Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple

by Brenda J. Webb

  RELIEVED TO HAVE RETURNED to London so soon, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam strolled into the ballroom with his usual flair. A favourite among the ladies for his good humour and superior dance skills, he was aware that his regimentals gave him an advantage over the dull clothes worn by most men. Even though a second son, he was in high spirits, for his objective had always been to choose a wife from among the prettier debutants—one with a large dowry. And though that would not occur anytime in the near future, he felt it his duty to inspect the latest offerings. Dutifully scanning the room, absorbed in deciding which young lady to charm that night, Richard’s eyes fell on Elizabeth. She was preoccupied and passed him without notice.

  “Mrs. Darcy?”

  Elizabeth halted, a look of confusion quickly changed to a wan smile. “Colonel, you have come at last.”

  “Yes, I only just arrived. I hope Darcy is not too angry with me for being late.” Richard looked past her uneasily. “And just where is my stoic cousin? Surely he has not left you alone in this throng?”

  “He left me with Georgiana, who has completely disappeared, it seems. As for my husband, he is dancing with Lady Susan.”

  “Lady Susan?” Instantly, he began searching the dance floor. Spying the couple, he growled, “I am not surprised, not surprised in the least. That woman has always tried to manipulate Darcy to her will.”

  “Whatever do you mean?”

  “Let me explain it this way. She was but ten years of age the first time she told me she intended to marry him. And she has never changed her mind on that subject.”

  “Not even when she married another?”

  “In my opinion, not even then.”

  Richard spied his mother across the room. “Mother is motioning for us to join her. If you will allow me, I shall escort you in the direction of the lions’ den.”

  Elizabeth could not help but smile at his jest. “I fear I have no choice.”

  Just as they joined Lord and Lady Matlock, his mother pulled Richard aside so that Elizabeth could not hear. “Richard, did you see Fitzwilliam’s horrid cousin, Andrew Darcy? He was dancing with Elizabeth only a moment ago.”

  A scowl crossed Richard’s face, and his eyes narrowed as he examined the room. “Then apparently that rascal accomplished what he set out to do and left before my cousin or I could confront him.”

  “I can only imagine that Edgar invited him, for I certainly did not!”

  “I think likely it was Lady Susan who invited him. After all, they have always been such good friends.”

  “I thought their friendship only a childish fixation. If she still maintains the relationship, I have to wonder at her intelligence.”

  “Wonder no more, Mother, for she is immature and infantile in her choices.”

  “Are you not being too harsh?”

  “No. I have seen her side with Andrew against Darcy far too often over the years.”

  “I am horrified to hear it, for I thought so well of her.” The countess glanced to Elizabeth, who was standing elegantly alongside Lord Matlock. “Perhaps my nephew has chosen well after all.”

  “I can assure you that he has.”

  “I really must redouble my efforts to champion her, then.”

  Leaving Richard, the countess moved to stand next to her new niece. “I lost track of you, my dear. When I asked Georgiana if she had seen you, she pointed out that you were dancing with Andrew Darcy. I have to admit I was taken aback, as my nephew does not think well of that man.”

  “While I did not care to dance with him since my husband does not hold him in high esteem, I agreed so as not to draw attention. That is all.”

  The countess looked as though she might say more, but suddenly the music ended, along with the set. Once more a throng moved to and from the dance floor. This included William and Lady Susan, who still clung to his arm like a leech. Fortuitously, Lord Selfton stepped out of the crowd to ask her for the next set, and fixing a false smile on her face, she had to agree. Thus liberated, William hurried towards his family. His eyes located Elizabeth in the group and then Richard.

  As his aunt moved to converse with Elizabeth, William took her place next to Richard, saying, “Could you not have gotten here earlier?”

  “I could, had I wished to be court-marshalled. General Lassiter is not used to being told no when he asks me to accompany him. I apologise for not being here as we agreed, but I arrived as quickly as possible, given the circumstances.”

