How quickly she has become one of our own is incredulous but she is a special young lady.” Mr. Darcy agreed. “Now, tell me more about your professors and tutors. I cannot believe that some of my old professors are still present! They must be positively ancient!”
Fa
ther and son continued to converse and soon, Lady Anne joined to sit together. Plans for Boxing Day at Pemberley and Netherfield were discussed and the Darcy family celebrated Christmas as they had not thought it possible only half a year ago. They knew one girl was indirectly responsible for their bliss and would never forget her in their hearts and minds.
Chapter 10
“Are you certain she is nearly recovered? I did not think it possible, given her illness for so many years.” The elderly man exclaimed as he sat drinking his tonic from a small glass. “Do you suppose there is a chance we might find a cure for our daughter? We can travel to Hertfordshire and hear for ourselves what has worked and if it might work for our daughter as well.”
The woman grumpily replied, “Of course the little princess gets everything she wants! She married the wealthiest gentleman in Derbyshire at eighteen years old, had their heir during the first year of their marriage, a daughter to follow, and of course does not die even after being ill for six long years. It is unfair, husband, that she gets everything she wishes and I so few.”
The older man grimly replied, “I thought you were satisfied to be here with me, Catherine. Rosings Park might not be as grand as Pemberley but it still brings in £6,000 per annum and is a prestigious estate in Kent.”
“Of course, I did not mean that I regret being married to my wonderful husband, Lewis. We have a lovely daughter together and I cannot be happier that you had chosen me to be your wife.” She attempted to assuage her husband of eighteen years. “I am only vexed that my sister Anne cannot be convinced to listen to reason when I try to tell her how perfect our Anne is for Fitzwilliam. Anne is now seventeen and officially out and would it not be wonderful if we were to secure her future by an alliance with the Darcys? I only wish for Anne’s happiness, my dear husband.”
Sir Lewis de Bourgh stood and took several paces in front of the fireplace. “Catherine, I know you have always been jealous of your sister and only married me after her marriage to Darcy because you were desperate. I may be twenty years older than you but do not think me an ignorant old man.” He sighed, “I married you for your dowry and for an heir and I admit that I have achieved both so I will not despair if I should leave this world soon. I am six and sixty and I know my time on earth is limited, but I love my dear daughter and wish for her comfort in the world. I know that Darcy is a good man and he had done much to support his wife through her illness, and now that she is better, I would like to invite him to Rosings for Easter next year so that he can assist me with our Anne and the estate. He had pledged his support if illness should befall me and would have reviewed the ledgers with my steward annually, but I would like his advice now, rather than after I pass to look over my estate.”
“What an excellent idea, Lewis! You know that I will be more than happy to host my dear sister and her family here, and if they bring Fitzwilliam to see Anne, he can be persuaded to marry his dear cousin to unite Pemberley and Rosings and we will become one of the most magnificent and respected family in the country.” Lady Catherine exclaimed. “You know I married you because you are a good man, Lewis. You are a good father to Anne and although I only wish I could have given you a son, I have been good to you, have I not?”
Sir Lewis calmed with his wife’s appeasement. “You have been a good wife, Catherine. When I had not known what would become of me after my first wife died, Darcy had been a good friend to me during the most difficult years and I cannot regret that I met you through Darcy’s friendship with your brother. You have been a good companion and gave me Anne when my first wife could not bear any children. I will invite Darcy and your brother Lord Matlock and their families for Easter and you may attempt to convince all you wish, but I doubt William will be persuaded to do anything that he does not wish. He is just like his father and will have the better of you if you are not careful.” He stood in front of his wife and sternly warned her. “Do not offend Darcy or your brother, Catherine. You may not have seen Darcy’s anger but he is fearsome and his good opinion, once lost, is lost forever. He is not a man of great wealth and power because he is a weakling. I saw him angry once and it was all I needed to never place myself on his bad side. And your brother adores his baby sister and will never forgive you either if you offend Lady Anne. Rosings Park is to go to Anne at my passing but you will be at their mercy if you wish to have any comforts later in life.”
Lady Catherine fretted as she wrung her handkerchief, “I do not understand why you cannot leave Rosings to me, Lewis! Anne is sickly and knows nothing of estate management. Could you not change your will somehow to leave the estate to me?”
