Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple

by Brenda J. Webb

  “I see,” Attaway said, still a bit hesitant. “Then you will not mind if I ask if Andrew brought the portrait of Mrs. Darcy. I was hoping to see it.”

  Lady Susan laughed mirthlessly. “I should have known that you would. George and I think it a good likeness of Miss Bennet’s face, though God only knows the breasts had to be exaggerated.”

  Wickham guffawed. “I would not agree with you on that.”

  “Enough rubbish, George!” Susan said jealously. “I am sure that Andrew enhanced them, for that is just like a man.” She walked over to a table and picked up a paper that was rolled up, holding it out to him. “Tell me what you think.”

  As Attaway unrolled the drawing, his eyes grew in direct proportion to another part of his anatomy. Mesmerised by the erotic image before him, he was lost in thought until his cousin’s voice broke through his musings.

  “Stop gaping, Matthew! She has nothing that any other woman does not have.”

  “Except in greater measure,” Wickham mocked.

  Susan stalked over to the liquor cabinet, where she promptly poured herself another brandy. Throwing it down her throat in an unladylike display, she retorted, “Is no man impervious to her charms?”

  It was obvious that she was becoming inebriated, so neither man replied. After a short pause, Attaway brought up another subject.

  “Well, I, for one, wish Andrew luck with his mission! Perhaps he will be successful in changing Darcy’s mind.”

  “He will need more than luck,” Wickham said. “Fitzwilliam Darcy is the most tight-fisted man I have ever known. He would gladly sell Winfield Hall so as not to be under any obligation to help Andrew.”

  “Well, I know little of the circumstances, but should Andrew not be paying his own obligations?”

  “You are right!” George Wickham retorted. “You know very little of the situation, or you would keep your nose out of it!”

  Attaway flinched, but Wickham’s words caused Lady Susan to glower. “You will not speak to my cousin in that manner. Especially not in my home, do you hear?”

  Instantly Wickham stood down. “Please excuse my outburst, Attaway. I fear my anger stems from my own experiences with Fitzwilliam. Just the mention of his name makes my blood start to boil.”

  Attaway simply nodded. Lady Susan, however, was not pacified.

  “Be that as it may, George, I intend to marry the man just as soon as I run that hussy back to Hertfordshire. And once I am Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, you shall have to mind your manners if you expect to be invited to Pemberley.”

  Wickham laughed. “That will never happen. Darcy hates me.”

  Lady Susan huffed. “You have no idea of the power a good woman has over a man. I shall change him completely after we marry. Just you wait and see.”

  As she poured herself another glass of liquor, Attaway and Wickham’s eyes met. Without exchanging a word, both knew that neither believed Susan’s plans had the smallest chance of success.

  “Am I the only one who wants a drink?” she exclaimed, her words now slurred as she held up the liquor decanter.

  Acutely aware that putting up with her drivel was easier with a stiff drink in hand, both men headed in her direction.

  PEMBERLEY

  That same day

  Having gone to his study to meet with Mr. Sturgis regarding the list of horses available to sell to Lord Laughlin, William was surprised when Mr. Walker rushed into the room without waiting for his permission to enter, to say that Andrew Darcy had arrived by horseback and was now out on the drive. Having been instructed never to allow him entrance to Pemberley again, Walker winced when William dismissed his steward and instructed him to show Andrew into his study, but he followed the master’s order by immediately going to meet Andrew at the front door.

  While William waited in his study, he walked over to the portrait of his father that hung on the wall and pondered what he might say about his decision regarding Andrew. He was still studying the portrait when Andrew walked into the room. Their eyes locked, and the cousins stared at one another for a long time in silence. Then Andrew broke the stalemate.

  “Well, from the looks of it, Fitz, I would say that marriage agrees with you.”

  William stiffened. He had hoped that Andrew would not bring Elizabeth into their conversation. “It does.”

  When he said nothing further, Andrew ventured, “Am I to receive no welcome? After all, it has been a year or more since I last darkened the door of Pemberley.”

