“Hiding something the ladies are not supposed to see?” he teased.
“I believe Charles is the one who was not supposed to see. I have found the books that I lent him when he first considered renting an estate. They contain information regarding animal husbandry, irrigation, crop rotations and the like. However, when I arrived at Netherfield, he could not account for ever having seen them, and since Caroline was the only one here when I brought them, I suspected she had a hand in making them disappear.” William held up a book with a puce coloured cover. “Luckily, this volume is an odd colour, so it was easily spotted from the floor.”
A loud guffaw escaped the colonel. “Why would Miss Bingley do such a thing?”
“Most likely she thought if she could keep Charles ignorant of how to turn a profit, he would give up the lease and leave Hertfordshire. All her conversation consists of is demeaning the county and the neighbours, and she laments the fact that she is not in London society.”
“I cannot fathom why you put up with either of Bingley’s sisters or Mr. Hurst. Bingley is amusing, but that unholy trio makes his company intolerable at times.”
“It is simple. I am fond of Charles.” William dropped a book. “Here, take this one! And do not leave, as there are more.”
After having retrieved all of the missing books, William came down the ladder with the last one in his hand. Richard took the book, making a show of opening it. Instantly, he turned the book sideways to examine a drawing depicting animals mating. His eyebrows rose in mock horror.
“I must say, Darcy, these books definitely belong on the top shelf. They are not fit for delicate eyes.” William shook his head at Richard’s antics as he began stacking the remaining books.
Glancing up when William walked over to place them on a table near the door, Richard declared, “Let us get straight to the point, old man. Why you are staying here instead of Darcy House, and why are you being so secretive?”
“I do not want my relations to know I am here, for I am making arrangements to be married.”
The volume Richard was holding slipped from his hands, hitting the carpet with a thud. As he bent down to retrieve it, he searched clumsily with one hand while keeping his eyes trained on William. “You, married? When?”
“In three days’ time.”
Swallowing with difficulty, Richard added, “Dare I ask to whom?”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Sighing audibly, Richard made a display of swiping his hand across his forehead. Then remembering that only that morning he had hired a former Bow Street Runner to investigate Lady Susan’s past, he weighed whether he should cancel the mission. Upon brief reflection, he decided not to.
“At least it is not Lady Susan! But who in the world is Elizabeth Bennet? Have I met her?”
“She is the woman I met on my first visit to Netherfield—the sister of Bingley’s new love. If you recall, you thought her a spectre.”
“I remember.” Richard’s hand found the handle of his sword unconsciously. “And while I am relieved that you are not marrying Lady Susan, this development concerns me. Only days ago, you were adamant that you would never offer for that woman. What has forced your hand?”
“It is a long story.”
“I have all the time in the world.” Sinking down in a large upholstered chair, he motioned to another. “Suppose you begin.”
William did as he was asked, knowing that his cousin would demand the truth before coming to his aid; thus, the next half-hour was spent telling all that had occurred after he reached Meryton the second time. When he was finished, Richard looked sceptical. Then he stood, scratched his head and began to pace.
“Let me see if I understand. In essence, you are marrying Miss Bennet to put right another of Andrew’s misdeeds, and she does not appreciate that you are sacrificing your entire future to help her.”
“No!” William snapped. Then he took a deep breath and released it resignedly. “Very well, yes... in a manner of speaking.”
“What manner, Darcy? Andrew compromised her, and you offered to make the scandal disappear. Still, she refused you. Why in God’s name would you insist on marrying her? Why not let her headstrong ways be her undoing?”
“As I was waiting in the carriage while Bingley went in to speak to Mr. Bennet,
I began to evaluate the manor house. You know my penchant for evaluating property I have never seen before.” Richard nodded. “As I studied the upper stories, I spied Miss Elizabeth on a balcony, barely visible from where I sat. Unaware that anyone was watching, she began to sob. Then her sister came out to embrace her. They looked so young and vulnerable. Instantly, I thought of what happened to Miss Harrington and knew what I had to do.”