  “Not soon enough to thwart Andrew, it seems. Whilst I was forced to dance with Lady Susan, he managed to partner my wife. I was just about to quit our dance and confront him when Elizabeth stalked away. Afterward, I saw him quit the room entirely, so he could be as far as Cheapside by now.”

  “No doubt. What amazes me is how he avoided Mr. Harrington’s and Lord Warren’s wrath to end up here tonight.”

  “I share your amazement and intend to find out how that happened before I leave London.”

  Elizabeth strained to hear the exchange taking place between her husband and Richard, however, Lady Matlock was holding court next to her, and her voice drowned out everything else. Nonetheless, as the countess took to the dance floor again, William was suddenly by her side.

  “Did you enjoy your dance with my cousin?” he asked testily.

  Rising to her full height, Elizabeth proclaimed, “I was asked to dance, and I felt that I could not refuse.”

  Unable to control his jealousy, William’s arm circled her waist. “Could not or would not?”

  Elizabeth was not sure if she should be angry at his temper or pleased that he was jealous. Yet she had no time to decide, for Countess Esterházy and her escort, Lord Tottenham, rudely interrupted.

  “Mr. Darcy, your aunt and I have been busy planning your sister’s coming out. Perhaps it is time that you and I schedule a meeting of our own.” The invitation was issued in a sultry voice and accompanied by a slow scan of every inch of William’s body. Afterward, she boldly locked eyes with Elizabeth saying, “Merely to discuss what we have planned thus far, you understand.”

  Tottenham, a member of White’s board and one whom William despised for his adulterous ways, clearly thought the whole thing very amusing and could barely contain his mirth. William cast him a sinister look before responding, “That is impractical, my lady, for I plan to return to Pemberley straightaway. I fear that I shall be occupied with more important matters before I leave. Besides, anything my aunt proposes will suit, of that I am certain.”

  Taking another cursory inspection of Elizabeth, the countess replied, “That is a shame, for I dearly wanted your participation.” Fortuitously, the music began and she exclaimed, “Come, Totty! Let us show London how a waltz is supposed to be done.”

  As they walked away, William relaxed. Elizabeth could not, for she was certain that her face was bright red. The countess’ proposition, delivered in front of family and strangers alike, had been calculated to humiliate—and it had. Even though William had rejected the offer, the countess had considered her an easy target. It stung to know that most of those here tonight probably thought the same.

  Completely oblivious to Elizabeth’s dismay, William noticed that Richard was now the focus of a lovely red-haired woman with green eyes who smiled shyly at him from behind a painted fan. Feeling guilty for complaining so soundly to his cousin only moments before, he tried to make amends.

  “Since I can see to Elizabeth’s safety, as I do not plan to dance again, why do you not enjoy yourself by dancing the next set with your young lady?”

  “Who?”

  “The one who has been making eyes at you for the last few minutes.”

  “Oh, that one,” Richard replied, amused that Darcy had noticed. “I think I shall do just that.”

  As Richard sauntered over to greet Lord Shaw and his daughter, William turned around to speak to his wife. Unfortunately, she had struck up a conversation with one of his aunt’s friends, Lady Clarkson. That conversation continued, to his dismay, unti
l the bell rang for supper.

  THE MEAL HAD CONCLUDED and almost everyone had reassembled in the ballroom. The music had resumed and William had asked Elizabeth if she wished to dance.

  “I would rather watch,” had been her curt reply.

  Though he was unsure what Elizabeth was perturbed about, her refusal to dance could not have pleased him more. He truly despised dancing in public, though he thought he would enjoy dancing with his wife if they were alone. As it was, Richard stood nearby, entertaining yet another young debutant with his wit, while his aunt and uncle danced with each other.

  To the entire family’s relief, Edgar had joined the men in the card room, leaving Georgiana the only family member unaccounted for, and William felt sure that she was still in the dining room with Lady Susan. It seemed the honouree had had a little too much punch and continued to hold court at the head table long after most of the guests had quit the room.