  Not long enough , William thought. “Let us not pretend that we separated under normal circumstances. To get straight to the point, what brings you here?”

  Andrew barked a laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. “You pretend not to know. I think that highly improbable, given the letter you wrote regarding the sale of my estate. “

  “I was not sure you had received the letter. After all, I sent it to Winfield Hall, but it seems you no longer reside there.”

  “How would you know that unless you have someone watching? Did he talk to my staff? Will you stop at nothing to humiliate me?”

  “Humiliate you?” William’s voice rose despite his best intentions. “You are the one who has disgraced the name of Darcy—fathering children with women you had no intentions of marrying and raising the hopes of a well-brought-up young woman who ended up dead under mysterious circumstances.”

  “Oh, that is compassionate. Bring up mistakes I made years ago and things over which I had no control! Can you not give me the benefit of the doubt? I have not been at my estate because I have been trying to accumulate enough to pay my expenses. Look here!” Andrew reached into the satchel he had set in a chair and brought out a small bag. With great ceremony, he dumped the entire contents of the bag on William’s desk.

  “Eight hundred pounds to pay on my debts—I wanted to prove that I am serious about my obligations.”

  Barely glancing at the contents, William could not hold back a laugh full of contempt.

  “Are you shocked that I was able to accumulate so much?”

  “I only fear that I would be shocked to know how you came by that sum, but that is for another day. The point is, Andrew, that it is too little, too late. The estate is still on the market, and it will be sold.”

  At this pronouncement, Andrew lost his temper. “What do you mean too late? You have the only say in this matter. You have no one to ask, nothing to consult but your own conscience. That is, if you still have a conscience.”

  “My conscience told me long ago that I should let you stand on your own two feet, but I did not listen. I have given you chance after chance to take responsibility for yourself, yet you have not. As soon as I have a valid offer for Winfield Hall, I shall take it. Then I will repay Pemberley for what was spent on your obligations and put the rest of the proceeds into an account. All interest on that account will be paid to you for a living.”

  “What do I owe Pemberley?”

  “You know as well as I that you have not fully repaid Pemberley for the land and the houses sheltering your children—I should say child, as there is only one now.”

  “I did not authorise you to furnish them such fine accommodations. Why should I pay for them?”

  “Because I decided that you would. And just so you know, the man that you hired to intimidate the women at Eastbrooke Manor, the one who triggered the fire, was almost apprehended by one of my men.”

  Andrew’s eyes grew large. “I... I have no idea what you are talking about.”

  William knew that arguing was fruitless. “You and I both know what happened at Richmond, even if I cannot prove it.”

  “So your suspicious nature has motivated you to leave me homeless, as well as penniless?”

  “You will have the interest on your funds. If you cannot live on that, you will simply have to find useful employment or convince one of your wealthy widows to take you on.”

  “You cannot do this, Fitz!”

  “Actually, I can.”

  “You always sai
d that I could live on what little the estate made. Why are you selling it now?

  “Because you are not paying your staff out of what little it makes. I am.”

  “But, but... ” Andrew looked like a cornered deer as he crumpled the brim of the hat in his hand completely out of shape. “If you continue with this madness, you will sentence me to poverty.”

  “You have sentenced yourself, Andrew. Whether or not you live in poverty is up to you.” William motioned to the money on the table. “This proves you have some ability to acquire money, so I suggest you continue.”

  “You shall rue this day, Fitz!” Andrew shouted as he began gathering the money and stuffing it back into the bag. “This shall come back to haunt you, mark my words.”

  Having said that, Andrew picked up the satchel and marched out of William’s study.