“Any caring person would feel dreadful about Miss Harrington’s death, Darcy. But that is no reason to sacrifice your life if there is no mutual affection to be had in the bargain. You could aid Miss Bennet and her sisters by finding them employment if she did not want to accept Collins.”
“You do not understand. I have had tender feelings for Miss Bennet since leaving Netherfield. And to see her again, not as the woman I remembered, but changed entirely—‘shattered’ is the word that comes to mind.”
“Shattered by her tender feelings for Andrew,” Richard reasoned, “otherwise she would not have been in this predicament. Remember, she was seen kissing him in the moonlight.”
“She swore to her father that he kissed her against her will and that she is not in love with him.”
“And she made it clear that she is not in love with you.”
William stood, moving to the window. He offered no rebuttal, though Richard could see his jaw twitch, as it did whenever he was upset.
“I am puzzled as to why, so unexpectedly, you are prepared to settle for an arranged marriage without even the solace of a large dowry or superior connections to sustain you when discontent comes. And in marriages of convenience, discontent shall come.”
“All I ask is that you trust me.” William turned to him. “Trust that I know what I am about.”
Seeing the pleading in his eyes, Richard’s stance softened. “Well, I suppose this Miss Bennet cannot be any worse than Lady Susan or most of the ladies of the ton, for that matter. At least she is not after your fortune.”
William managed a small smile.
“I do have concerns about her eyesight, though.”
“Her eyesight?”
“Please, Cousin! You are a handsome fellow! All the ladies throw themselves at your feet whenever you enter a room. Yet she seems totally unaffected by your pretty face. Perhaps she is in need of spectacles.”
William relaxed under Richard’s teasing. “I would say that she is just not impressed with my fortune or my face.”
The colonel’s bearing lightened, and he crossed the room to stand next to the man he loved like a brother. For a long time, they watched silently as a goodly portion of the populace of London entered and left Hyde Park, which was visible through the tall windows.
Finally, Richard spoke. “I assume that your godfather is expediting a special license.”
“Yes.”
“How may I be of service then?”
“I wish you to stand up with me.”
“Is that all?” Richard jested. “No mustering the troops to thwart a counter-attack from the Fitzwilliam clan? No fear of General Catherine de Bourgh blocking your gate?”
“This is no laughing matter, Richard. Your father will be livid when he learns that you stood with me.” William gripped his shoulder. “Are you sure you want to be involved?”
“If you are prepared to be shackled to a wife, I am prepared to help you.”
“Thank you. I could not imagine being wed without you there.”
Trying not to look as touched as he felt, Richard asked, “But what of Georgiana? You do realise that she will be livid if you purposefully leave her uninformed.”
“I considered taking her with me to Meryton and then revealing t
he truth. But she would never agree with my decision, nor would she act in a civil manner during the ceremony.”
“I agree. It is best if you say nothing to her.” Richard looked a little sheepish as he continued. “I apologise if I upset you with my misgivings. In truth, there is a part of me that had begun to believe that Miss Bennet might be the perfect wife for you.”
“If you have any encouragement, please do not hold back.”
“The first time you described her to me at Pemberley, I noticed something astonishing. Just recalling everything about her brought a light to your eyes, a liveliness to your spirit, which I had not beheld in years. I remember thinking that any woman who could produce such emotion in my staid cousin after so brief an acquaintance had to be someone special.”
“Let us hope neither of us is wrong.” Reaching into his coat pocket, William brought out a letter. “I would like for you to deliver this. I do not want Bingley’s servants comparing notes with mine—you know how servants like to gossip. These are instructions for Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, telling them of the marriage and when to expect us in London.”
“I will be happy to do so.” Suddenly, Richard began to chuckle aloud.
“What is so amusing?”
