“Nonetheless, I did not want you to think that I had not tried my best to get here on time, knowing that you would be in attendance.”
“Actually, when last we talked, you said that you would return the day before yesterday.”
“Hmmm, I do not remember saying that.”
“I am surprised that you remembered this party, given that you travel so much.”
“I remember everything that has to do with you.”
Elizabeth was about to reply when a group of people tried to pass them, forcing both to stand aside to create a path. It was impossible to speak privately here so Andrew made a suggestion.
“Would you consider a walk in the moonlight?”
Several couples were already strolling the gravel path that circled behind the house, meandering through a small flower garden lit with lanterns, before winding to the front again.
“I consent to a very quick turn about the garden, as I do not wish to cause more gossip.”
Unsettled by her matter-of-fact demeanour, Andrew drew her hand towards his lips and was offended when she pulled it away.
“Miss Elizabeth, I apologise if my actions have caused you to be the subject of gossip. I should have been more discreet, particularly in light of my present situation.”
Ignoring his apology, Elizabeth answered, “Shall we begin our walk? Surely, there are enough witnesses tonight to suit the unkindest rumourmonger.”
Leading her down the steps to the gravel path, Andrew placed his other hand over her petite one and gave it a squeeze. Elizabeth stiffened at the show of affection. Awkwardly, they made their way around the path, trying to keep several feet behind the couple ahead. Reaching the small gazebo in the middle of the rose garden, Andrew pulled Elizabeth up the steps, speaking quietly so as not to be heard.
“Miss Elizabeth, I have told you my circumstances—that I cannot ask permission to court you at present, so I have thought of a means to prove my sincerity.” The lanterns illuminated a bejewelled cameo that he pulled from inside his coat. He was delighted at Elizabeth’s quick intake of breath. “This was my mother’s and I know that she would be pleased that you are in possession of it.”
“I... I could not possibly accept this,” Elizabeth stammered, staring at the brooch.
Another couple arrived at the gazebo and, seeing that it was occupied, walked on. Andrew waited until they were several yards away before resuming.
“Yes, you can! And you will, if you have any consideration for me. This is why I have been away. I returned to Manchester to fetch this from my family’s jewels. Please say you will accept it as a token of my affection and a promise of what is to come.”
Forcing her eyes from the exquisite piece, she looked up through her dark eyelashes. Andrew had assumed a pitiful expression and for a brief moment her resolve almost faltered.
“Mr. Darcy, do you realise what my father would do if he learnt of this? He would insist that we become engaged immediately, if not marry straightaway.”
He smiled wryly. “I trust that you will not let him learn of it.”
All of her doubts crumbled at his audacity. “It will not happen because my answer is NO.”
“But you are the only woman I have ever considered courting! I cannot declare myself, but I hoped this brooch would prove my sincerity.”
“You speak of sincerity, but if anything, this gift proves your faith in my gullibility. I fear that pride has been my Achilles heel, for I was flattered by your attention when, in truth, a gentleman would never court in secret.”
Andrew stepped back as though he had been slapped. Shaking from the effort to control his temper, he took a deep breath and let it go noisily as he paced in front of her.
Then he stopped, asking brusquely, “How can you contend that asking you to wait for me is not gentlemanly? I know that it would be an unconventional engagement—”
“You have a habit of twisting words!” Elizabeth protested. “A secret engagement is no engagement. I will not agree to this madness!”
He stomped down the steps as if to depart. Proceeding several yards, he stopped short when she called, “You have left your brooch, sir!”
In a huff, he rushed back towards her. Unconsciously, Elizabeth stepped back at his angry demeanour, but that did not deter his plans. Grabbing her by the shoulders, he pulled her into an embrace that included a harsh kiss that was over before she had time to protest.
“At your wish I am leaving, however, the brooch stays. Let it be a reminder that I intend to return when my situation changes.”