  Very pleased that the evening had passed without further ado and was now coming to an end, he was content to stand with his beautiful wife while all the men who had not done so before, came closer to steal a look. His mind now forming lists of what he needed to accomplish upon his return to Pemberley, William did not notice a footman approaching from the side. As the servant held out a silver salver with a note lying upon it, he took the paper and unfolded it to read.

  Come to the gazebo. G.

  Refolding the missive, he shoved it into his pocket, saying to Elizabeth. “Georgiana needs me.”

  “Then by all means go to her. I shall be quite safe until you return.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Richard is nearby.”

  William’s eyes flicked to his cousin and back to her. He nodded. As Elizabeth watched her handsome husband walk in the direction of the terrace and then exit the ballroom, woman after woman turned to follow his progress and a new awareness settled in her heart—she cared more deeply for her husband than she wished to admit. That realisation caused her to shiver.

  “Where is my brother?”

  Elizabeth’s brows knit in confusion as she turned to see Georgiana approach from the opposite direction. “I... I think he is looking for you.”

  “Would you accompany me to find him then? I am ready to retire, and I wished to say goodnight.”

  “Certainly.”

  IN THE GARDEN

  William reached the gazebo only to find it empty. Turning in a circle, he could see no evidence of his sister anywhere in the garden. Confused, he went up the steps and sat on one of the benches, hoping she would soon appear. No sooner had he taken his place under the vine-covered edifice than Susan entered the structure from the other side—the one barely visible due to large shrubs on that end. Instantly, the hair on the back of his neck stood up.

  “Lady Susan! I was expecting Georgiana. She asked me to meet her here.”

  “That is my doing. I wished to speak to you privately.” From the way she slurred her words, it was evident that she had had too much to drink.

  “This is highly improper. I must leave before someone sees us.”

  As he stood to go, Susan lunged in front of him. “I WILL have a moment of your time, or I shall follow you inside and have this conversation in front of your little wife.” He hesitated, unsure of what to do. “For weeks you led me to believe that you were going to make me an offer. Then, out of the blue, you return to Town married to this... this nobody!”

  “That is not fair. I never gave you any reason to think—”

  “Yes, you did! Even your sister and your aunt believed we would marry! At the least, you owe me an apology.”

  “Very well.” William hesitated. He did not want to say anything to cause her to react more irrationally. “I am sorry. Things transpired... things that I did not have a hand in, but that needed to be rectified. Thus, Elizabeth and I married. Believe me when I say it was never my intention to hurt you.”

  Seeing that he meant to leave, Susan threw her arms around his neck, rising on her toes to kiss him full on the lips. Stunned, for a moment William did not react. Once he recovered his senses, however, he removed her arms none too gently.

  “Please, Lady Susan. You embarrass yourself!”

  “Lady Susan? I would have been Mrs. Darcy if you had been gentleman enough to offer for me. I practically threw myself at you the summer you graduated from Cambridge, but you ignored me. So I had to marry Fletcher! Even now, I would be your mistress, if you asked.”

  “Madam, it is evident that you are not yourself. I shall leave you and send a servant to assist you.”

  “Do not bother,” she whined. Seemingly overtaken by the liquor, she sat down on a bench. “You are the only one who can comfort me.”

  William hurried away from her as fast as he could walk, praying that Susan would not follow and that no one had seen them alone together. As he neared the house, he wondered if he looked as flustered as he felt. Straightening his clothes, he stepped into the ballroom again, praying under his breath for good fortune.

  A FEW MINUTES EARLIER

  “Perhaps my brother thought I was in the garden,” Georgiana said innocently as she led the way down the stone steps of the terrace and onto the gravel path that formed a circle through the yard.

  “A footman handed him a note and then he said that you needed him.”

  “How singular,” Georgiana said convincingly. “I cannot imagine why he thought it was from me, for it certainly was not.”

