“I do not believe you think so little of any animal. You are just angry.”
Georgiana tilted her head in a shrug. “You are correct, but I have every right to be angry. You have not bothered to contact me once since Elizabeth ordered you from Pemberley.”
“Mrs. Darcy ordered my cousin from Pemberley, not me. I just happened to be with her. And as for contacting you, I felt it best if we did not meet until things calmed down. I did not wish to get you into further trouble on the chance you were caught meeting me.”
“Humph! My sister is too focused on my brother at present to bother keeping up with me. I dare say she thinks I am in my rooms this very minute. I inhabit them most of the time now anyway and especially since the earl arrived.”
“The Earl of Matlock?”
“One and the same.”
“But I thought he and you were like-minded. Why would you want to avoid him?”
“I thought we were too, but that was before he sided with Elizabeth regarding my brother’s course of treatment. In front of everyone, he stated that my opinion meant nothing. He practically got down on his knees to her!”
With this pronouncement Georgiana began to cry, so Attaway pulled her into his arms. “There, there. Did you not say that you would soon be married and away from your brother’s control and, subsequently, his wife’s? Just remember that whenever you feel upset.”
“You are too kind to put up with my temper. I do not understand my uncle’s change of heart, but I should not have gotten angry with you.”
“I did not take it to heart.” Attaway dropped to the ground, leaning back against the tree trunk and holding out his hand to Georgiana. “Sit back down so we may talk.”
She took his hand, and he situated her so that she sat in front of him, the back of her head resting against his chest.
“Susan showed me the note, informing her that your brother was now awake. Is his health much improved?”
“I do not think it has. He still has difficulty seeing and gets off balance when he stands, but most shocking is the fact that he has completely forgotten the last few months, though he clearly remembers everything else in his past. He had no idea that the Fitzwilliams were staying at Pemberley and no recollection of his dear wife.”
“He does not remember marrying?”
“He does not even remember meeting her! Is that not fortuitous? I do hope that part of his memory never returns, for it may aid my attempt to discredit Elizabeth.”
“I would imagine it would. Have you told Susan this?”
“No. I was going to send her another note, but then I decided just to meet you and let you pass it along.”
“I shall. Let me ask then, what have they decided regarding your brother’s injury? Was it an accident or something more sinister?”
“What do you mean by sinister?”
Since hearing of Darcy’s injury, Attaway had suspected Andrew’s involvement. Of course, he had not voiced this fear to Susan, afraid of what his cousin would do if she remotely suspected Andrew was responsible for hurting Darcy. Sadly, she was too entwined with Andrew’s mischief to switch alliances successfully, and he had no doubt that Fitzwilliam’s cousin would bring her down if he were found out. Attaway’s only worry at this point was how it might affect him, for what he was earning by doing Susan’s bidding was enough to keep Grace Hill Park solvent for a long while; thus, he needed to know what was being discussed at Pemberley.
“I am only saying that there is always the possibility that it was not an accident.”
“No one believes it was not an accident. Besides, I cannot think of anyone who might want to harm him.”
“All men of your brother’s rank have enemies. What about his dealings with your cousin, Andrew? Some might even point the finger in his direction, since they had argued recently.”
Georgiana shrugged off the notion. “Susan said that Andrew is in Sheffield. Besides, he would never hurt Brother; he is not that callous. Why, when I was a child, he often took me fishing, and he was so tender-hearted that he would put all the fish we caught back in the water.”
“What of George Wickham? He had plenty to say about Fitzwilliam’s fairness when he was tossed from Pemberley.”
“That was when father died, and I was so young that I do not remember the particulars. But why would Wickham decide to do harm to Brother after all these years? It makes no sense.”
Seeing her gullibility, Attaway changed the subject to his mission from Susan. “Perhaps you have the right of it. In any case, it is only conjecture on my part. Now, before I forget, I have a drawing that my cousin asked me to deliver.”
Georgiana looked back at him. “A drawing, you say?”
“Yes. Sit up for a moment.”
She did as he asked, and he reached into a pocket of his coat, bringing out the charcoal that resembled Elizabeth. Unfolding it, he handed it to Georgiana. As she took in the subject, her eyes went wide with shock.
“Andrew saw it in London at the shop of an artist he had befriended. He bought it to spare Darcy the embarrassment of having it fall into the wrong hands. When he asked Susan her opinion on whether he should show it to Darcy, she recognised the value of holding on to it for leverage and placed it in her safe. Now that Fitzwilliam is injured and Mrs. Darcy is in charge, she believes it is time for you to use it to your advantage.”
“I... I cannot believe that prim and proper Elizabeth would pose like a... a common whore, though this proves my opinion of her. My brother would be mortified if he knew. Unfortunately, I cannot possibly present it to him now—not in his condition.”