As he hurried back down the steps, she realised she had forgotten to warn him of her father. “Mr. Darcy, I must speak—”
Never slowing, he disappeared into the darkness. Debating going after him, disembodied voices from somewhere in the garden gave her pause. She waited, but no one rounded the gravel path in her direction. Glancing about nervously, she hurried back to the front.
Little did Elizabeth know that her life had just changed forever.
MRS. AGATHA GOULD, the foremost gossip in Meryton, save Mrs. Bennet, could not suppress a wide smile as she followed Elizabeth back to the house at a safe distance. Only minutes before, she had been exceedingly upset, having spent the last quarter-hour searching for her headstrong daughter. She suspected that Gertrude had slipped off with the redcoat who had been paying her particular attention. After scouring every inch of the house and the huge portico with no success, she had entered the gardens in hopes of surprising her. She had no luck there, either—at least in regards to Gertrude; however, she had witnessed a most entertaining conversation that completely diverted her thoughts from her daughter.
It is true! Fanny’s daughter is involved in a clandestine romance with a man who will not court her in public. I was right to have Walter inform her father of the rumours! I wonder what Thomas Bennet will do once he hears this! Or better still, what will Fanny do?
Mrs. Gould disliked Fanny Bennet immensely. Not only because she bragged of her eldest daughter’s beauty, but because she talked endlessly of how Jane had little trouble luring the newest bachelor, Mr. Bingley, away from all the plain girls in town. Fanny seemed oblivious that her boast degraded her own daughter, Gertrude.
What I have witnessed will put an end to your braggadocio, Fanny! Perhaps it will even make you too ashamed to show your face in Meryton. She smirked. How wonderful it would be to silence that hoyden forever!
Quickly wiping the smile from her face as she entered the house, Mrs. Gould suppressed the urge to celebrate the twist of fate that would be the means of ruining her nemesis. Noting that her daughter was now dancing with another officer, she smiled as Gertrude waved from across the room. Nodding her approval, she made a mental note to address her disappearance when they got home. For now, there were more important things to consider.
Seeing Mrs. Hagood and Mrs. Long standing in one corner of the dining room, she nodded to catch their attention and hurried in that direction. Who better to begin the attack than those who loved a scandal as much as she? As she headed towards them, she assumed an expression of concern. After all, she mused, I must not appear to be gloating. Opening the fan that hung around her wrist, she fanned anxiously.
“Agatha! Are you well? You look as though you have seen a ghost,” Bertha Hagood exclaimed. “Do you need some fresh air?”
“I was just in the garden, and believe me when I say I cannot afford more fresh air! A ghost would have been preferable to what I have just witnessed.” Lowering her voice, she glanced nervously about. “I am so upset I can hardly speak.”
Mrs. Hagood pulled Mrs. Long with her as she neared Mrs. Gould. “Pray, may we be of service? After all, it may help to discuss what has disturbed you so greatly.”
“I know that I can rely on your confidence, but perhaps we should remove to a more private place. I would not want to be overheard.”
“I agree!” Mrs. Hagood declared. “Let us go onto the front lawn where it is quiet. And you may rest assured t
hat whatever you have to share with us will go no further.”
“Absolutely, no further,” Margaret Long echoed.
Mrs. Gould pursed her lips to keep from smiling. “I knew I could count on you.”
Chapter 7
Netherfield
The next morning
Extreme exhaustion finally overtook Fitzwilliam in the early morning hours and he fell into a fitful sleep. But rest was not to be his, for he was roused from sleep for a second time. Not by Bingley’s mellow baritone, but by a woman’s high-pitched wails which sounded as though she stood right outside his bedroom door.
“We are ruined! Ruined, I tell you!”
In his stupor, William could not make sense of the screeches; however, the moment he opened his eyes, the disastrous express he had received last evening came to mind. His heart sank anew as he brought his hands to his face and rubbed his burning eyes.