  ENTERING THE BACK ENTRANCE of Pemberley, it quickly became clear to Joseph Fitzwilliam that there was an argument in progress somewhere in the house. Relieved that Olivia and Elizabeth had waited in the gardens whilst he went inside to see what was keeping his nephew, he walked in the direction of the raised voices. Had he not heard the quarrel, he would have known something was amiss merely by the presence of three burly footmen and the butler outside William’s study. So focused were they that his arrival went unnoticed until he stood beside them. It was at that very moment that the door flew open, slamming back against the wall, and Andrew Darcy stalked out. It all happened so swiftly that there was no time to react, and by the time the butler followed him to the front door, William’s cousin was kicking his horse into a gallop.

  Worried about his nephew, Joseph stuck his head inside the open study door. William looked upset as he ran his hands through his hair and paced the floor. Concerned, Joseph walked into the room and shut the door behind him.

  “You may tell me it is none of my business, but is there anything I can do?”

  William stopped pacing at the sound of his uncle’s voice. Meeting his eye, he shook his head wearily and sat down. “You know that I have struggled since Father died with my cousin’s irresponsibility.”

  “From what little you have told me, your burden has been great.”

  “Recently I informed Andrew that I am going to sell Winfield Hall. I am washing my hands of paying his staff as well as my own. He has no intention of making it profitable, and now he will be forced to stand on his own.”

  “You do not seem too at ease with your decision.”

  William sighed. “It gives me no pleasure to see him struggle. My father coddled him since the day he came to live with us, and I have let him have far too many chances, so some of it was our fault. Nonetheless, now that I have Elizabeth and my own family to look forward to, I decided he cannot be my responsibility any longer.”

  “I agree. He is a grown man, after all.” Then Joseph smiled. “From the way you and Elizabeth have been hidden away, I should think an announcement regarding a child should be forthcoming very soon.”

  William’s countenance improved greatly. “Both of us want children as soon as God wills it.”

  “Then let us hope that you do not have to wait long. Now, your wife sent me to find out why you had not joined us, so I shall return and report that you are on your way.”

  “I would like to keep Andrew’s visit a secret from Elizabeth. She has suffered enough over her history with that cad. Now that we have found happiness, I do not want to bring the subject up again.”

  “I am not in the habit of keeping anything from Livy, so I shall tell my wife and explain why you do not want Elizabeth to know. Will that suffice?”

  “Of course. Now, let me speak to Mrs. Reynolds about instructing the servants not to mention his visit.”

  “Do not take too long, or Elizabeth may begin to wonder.”

  “I will hurry.”

  PEMBERLEY

  Two Days Later

  The night had seemed interminably long, and Elizabeth was still awake. This was the day William would leave for Chesterfield, and the sense of dread that had filled her upon first hearing of the trip had only gotten worse. From the way William had tossed and turned through the night, she knew that he had not rested soundly, either; however, for the last hour his breathing had settled into a steady rhythm, and Elizabeth prayed that he was finally asleep. Glancing in his direction, she could barely make out his form in the darkness and was greatly disappointed. She loved to watch him sleep for, unfortunately, that was the only time that his forehead did not furrow with the cares of his duties, and he appeared much younger.

  Truth be told, Elizabeth had slept little since William had informed her two days past of his plans to travel to Laughlin Manor, a trip he fully intended to make without her. At first, she had tried to convince him to take her, but after hearing the valid reasons why he did not think it a good idea, she had reluctantly agreed. Still, the thought of being separated from him for three whole days had caused such unease that, for the first time in her life, Elizabeth was unable to sustain her usual good humour. Thus, when a lone tear rolled down her face and a sniffle escaped, she scolded herself once more with an admonition that sounded strangely like her mother.

  Do not make him rue the day he married you, Lizzy. Stop acting like a child!

  Suddenly William rolled over. Lying perfectly still, she prayed she had not awakened him, but soon gentle hands began to touch her.

  “I know that you are awake, sweetheart. What is the matter?”

  Against her resolve, she burst into tears. Immediately, William’s arms encircled her, and he whispered soothing words of love. His reassurances only made her feel guiltier.

  “Do... do not pay any attention to me,” she stammered at last. “I... I am just being foolish.”

