“How many brooches did he have at that time?”
“I found five in a box in his room, though it also contained a receipt for twenty. They could have been elsewhere.”
Richard’s curiosity grew as he watched William run his hand over his face nervously.
“However, there is another development that will make this affair much harder for Andrew to escape. After we finished our conversation, Lord Warren came into the room. He related that he is a distant cousin to Harrington, and now that he has been apprised of the situation, he has pledged his full support to Miss Harrington. He also made it plain that he expects me to use whatever pressure I must to make Andrew behave like a gentleman.”
“That does not bode well. Lord Warren wields tremendous power in the House of Lords, in addition to being an expert shot and swordsman. As to making Andrew act like a gentleman, I do not know if that is possible.”
“My cousin has no earthly idea what he has set in motion. If he does not marry Miss Harrington, regardless of anything I might do, there will be terrible repercussions.”
“I apologise, Darcy. I have let you down and exposed you to Lord Warren’s ire! I had no idea that Andrew was calling on Miss Harrington. The last report I received stated that he had been in London for the last eight months. When could he have returned to Manchester?”
“Heaven only knows, but please do not assume the blame. Your reports have helped me tremendously. I am at fault for believing he could change his ways. Not hearing from any enraged fathers in almost a year and a half gave me leave to think I had some influence on him.”
“Do you regret not summoning Andrew to face Mr. Harrington with you?”
William stood, placing his empty cup on the coffee tray. “To be honest, I am grateful that Andrew is not aware of our meeting. I would not have wanted the distraction of hearing him interrupt to swear that he has done nothing wrong.”
“That I can readily understand; in his eyes he is always blameless. Just remember, Andrew has plenty of ears and eyes in London and will know of your meeting ere long. You will have to locate the scoundrel soon or he shall vanish into thin air, just as he always does when he is caught in a scandal.”
“Ironically, I received this mere minutes ago.” He held up the express. “It went to Pemberley and my steward forwarded it here, per my instructions. I thought it was from Charles, but as it turns out, it is from Miss Bingley. She writes that Andrew is staying at Netherfield even as we speak.”
“And her purpose in breaking with propriety and risking Charles’ ire to write directly to you?”
“To warn me that Elizabeth Bennet has designs on Andrew, though I am inclined to believe it is the other way around.”
“What shall you do? Surely you will not allow him to practice his trickery on that lady, even if she is not your choice?”
“I would never wish that on any woman. I leave for Netherfield tomorrow to inform Andrew of Mr. Harrington’s connections to Lord Warren and the fact that he has stirred up a hornet’s nest. Afterward, I shall insist he do the honourable thing and marry the woman.”
“I am not sure that Miss Harrington would be better off married to that cad.”
“Neither am I, but I have no choice. There is no other way to salvage her reputation, and her father insists. I cannot say I would act any differently.”
“And should Andrew refuse?”
“If he refuses, he will not only face the wrath of her relations, he shall never receive another farthing from me—either in allowance or the inheritance left in my power. If he survives any challenges, he shall live on what his estate provides—less than three hundred pounds a year.”
“I fear what he may do if you stand firm,” Richard stated. “I have friends among some retired Bow Street Runners, and they would make excellent guards. Outfit them as footmen and station them on your vehicles. It would serve you to be better protected, at least for the present.”
“I do not like his attitude, but I do not think Andrew capable of murder. He is simply lazy and self-indulgent.”
“A lazy, self-indulgent man with no means of support is a threat. Mark my words. Let me arrange for at least two Runners to work for you until we are sure that your cousin will not try to retaliate.”
“If it will ease your mind, I shall do as you ask, but only after I return from Netherfield. Dare I hope that you will come with me?”
“I would be delighted, but the general expects me to be in the office for the next three days.”
“I understand. Will you reside here until I return?”
“Where else can I enjoy the best accommodations and food without being chastised for everything I say or do?”
“Then it is settled. You shall stay here, and I shall return as soon as possible. When I do, perhaps we can ride out to the estate I purchased for Andrew’s castoffs to inspect the improvements. They are awaiting my approval to finish more renovations.”
“That suits me,” Richard replied, his mood lifting. “Now suppose we have a game of billiards to get your mind off all this unpleasantness?”
“I do not think I could—”
“Oh, come now, Cousin!” Richard chided. “You need something to occupy you instead of brooding as you normally do.”
William sighed. “If you insist, then what say we wager a pound a game to make it interesting?”
“That is just like you!” Richard said as he stood to place his empty cup on the tray and stretched, reaching towards the ceiling. “Feed me so many biscuits I cannot lean over a billiards table comfortably, then place bets on the game!”
“I did not tell you to eat all those biscuits! Besides, you have beaten me half-drunk before. A few biscuits should not spoil your game!”
As they departed the library, Richard put an arm around his cousin’s shoulder as they continued down the hall. “Let us make it a crown for the first four games. And if I am not winning by then, we will dismiss with bets entirely.”