Charles’ interruption, shortly after dark, had been the result of an unexpected express from Lord Warren that Mrs. Barnes had forwarded from London. In it, he related that his cousin, Harrington, had returned to Manchester only to learn that his daughter had died. Apparently, she had drowned in the river that ran through their estate. Harrington was convinced that Effie had taken her life as a result of her disappointed hopes and the scandal that had ensued, for she could not swim and had no reason to be near the water. Lord Warren agreed.
Her death not only disturbed and saddened William, but also revived horrific memories from his eleventh summer. In that year, he and Richard had stumbled on a young girl who had hung herself from a tree in the woods behind the Matlock stables. It was a horrific sight, and only Richard’s presence had kept him sensible. Sadly, she was barely seventeen and pregnant. Not from the area, it was surmised that she had travelled to Derbyshire in search of the father, with only the estate name to go by. Upon enquiring at the stables, she learned that, while the man had been employed there, he had left for parts unknown one month previously. After thanking the coachman, she had left the area, or so he thought.
As far back as he could remember, his father had lectured him on duty and honour. A man was expected to act like a gentleman and treat every woman with respect, just as he wished others to treat Georgiana. This tragedy had done more to sear those principals on his heart than all the lectures combined, as well as haunting his sleep for years afterward. Now the two incidences melded into one, bringing new depths of sleeplessness.
All at once another barrage of protests filled the hall outside his room, bringing his thoughts back to the present. This time the shrill voice of Caroline Bingley was impossible to dismiss. He forced himself to leave the warm bed. Splashing cold water on his face, William’s stomach lurched as she mentioned the Darcy name in her tirade.
“Mr. Darcy stayed at Netherfield as our guest, and these country nobodies will never let us forget it! He is supposed to be a gentleman, for heaven’s sake! Charles must be made to see reason and to break off his engagement with that horrible Bennet woman! If we vacate Netherfield this instant, we may escape being linked with the scandal.”
The calmer voice of Louisa Hurst broke in. “Caroline, calm yourself before you have a paroxysm. Remember our Aunt Narcie!”
“A fit such as Aunt Narcie suffered would be preferable to being cast out of proper society! I told Charles that the Bennets were beneath us, but would he listen to me? No! He rushed headlong into an engagement with one of them. Now see what we suffer because of him? And that Eliza Bennet is nothing more than a hoyden and a fortune hunter, just as I said the first time I met her! Hurry, Louisa, we must see to the packing! There is nothing else to be done!”
By now, William was fully conscious. The mention of his name had gained his attention; however, it was Caroline’s vilification of Elizabeth that really annoyed him. Angrily, he ran a hand through his hair and reached for his breeches. He stopped entirely, however, when he heard Charles enter the conversation.
“That is quite enough, Caroline! We are not departing Netherfield under any circumstances, so I suggest you calm yourself. Go downstairs and have something to eat while I talk with Darcy.”
“HE IS HERE?” she shrieked. “It was my understanding that he left Meryton after that atrocious display of impropriety! What will the neighbours think if we let him stay here AFTER what he has done?”
“Not Andrew Darcy, Caroline. Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
Caroline’s hand flew to her hair and she patted it as she looked down at her gown. “He is back? Why did you not tell me sooner? I must look a fright. Come, Louisa, help me to find something to wear. I would ring for Marie, but she has left to break her fast, and that would take too long. I would not want Mr. Darcy to see me in this old gown with my hair in disarray.”
Without awaiting an answer, Caroline rushed down the hall towards her bedroom. Louisa exchanged an exasperated look with Charles and, without a word, shrugged and followed Caroline.
William resumed pulling on his breeches, anticipating Charles’s knock. Once dressed, he walked towards the door. Bingley was raising his hand just as he opened it and Charles’ expression changed from a smile to a frown.
“Darcy? Good heavens, you look awful!” He walked into the room and closed the door. “I went to Longbourn and back believing you were getting some much needed rest, but it has not served you in the least!”
“If you had slept as little as I, you might look as bad.”