  She could barely contain her excitement as they neared the gazebo, for her brother’s voice carried easily over the night air and it was evident that he was talking with a woman. Still, they could not quite make out what was being said without getting closer.

  “That is Brother!” Georgiana said, her voice a combination of curiosity and a bit of panic. “Hurry!”

  “It could be him,” Elizabeth agreed, her voice betraying the apprehension she was beginning to feel. As they arrived at the gazebo, his words suddenly became perfectly clear.

  “I am sorry. Things transpired... things that I did not have a hand in, but that needed to be rectified. Thus, Elizabeth and I married. Believe me when I say it was never my intention to hurt you.”

  They came around the corner just as Susan flung her arms around William, kissing him soundly on the mouth. Georgiana was pleased to see a wounded expression cross Elizabeth’s face, and, taking her arm sympathetically, she began to pull her in the direction from which they had come.

  “Oh, Elizabeth, I am sorry you witnessed that. Please try not to be upset. You have to realise that he and Lady Susan have been more than friends all their lives and—”

  “Stop!” Elizabeth halted in mid step, her voice as cold as ice. “You need never defend him to me again. Now, if you will excuse me.”

  She hurried toward the terrace, leaving Georgiana behind with a huge smile on her face. Hearing footsteps, Georgiana hid and watched as her brother followed the same path his wife had just taken.

  Chapter 17

  Matlock House

  The ball concludes

  An unexpected grief washed over Elizabeth as she hurried back to the house, for William’s betrayal was not only a cruel blow to her pride, but it also proved that he had no respect for his wedding vows. In spite of never professing to love him, the sight of him kissing Lady Susan had an involuntary effect—it produced a deep, searing pain in her chest. She found it hard to breathe and slowed her pace, her hand flying to her heart. Beating as though it might leap from her body, Elizabeth took several deep breaths to quiet it. Now blinded by threatening tears, she resumed the path to the house, chastising herself with every step for accepting William’s soft words and gentle touch as proof that they could have felicity in their union.

  Elizabeth fought the desire to blame her aunt for defending him. For after receiving his wedding present, she had been persuaded to agree with Madeline Gardiner’s view on the illegitimate children. After all, his kind-heartedness was contradictory to the cruelty she had ascrib
ed to him.

  Regardless, everything was perfectly clear now. A liar thought nothing of feigning kindness to further his goals. Thus, the small reservoir of regard that had begun in Elizabeth’s heart disappeared along with her trust, leaving only a desire to strike out at him for making her care. Unfortunately, the voice of reason refused to grant her that luxury.

  What did you expect? Yours was never a love match. Did your mother not warn you that wealthy men all have mistresses? Why are you shocked to find him in the arms of another woman? Toss away your romantic notions and accept your marriage for what it is, else you will be disappointed time and again for the rest of your life.

  Upon reaching the terrace, she was convinced that every person inside knew that her marriage was nothing but a farce. Fearing she might become ill if she were required to smile and make normal conversation, Elizabeth longed to vanish into thin air so she began to contemplate slipping out of the house and walking home. After all, Darcy House was only a few streets away. As all of these thoughts swirled in her mind, a couple came towards the terrace doors, and she timidly lowered her head and entered the ballroom as they came out.

  RICHARD HAD JUST DANCED a set with yet another debutant and had begun to walk in the direction of a group of his fellow officers when he spied Elizabeth moving hurriedly through the crowd. Thinking it odd that Darcy was not beside her, he followed as she went into the hallway. By the time he reached the foyer, he could hear her conversing with one of the footmen.

  “Mrs. Darcy? May I be of service?”

  Elizabeth looked anxiously over her shoulder and then turned to face him. Her eyes flicked to the floor. “I... I was just explaining that I need to leave. I feel a bit poorly, and a breath of fresh air will be the perfect solution.”

  “Leave?” Richard looked behind to see if his cousin was perhaps slow in coming. “I did not see Darcy. Let me—”