“You know it is not possible, Catherine.” Sir Lewis chuckled, “With a woman managing my estate, my income will fall quickly and I know you will demand too much of my tenants. You like to spend more than what flows in and our coffers would dry up quickly. No, my dear wife; Anne will inherit as my flesh and blood and she cannot give you Rosings even if she wished. It must go to my offspring or a male heir and Darcy or Lord Matlock is to oversee its management with my heir. If I should pass soon and Anne does not marry, as I suspect she will not, I will give it to your nephew will inherit the estate when Anne turns five and twenty, unless she finds herself a husband who will become master. I have several contingencies for you and Anne to be secure, and I know your brother will be honourable and will keep my estate prosperous until his son is able to take over. I hope for a cure for our dear Anne but I am too sensible to be disillusioned and your future lies in gaining favour with your family, Catherine. As your sister writes that she is recovering well, I advise you to seek her help regarding our daughter and let go of your ambition to gain Pemberley.” Sir Lewis kissed his wife’s hand, “I will go and rest for a while now. Consider my words carefully, Catherine, and you will continue to have your comforts for the rest of your life.”
Sir Lewis, who had received his knighthood more than a quarter of a century ago for his services to the king, proudly walked away from his shrewish wife, feeling braver than he had felt in years, finally standing up for himself rather than allowing her to have her own way.
Lady Catherine fumed as she sat in irritation. After calling for her daughter’s companion, she snapped at Mrs. Jenkinson. “Tell me again, my daughter has not yet had her monthly courses?”
“No, ma’am.” Mrs. Jenkinson answered, “And given that she is now seventeen, it is unlikely that she will ever bear children. She is such a tiny thing and although a woman in age, she is still the size of a young girl, milady.”
Lady Catherine huffed, “Do not say one word of this to anyone else, Mrs. Jenkinson. No one is to know that Anne cannot have children, do you hear me? My nephew Fitzwilliam is deeply desirous to marry his beloved cousin and when he visits at Easter, he might wish to know her, in the Biblical sense, and you know how young men are so unrestrained when they are in the throes of their passion.”
Mrs. Jenkinson gasped at the ladyship’s implication. “But you cannot allow...”
“You will assist me in getting Anne into my nephew's bed and will not say one word to Sir Lewis or anyone else about this, Mrs. Jenkinson. I will ensure that you are jailed or shipped off to the colonies if you betray me by reporting you to the magistrate for theft, and your life will be over.” Lady Catherine threatened. “I hired you last year to care for my daughter after your husband died and left you desolate. You are only three and twenty and have a long life ahead of you, Mrs. Jenkinson, and you would not wish to spend the rest of it in prison now, do you? I pay your wages and your job is to provide the best care for my daughter and my daughter needs to marry Fitzwilliam Darcy. Remember that I am the mistress here and you will obey me.”
Mrs. Jenkinson fearfully nodded and departed the room as soon as she was dismissed.
Lady Catherine sat on her grand chair to consider her plans to entrap her nephew in a compromise and to convince Mr. Darcy and her sister that their spoiled son took advantage of her daughter’s weakened state. Her plans would work and she c
ould nearly taste her victory in gaining entrance to the grandest estate in all of Derbyshire.
~*~
“I received a letter from Lewis de Bourgh, Anne.” Mr. Darcy waved his letter at his wife, “and your sister has sent you one as well.” He handed her the sealed letter. “If yours is like mine, it is an invitation to Rosings for Easter and your brother’s family is invited also. Shall we make the journey for a reunion?”
Lady Anne smiled as she browsed her sister’s letter, “I am pleased to see you actually excited about seeing Catherine, George. Perhaps she might finally convince you that William and Anne are destined for each other and their union has been planned since they were in their cradles?”
Mr. Darcy laughed heartily and kissed his wife, “With your health improved and our future brighter, I am happy to go wherever you go, my love. Your sister is preposterous but I would like to see Lewis and Henry again. You know that Lewis has been a good friend for many years and he feels indebted to me for his knighthood all those years ago. He met his wife through Henry and me, I am so sorry for that,” Lady Anne laughed, “but he adores his daughter and has named his dear nephew as his heir if young Anne never marries. You would like to see your brother and his family, would you not? Henry is one of my dearest friends and he will certainly attend if we agree to travel to Rosings for a fortnight. Robert will bring his heir and Richard will look dashing in his uniform. Fitzwilliam reveres his older cousins and will wish he were in the army himself when he sees the Major.”
Lady Anne smiled, “Fitzwilliam will be entertained by Richard and Robert will be happy to show off his son, but I am concerned for Georgie, my dear. She will despise having to sit with my niece Anne, who has no conversation and very few interests at seventeen years of age. Georgie, being six years old, reads, rides, and plays the pianoforte better than poor Anne, who has been sickly all of her life. I know she has always been small and tires easily but Catherine should not have coddled her to such an extent and I feel sorry for her.”