“I am sorry for your trials, my friend. You have suffered more than your share and I despise adding to the burden. However, I have some bad news to report about Andrew. It explains why he was not in his room when I checked.”
“What do you mean he is not in his room? That is impossible. A footman accompanied him to the blacksmith shop and back. Then when he retired for the night, I made certain that the door to his bedroom was locked from the outside!”
“Apparently he escaped the house by going out a window and climbing down a tree. There would have been no way for Starnes to know and follow him. In any event, he was a very busy man last night.”
William’s countenance darkened. “What more has he done?”
“In addition to spreading grief in Manchester, he has brought misery to Meryton. His actions have ruined Miss Elizabeth.”
William’s face crimsoned as he grabbed Charles’s arm. “Are you telling me that he molest—”
“No! No! Not in that sense!” Bingley quickly explained. “But her reputation is ruined. And it shall affect all her family... all her sisters.”
“Tell me everything.”
“Last night a local woman, Mrs. Gould, happened upon Andrew and Miss Elizabeth in the gazebo located in the garden of Mrs. Phillips’ house. Not only did she hear them speak of deceiving Mr. Bennet by means of a secret engagement, but she witnessed them kissing. And it was not an innocent kiss on the cheek!”
William slammed his fist on the dresser, causing everything atop it to rattle. “A secret engagement?! Only yesterday that cad swore to me that he would never marry!” William began to pace. “I should kill him myself!”
“Calm down, Darcy! He is no longer here. Apparently, directly after the incident, he left for Manchester, as you demanded. And from the express you received, Harrington is likely to shoot him on sight and solve that problem for you. However, if he survives the trip to Manchester, can you say with certainty that he will return to Meryton and make a proper offer for Miss Elizabeth?”
“With Andrew, nothing is certain. In the past, he has run from all responsibility. I have no hope that he will act any differently now.”
Charles sighed. “Jane is disheartened. I found her staring out the window and weeping. It breaks my heart that all I can do is to assure her of my constancy. I do not know if she believes me.” He walked over to a chair and sat down, worry etched on his face. “It was a desperate scene at Longbourn. Mr. Bennet was pacing about, shouting orders and placing blame, not caring who might hear, while Mrs. Bennet has taken to her bed. Her wails ech
o throughout the house, and I swear the sound of it makes me shiver. Forbidden to leave the house, the youngest girls are uncharacteristically silent.
William’s heart was breaking for only one person. “Miss Elizabeth?”
“Jane told me that Miss Elizabeth and her father had an awful row first thing today. It was loud enough to be heard throughout the house. Jane was shocked at some of the terms he used, for Miss Elizabeth has always been his favourite. Afterward, she ran from the house in spite of her father’s edict, which infuriated him all the more. Later, I heard him declare that he would send her to a nunnery in one breath and in the next, force her to marry some cousin, a vicar named Collins!”
“William Collins?”
“Yes, that was the name! Apparently he is Mr. Bennet’s heir.”
“That toady fool is my Aunt Catherine’s vicar. He is senseless!”
“He may be senseless, but he is likely to be Miss Elizabeth’s husband if her father has anything to say about it. Jane is beside herself, worrying for her sister’s mental state. She talked Mr. Bennet into letting her go after Miss Elizabeth just before I left. I offered to assist but she contended that my presence might be a detriment, as her sister does not want to be seen by anyone. We can only pray that she does not do something foolish.”
“Like Miss Harrington,” William said woodenly.
“After hearing last night of what happened to her, I admit that the thought came to mind. A very similar situation, is it not?”
The thought of harm coming to the dark-eyed woman who still haunted his dreams, made William wince. “Perhaps I can reason with Mr. Bennet and together we can think of a solution.”
“Are you sure? After all, you are a Darcy. He may not wish to see anyone with that name at this point.”
“Andrew is my cousin and I feel responsible.”
“You are a good man and I am glad to call you my friend, but you may be taking on too much.”
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 11