PEMBERLEY
The noise from a team of horses and huge carriage circling the gravel on the drive in front of Pemberley drew Mrs. Reynolds’ attention. Quickly leaving off her inspection of the library, she moved to a window to peek through the heavy, gold damask curtains. She was not surprised to see the carriage door swing open and Captain Fitzwilliam step down. She watched him carefully guide his wife to the ground. He looks after her as though she were a delicate flower, she thought.
Following their progress up the steps, something suddenly became obvious—Olivia Fitzwilliam looked completely exhausted even though the couple had slept late, and it was only early afternoon. A sudden realization came to the elderly housekeeper. She had seen this woman similarly affected numerous times since the Fitzwilliams had come to Pemberley. Rushing into the foyer, she managed to stop short and appear to have been standing there all along as they turned from giving Mr. Walker their coats.
“Mrs. Fitzwilliam,” she began, “if you will forgive me, you do not look well. Should I send for Mr. Camryn? His office is in Lambton. In fact, you may have met him already. Mr. Darcy places great faith in his abilities.”
Recalling the tall, slender, white-haired physician, her husband answered straightaway. “Indeed, we have had the pleasure of meeting him. He came by to care for Livy’s aunt during our visit with her. And while we thank you for your concern, his help will not be necessary.” He smiled. “I can assure you that all is well.”
Though not convinced, Mrs. Reynolds knew that she could not force their guests to see a physician; however, she worried what Mr. Darcy would think if something happened to his aunt while in her care. “Perhaps a cup of tea or a scone, then? May I have Cook send you up a tray?”
Joseph shook his head, already helping his wife towards the staircase. “You are most kind, Mrs. Reynolds. But I think that what my wife needs most at this moment is a nap.”
“Certainly! I shall send a maid up immediately to assist.”
Her dark-blue eyes glowing with warmth, Ol
ivia Fitzwilliam stopped walking to reply. “You are so kind. Please do not think I expect a lady’s maid, though Mrs. Kelly is most accomplished. I fear it is too much for her to take me on, as I am only a visitor here.”
“I assure you that Mrs. Kelly has expressed her joy in being asked. She was Lady Anne’s lady’s maid for many years and has missed the duties she performed.”
“She does not attend Miss Georgiana?”
“Miss Darcy has her own lady’s maid, who accompanied her to Town.”
Olivia smiled gratefully. “Then I shall appreciate her help.”
As soon as she finished speaking, the couple began to walk up the grand staircase. They were focused on that task and did not see Mrs. Reynolds’ observation of their progress.
I wonder if Mr. Darcy suspects how ill Mrs. Fitzwilliam is. Is it my place to mention it?
IN A GUEST ROOM
Joseph Fitzwilliam watched as Olivia, sitting on a small settee, bent over to remove her short, brown walking boots. Instantly, he was on his knees in front of her, finishing the job.
“What have I asked you a thousand times, Livy? Let me help you! I thought you were going to wait for the maid.”
“I only meant to remove my boots. My feet are aching.”
As he pulled first one and then the other offending object off her feet, he noted that they were swollen, and he began to massage them gently. His actions caused her head to fall back against the cushions of the settee.
“Mmm. That feels so good.”
“Olivia, are you sure you do not want Mr. Camryn summoned? After all, you have had more frequent episodes of breathlessness since we arrived.”
“Joseph darling, no physician can help my fatigue. You know what Mr. O’Brien said when last I saw him in Dublin. The influenza I had as a child weakened my lungs, and now that I am older, I will simply have to rest more. The episodes, as you call them, are the result of all the travelling we have done lately. I should have taken your advice and rested for a few days after we arrived. Instead, I was so impatient to see everyone that I rushed headlong into making calls.” She reached to cup his face before pulling him forward to plant a gentle kiss on his lips. When she pulled back, her blue eyes twinkled with mirth. “To ease your worries, I shall rest all day tomorrow. Will that make you happy?”
Smiling at the woman he loved more than life, he willed his eyes not to tear. “You make me happy, Livy, you alone.” Sitting down next to her, he pulled her into a tight embrace and laid his head atop hers.
How shall I survive without her?
At Joseph’s request, Mr. O’Brien had not told Olivia the truth of her situation. Her lungs were not the problem; it was her heart. The kindly, old physician had given her one year to live—perhaps two, if they were fortunate. Not wishing to burden his wife with that prospect, Joseph had requested that she be kept uninformed.
“Will you lie down, too, and hold me for a while?”
Her soft voice penetrated his thoughts, and he kissed her hair. Unable to be sure that his voice would not break, he nodded without speaking. At that very moment there was a knock on the door.
“Come,” Olivia called.
The door opened and Mrs. Kelly stepped inside. Joseph managed to keep his voice steady. “I shall return in a few minutes, sweetheart.”
Olivia smiled her agreement, while he left in order for the lady’s maid to help her undress. Needless to say, he was grateful for the opportunity to gain control of his emotions. The last thing Joseph wished to do was break down in her presence. She might suspect that he was hiding something, and that would never do.
You are tenacious when you think I am not being totally honest. Would you hate me if you knew what I am hiding now?
Shaking his head as though to rid it of the spectre of her disappointment, he continued into the sitting room that adjoined the bedroom they shared. Seeing a book of poetry on the table, he sat down in the chair next to it and occupied himself by reading until the maid had finished. Hearing the door shut on her way out, he quietly walked back into the room.