“I just pictured my parents, Edgar, Georgiana and Lady Susan in the receiving line of that fancy ball Mother is giving in her honour. You know it is to be held right after your marriage. Would it not be entertaining if you and Miss Elizabeth arrived at the ball as a married couple? I would give half a year’s pay to see the expressions on their faces!”
“I am counting on the activity surrounding the ball to mask the fact that we have returned to Town. The only thing preventing me from going directly to Pemberley is the fact that I would not want Miss Elizabeth to spend her wedding night at a post inn. I would like to stay in Town for a day or two before removing to Derbyshire.”
“Then you intend to hide her away at Pemberley? What of Georgiana?”
“Georgiana shall be welcome to accompany us back to Pemberley, if she promises to be civil to Elizabeth. Otherwise, she may remain in Town with your parents and reconsider her attitude. Frankly, she has been ill-mannered to me for months, and her inconsiderate behaviour towards our uncle and aunt was the last straw. I find myself wishing she were married, if only for some peace of mind. That is not how I wish it to be between us, but that is what it has come to.”
Richard threw an arm over William’s shoulder. “You have tried, Cousin. Her attitude is not your fault; I would lay it at Andrew’s feet. He was the one who turned her against you, in my opinion.”
“I know that she adored Andrew and believed whatever he told her. After I insisted he live at his own estate, she completely ignored me, turning to your parents if she needed advice.” William shook his head as though to rid himself of the memory. “As for introducing Elizabeth to the rest of the family, I may consider bringing her to London after six months or so. Hopefully, by then they will have run out of slings and arrows.”
“Let us pray then that your wedding proceeds without them finding out, for I fear that slings and arrows shall be the least of your concerns if they do. I look for Father and Aunt Catherine to mount heavy artillery and cannons if they hear about it in advance!”
“You certainly know how to lift my spirits.”
“That is my forte, Darcy. And, no, you do not have to thank me.”
“I was not planning to.”
PEMBERLEY
In a garden
A favourable sky, marbled pearly white, greeted the Fitzwilliams as they settled into the swing that marked the end of the gravel trail that wound through one of Pemberley’s most beautiful gardens—the one comprised entirely of wildflowers. Though there were many gardens on the premises, one containing an elaborate maze, another comprised of every imaginable rose and still another featuring manicured lawns and statuary, this was Olivia Fitzwilliam’s favourite, for it reminded her of the day her husband had proposed, bearing only a bouquet of buttercups and daisies. Over the years, those memories sustained her as life brought some heavy sorrows.
As she took a deep breath of fragrant air, Joseph began to move the swing with his foot, at the same time bringing a daisy from behind his back. As he held it out to her, she took it and rewarded him with a kiss.
“You certainly know how to make a lady feel special.”
“You have always been special, Livy. I do not have to make it so.”
“Do you think you may be prejudiced?”
“Of course not!” He kissed her lips softly. “I am the most unbiased man in all of England.”
Olivia leaned into him, and his arm went around her, pulling her tightly against his body. “Are you comfortable? I can fetch your shawl if you wish.”
She patted his hand. “Just stay right where you are, and I shall be fine.”
They were silent for some time, both pleasantly diverted, watching all the activity that accompanied so large an estate. If one paid attention, there was always something taking place. In addition to the grooms and gardeners going about their jobs, just past the stables was a lake where several ducks and their hatchlings cut a swath across the smooth surface. Beyond, on a hillside meadow, a trio of horses raced up a verdant grassy knoll, while in the next pasture scores of black-faced sheep grazed as their young leaped about in play. Nearer, birds bathed in a small fountain fashioned just for them, while a cat and several kittens hovered next to a small pond where fish darted in and out under lily pads. Every so often the mother cat would swipe at a fish sending water flying and the kittens scampering.
“Do you remember the last time we were here? Anne was still alive, and Fitzwilliam was just a boy?” Olivia ventured.
“Yes, it seems like only yesterday.”