  “Shhh,” William whispered. “Do not say such a thing. To be truthful, as I lay here this morning, I was attempting to think of a good excuse not to go to Chesterfield. So you see, I am just as reluctant to go as you are to have me leave.”

  “Oh, Will!” Elizabeth said, framing his face in the darkness so she could bring his mouth to hers. “I do not know what is happening. I have never been this easily upset in my life.”

  “Nor have I,” he reassured her with another kiss. “But, then, neither of us has been in love before.”

  Another sniffle followed. “That is true, but how shall we ever be able to overcome it?”

  “I do not think two people who love one another as we do will ever overcome it, nor should they. I believe that when the Bible says a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife and shall be one flesh, it pertains not only to the act of love but to their relationship. They are one, and when they are separated, they should feel as if the other half is missing.”

  “I love being one with you, Will,” she murmured passionately.

  Her heartfelt declaration was all the encouragement needed for William to make love to her again, and by the time they were finished and breathless, sunlight was filtering through the curtains, and sounds emanating from the hallway made it evident that most of Pemberley was awake; thus, when Mrs. O’Reilly knocked on Elizabeth’s bedroom door, there was no denying it was time to rise.

  “One moment,” William called loudly as he slid from the bed, donned his robe and tied the belt around his waist. Just as he finished, Elizabeth’s arms encircled him from behind and she hugged him. Closing his eyes briefly at the sensation, he turned and clasped her to his chest, rocking her back and forth.

  “I shall dress and then we shall eat before I leave,” he murmured, kissing her hair.

  Elizabeth nodded, her heart too full to speak. She then watched until he went out and Mrs. O’Reilly entered just as quickly. The maid greeted her in her usual, cheerful manner.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Darcy. It looks as though it will be a beautiful day. At least Mr. Darcy will have nice weather for his trip.”

  Elizabeth lifted her chin and tried to smile. “Yes. At least that will be a blessing.”

 
LATER THAT DAY

  As Elizabeth emerged from the library carrying several books that she hoped would induce sleep that night, she almost collided with Georgiana. Her sister, who looked beautiful dressed in a blue riding habit, exhaled an exaggerated sigh and stepped aside, allowing Elizabeth to pass.

  “I am sorry, Georgiana,” Elizabeth stopped to say, her smile apologetic. “I fear I was thinking of Fitzwilliam and not paying any attention to where I was going.”

  Georgiana shrugged. “There was no harm done.” She studied the books. “You must be completely at loose ends with my brother away. Since the storm, you have hardly been out of each other’s company.” She tossed her hair, adding irritably, “So, of course, he ignores me whenever I do see him.”

  “I am sure he does not intentionally ignore you. It is just that Will is so busy, what with the completion of the bridge for the tenants and the new addition to the foundlings’ home and—”

  “Catering to your every need,” Georgiana said under her breath.

  Not sure if she had heard correctly, Elizabeth said, “Excuse me?”

  “Never mind! I shall be late if I do not leave now.” With that, Georgiana headed toward the foyer.

  “Late?” Elizabeth said, following her. “I had no idea that you had an engagement today. Will did not mention it, and you have said nothing to me about it.”

  Georgiana bit her lip. “I only meant that I need to leave if I wish to return from my ride before dark.”

  Having walked on during their conversation, Georgiana vanished out the front door before Elizabeth could question her further; thus, when Olivia Fitzwilliam caught up with Elizabeth, she was standing on the portico, her hand shading her eyes, and watching Georgiana gallop towards Pemberley’s open fields on her bay stallion.

  “Elizabeth?” She turned, her expression puzzled. “Would you like to walk around the lake with Joseph and me? I know how you love to walk, and with Fitzwilliam gone, I thought perhaps you would like some company.”

  Seeing the hopefulness in her aunt’s eyes, Elizabeth conceded. “Thank you. I would love to join you. Just let me take these books up to my room, and I shall meet you at the back entrance.”