Olivia was already in bed, her eyes closed. Taking off his coat, waistcoat and boots, he joined her, slipping behind her and pulling her tightly to his chest.
She sighed, murmuring, “There you are. I cannot sleep without you.”
He kissed her hair. “Nor I you, my darling.”
Forcing himself to think only of the present, Joseph fell asleep with her in his arms, just as he had every day that he was not at sea since the day they had wed.
Chapter 6
Meryton
Early Morning
As he rode into town, Charles Bingley was astonished to see his best friend’s coach stopped in front of the blacksmith’s shop. One horse was free of the traces and the smithy was working on that animal’s shoe. Suddenly, he saw William round the corner from the main street.
“Darcy!” Bingley shouted, kicking his horse in that direction. When he reached his friend, he effortlessly dismounted the stallion and grabbed William’s hand, pumping it with great enthusiasm.
“Darcy, old man! Good to see you again! What brings you back to Meryton? Did you forget your favourite hound? Seems I saw a few new dogs the last time I went shooting, though I have so many I can never be sure.”
“I assure you that I have not lost any of my hounds.”
“Then I am perplexed. I thought you were anxious to be rid of me and my problems when you left for Pemberley?”
“I was not eager to be rid of you,” William said patiently. “I was eager to return to Pemberley. There were matters that required my attention, and I had done all that you asked. I felt there was no need to delay and thought you understood.”
“That was what you said, but you and I both know that was not the only reason you departed like a man possessed,” Bingley said with a chuckle. “I swear you were intrigued by Miss Bennet’s sister and most likely intimidated, as well.”
“I was certainly not intrigued by Elizabeth Bennet nor has any woman ever intimidated me!”
“Who said it was her sister Elizabeth?” Now Bingley smiled widely. “It could have been any of her sisters.”
“If you would use your head, Charles, you would realise that I have never met any of Miss Bennet’s sisters, save Miss Elizabeth.”
Bingley rubbed his chin, looking thoughtful. “Well, I was correct when I said that you left Meryton as if your horse’s tail was ablaze!”
William stiffened. “Whether you believe it or not, my explanation is the truth!”
“Have it your way,” Bingley smirked, though he pursed his lips to keep from smiling outright. “So, tell me, why have you returned with no notice?”
“I returned in part because I received this,” William pulled the letter from Caroline from the pocket of his coat, offering it to his friend. Bingley’s brow furrowed as he took the proffered document, opened it and began to read.
“What in the devil!” he exclaimed as his eyes flew to William’s. “I had no idea she sent this! I told her I would not get involved in her scheme to call you back. Wait until I... ”
William grasped his shoulder. “I believe you, but Caroline’s impropriety is not the purpose of my visit.”
Bingley’s expression darkened. “Then why are you here?”
“Andrew.”
“I see. And from your mood, it must involve another unpleasant situation.”
“It does, and it is imperative that I find him before he realises I am here. Is he still at Netherfield?”
“At present he is, but he might as well be staying at an inn for all that I see of him. He comes and goes as he pleases—sometimes he is away overnight, other times he may be gone for days before he returns.”
“I apologise for his behaviour. I know you only tolerate him for my sake.”
“I hate to agree, but it is true. You know I have never been fond of him.”
William reached to grasp Charles’ shoulder. “You are a good friend.”
“I a
m only repaying your kindness. Now, is there a way that I can help?” Charles tilted his head towards the horse being shoed. “It would seem that you are in need of transportation at the moment.”
“Could I impose upon you to wait for the coach whilst I borrow your horse?”
Charles held out the reins. “Done! And, if you go straight to Netherfield, you should find Andrew still in bed. My butler informed me that he returned in the early morning hours. I imagine he will sleep until late this afternoon if no one wakes him.”
“Oh, I shall wake him. Of that you can be certain.”
“Are you sure you do not want to wait until we can go together?”
“There is no need. Andrew is not stupid enough to oppose me too strongly. After all, I control his living; but there is one more thing I would ask of you.”
“Anything.”
“First, I would like one of your men to follow Andrew the rest of the time he is in Meryton. I am convinced that he will see it is in his best interests to return to Manchester, but until he does, I want to know where he goes.”
“I see no problem with that, and I know just the man. Tell Mercer that I wish for Starnes to follow Andrew. He will see to it.”
“Good. I shall reimburse you for his wages whilst he follows my cousin. Now, I have one other request.”
“You have only to ask.”
“I would like to keep my presence at Netherfield a secret from Caroline for as long as possible. So if I finish with Andrew before she awakens, I will spend the rest of the day in my room. Other than visiting with you, should you wish it, I will read and rest.”
“If you do not awaken Caroline when you and Andrew have your talk, I see no reason it will not work. When she comes down to break her fast, I shall send her and Louisa into Meryton to visit the seamstress in order to pick out materials for new curtains. She has asked me repeatedly to replace the ones downstairs, so that should keep her occupied most of the day. I have no doubt that Mr. Mercer and Mrs. Watkins will be happy to keep your secret. Just ring for a tray whenever you are ready.”
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 9