“That is not what my cousin meant. If Mrs. Darcy knows you have the drawing in your possession, it will likely be sufficient to control her temper. It may even be possible to get her to leave Pemberley before your brother recalls their marriage.”
“I had not thought of that. Susan is brilliant! Tell her that I shall use it wisely, and once Brother is well, I shall have no qualms exposing Elizabeth for the harlot she is. ”
Georgiana refolded the drawing and slipped it into her pocket. “I must return to Pemberley. Though my relations might not notice my absence, the servants may, and I do not want to raise suspicions among them.”
Attaway stood then, helping her to her feet afterward. “I would not want that either.” He leaned in to kiss her passionately. By the time he was finished, Georgiana’s knees were buckling, and he steadied her to keep her from falling.
Kissing first her cheek, then across to her ear, he whispered, “When may I see you again?”
“Every day at this same time, unless I send word otherwise,” she replied breathlessly.
“That makes me very happy. Rest assured that I shall not be late again.”
PEMBERLEY
The sun was no longer directly overhead and evening clouds were beginning to gather by the time Richard Fitzwilliam finally reached Pemberley. Every muscle he possessed ached as Titan traversed the last hundred feet of drive and he dearly wished to rest. His mind, however, was alive with questions regarding Darcy’s injury—questions that he meant to have answered before the day was over.
When the stallion halted at the bottom of the steps, Richard dismounted without his usual vigour, for his muscles were uncharacteristically taut. Unable to conceal his discomfort once he stood on his feet, he said very little to the footman rushing to take his mount.
“Tell Mr. Miller to give Titan a good rub-down and extra oats. He deserves it after how hard I have ridden him the last few days.”
“Yes, sir,” the footman answered, taking the reins.
Richard watched him lead the horse away before turning to look up to the portico. Mr. Walker, who was waiting in the open door, gave him a nod and a slight smile. As he came up the steps, the butler greeted him.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam, we were expecting you, sir. It is good to have you here again, though I wish it were under different circumstances.”
“As do I, Walker,” Richard said, walking past him into th
e foyer. He doffed his greatcoat, hat and gloves as he went, handing them to the butler who followed his every step.
“I could not help but notice that you seem weary, Colonel. A hot bath will no doubt ease whatever ails you. Shall I order the water heated?”
“I have been looking forward to a bath for the last two days, but first things first. How is my cousin?”
“The good news is that Mr. Darcy woke three nights ago, but, unfortunately, he is now plagued by blurred vision, dizziness, headaches and memory loss, among a sundry of other maladies. Mr. Camryn will be able to explain better than I.”
Richard nodded. He intended to question the physician extensively. “And Mrs. Darcy? How is she faring?”
Walker looked about and seeing no servants close by, replied in a low voice, “Mrs. Reynolds allows that the mistress is doing well under the circumstances.”
“Under what circumstances?”
Again the butler perused the foyer, before answering. “It seems that Mr. Darcy does not remember anything of the last two months or so.”
Richard stopped dead still, staring at the butler for a long moment. “Nothing?”
“Not even his marriage.”
“That does not bode well.”
“No, sir.”
Just then a maid came down the hall from the direction of the kitchen carrying a tray. As she disappeared into the dining room, Richard enquired, “Is tea ready? I could certainly use a cup to help keep me alert.”
“You shall have your wish. Since Mr. Darcy’s injury, Mrs. Darcy has arranged for Cook to keep her guests well fed, though some take tea in their rooms.”
“I can certainly understand that. Is dinner still served at eight?”
“Yes. Mrs. Darcy, the Fitzwilliams and Mr. Camryn dine together each evening, unless one of them is with Mr. Darcy. Miss Darcy has been taking all her meals in her room, as have your parents.”
“My parents are here?” Richard said with incredulity. Then he quickly added, “Of course, what was I thinking? Father would come if he thought he could make my aunt and uncle feel uncomfortable. Where is everyone at present?”
“Mrs. Darcy and Captain Fitzwilliam are walking around the lake. Miss Darcy is in the conservatory. Lord Matlock is in the master’s bedroom and Lady Matlock is in the drawing room with Mrs. Fitzwilliam.”
Richard looked alarmed. “My mother is with my aunt?” He swiftly walked in that direction, calling over his shoulder, “Do not tell a soul that I am here, Walker. I want it to be a surprise to one and all.”
“Would you not rather have your bath first?”
“Have the water prepared. I shall bathe after I make sure that my aunt is well.”
Walker watched him leave with mixed emotions, wondering whether the colonel’s presence would be beneficial or cause even more tension. He feared the latter. Shrugging, he determined it was not for him to decide and went in search of Mrs. Reynolds. The least he could do was to alert her to Richard’s presence, whether the colonel wished it or not.