“While we are here, Joseph, I want you to spend more time with Fitzwilliam, for he has no father to turn to, and you would be a steadying hand. And Richard, poor boy, has no relationship with his father, I just know it. He needs your presence in his life, as well.”
“You know that I will continue to do everything in my power to help both my nephews, Livy. But this is not about Fitzwilliam or Richard. What do you wish to say?”
She laughed softly. “You know me too well.” Then with a deep inhale to fortify herself, she said, “If I should die first, I want you to remember that you still have family who need you and look to you for wisdom. Never forget that.”
A great pang gripped his heart. “Nothing will happen to either of us, darling, for a long, long time. You and I are just experiencing the changes that come with age.”
She kissed his cheek. “I know you are right, but I wanted to speak of this while it was on my mind. I do not want you moping around should I precede you in death. I want you to be happy and to enjoy those who love you. And, to be frank, if you found someone you could love, I would wish for you to marry again. You were not formed to be alone. ”
Joseph stood up, visibly irritated. “Olivia Fitzwilliam, never say such a thing to me again! I have never loved any woman but you, and I never shall. How you can conceive of such a thing is beyond my imagination!”
She grabbed his hand and pulled him back down beside her on the swing. “I apologise if I offended you, but I wish only for your happiness.”
He leaned in to kiss her tenderly. Afterward he pulled back to look into her eyes. “Know this, Olivia Angelina Stratford Fitzwilliam, you will be the only wife I will ever have on this earth, and, the Lord willing, you shall be my wife throughout eternity. Oh, I know it is taught that there will be no husbands and wives in heaven, but I could never forget that you are mine.”
Tears filled her eyes, and she cupped his face. “Joseph Marshall Howard Fitzwilliam, I am blessed to be your wife, and I shall forever love you.”
A longer kiss followed, and then Olivia settled back into his arms, content once more, for she was certain that they would face whatever came as they always had—together. And now that they had reunited with Fitzwilliam and Richard, sh
e knew her Joseph would be in good hands.
Almost a half-hour later, Mrs. Reynolds came down the gravel path carrying a tray. She coughed so as not to interrupt, and Olivia called out, “You did not have to bring us refreshments, Mrs. Reynolds. You have far too much work to do as it is.”
The housekeeper smiled as she set the tray on a nearby table. “I wanted to bring the tray. I was tired of being inside.” She brought her hand up to shade her eyes as she surveyed the sky. “It is a beautiful day. Just enough clouds to keep it pleasant.”
“Yes,” Joseph answered, “and Pemberley is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I do not think I could ever get tired of it.”
The housekeeper smiled at them. “I have been here the greater part of my life, and I never tire of waking up each morning to the view. If heaven is half as beautiful, I shall be satisfied. I shall leave you to enjoy the garden. I think I shall walk down to the stables to see how the new colt that was born yesterday is faring.”
“I may check on him later while Livy takes her nap,” Joseph replied.
As she nodded and turned to leave, the long-time servant could hear the rest of their conversation, and it made her smile.
“I may not take a nap. I feel much better than I have in days.”
“Still, you do best when you rest for an hour. If you wish, I shall wait until you awaken, and we shall both walk to the stables.”
“If you insist on a nap, I would love to go with you afterward.”
As she walked further from them, Mrs. Reynolds was thinking of something that had crossed her mind almost every day since the couple had come to Pemberley.
I imagine Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne would have been much like the Fitzwilliams, had they lived. It would do the Master so much good to have them remain here. I pray they decide to stay in England.
LONGBOURN
The sewing room
Elizabeth was growing weary. For hours she had stood on a stool in the sewing room while Mrs. Hill and her Aunt Gardiner walked around her, pinning and tucking a length of cream-coloured duchesse satin to her frame. Her aunt thought it providential that she happened to have the bolt of luxurious material in a trunk on the coach. Having just visited Lambton, she had brought along six bolts of fabric for a friend’s daughter who was getting married. That young woman opted for a white satin, leaving the cream available for Elizabeth.
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 15