THE LIBRARY
When Olivia Fitzwilliam received the note from Lady Matlock asking to meet with her in the library, she was astonished. Since the earl and Lady Matlock’s arrival, they had kept to themselves, even taking their meals in their rooms. Whatever the countess’ motive, Joseph had been adamantly opposed to her meeting Lady Matlock alone. Still, Olivia had carried the argument, and, reluctantly, he had agreed to walk Elizabeth around the lake whilst she went to the library.
Thus, she found herself sitting in the elegantly appointed room, surreptitiously stealing glances over the rim of a delicately painted china cup at the countess, who was busily preparing a cup to her liking. When finished, Lady Matlock moved gracefully to sit on a sofa across from her. That was when Olivia realised how little her sister’s outward appearance had changed over the years, for she was still slim of frame and very handsome. Even her hair is not white like mine.
They had been young when last they met and Joseph’s father was still alive. Even then, however, Evelyn Fitzwilliam had been every inch a future countess, aloof and haughty. While Olivia pondered if she might have changed in that regard, Lady Matlock began to speak.
“I know that you wonder why I asked you here.” Olivia stirred from her reflections, but not in time to reply before the countess continued. “I have been hoping that Edward and your husband might be reconciled before we leave for home tomorrow.”
Olivia’s brows furrowed just to consider such a thing.
“I know that it may sound strange for me to make such a remark, but I have accepted that some things are inevitable. In a few short years, those who make their fortunes in trade will travel in the highest circles—some do even now.” She paused to take a sip of tea. “Most importantly, Fitzwilliam’s marriage to Elizabeth has proven that station should matter far less than character, and his unfortunate injury has impressed upon me that concern for one’s own flesh and blood should surpass any disagreement.”
The countess gazed out the tall windows to her left for a moment as though she was carefully considering her next words. When she spoke again her voice was wistful.
“I have never said this to anyone, but Edward’s father was wrong to ostracise the two of you from the family when you married. Edward and I were equally wrong to follow his lead, even holding to his dictates all these years since his death. For that, I am very sorry, and I apologize.”
Olivia’s mind was spinning. Unable to form a coherent thought, she stuttered, “You ... you are apologising?”
“I am. I ask your forgiveness as well as Joseph’s. And though I cannot speak for my husband, I truly believe that Edward now wishes that things had been managed differently. Still, he struggles with the protocol that has governed his life since before he was born and with the opinion of his peers. Nonetheless, when he thanked your husband for taking care of Fitzwilliam, I feel certain that it opened a door that had long been shut. If nothing else, our mutual concern for that dear boy has united us.”
“Indeed, we do have that in common,” Olivia said sincerely. “And for myself, I am pleased to accept your apology. Knowing Joseph as I do, I am certain that he will say the same.”
“That is very kind. My hope is that you and I can become friends and facilitate the reconciliation of our husbands—if not now, then in the near future.”
“I am willing to do all that I can to make it possible,” Olivia offered.
Suddenly, Richard came into the room, looking between the two of them with an anxious expression. Both stood to greet him, but, surprisingly, Lady Matlock rushed over to him.
“Richard, you are here, and you are safe!”
“Yes, Mother, I am. I am also filthy, so you may want to wait until I wash the dust off to greet me.”
“I care not one whit if you are covered in dust. Since learning of Fitzwilliam’s injury, I have dwelt on the fact that what happened to him could easily have befallen you, as well. After all, you travel the highways constantly, and your position requires you to track down deserters. You must make a lot of enemies.”
While his mother embraced him, Richard covertly gave Olivia a wry smile over her shoulder. “Mother, I am hardly ever alone when I travel, and with my new position, I no longer track down deserters. So please do not worry for my sake.”
“It is my lot as a mother to worry for my children,” Lady Matlock declared. When Lady Matlock pulled back to take her measure of him, he addressed Olivia.
“Are you well, Aunt Olivia?”
“I am.”
“When Walker told me that you and Mother were in the drawing room, I feared I would find a far different scene. Though I love her dearly, Mother can be almost as stubborn as Father.”
“What a horrible thing to say, especially in my presence,” Lady Matlock chided.
“I say it only because it is true.” Richard kissed his mother’s cheek, which seemed to mollify her. “Would I be correct in assuming that the two of you have reached a truce?”
Olivia answered. “Your mother and I wish to become better acquainted with the hope that it may influence our husbands to do likewise.”
Richard’s brows shot up. “I wish you every success. God knows it is past time for that to happen. Now, seeing that I was wrong and the two of you have not come to blows, I shall excuse myself. Before I look in on my cousin, I want to bathe and change clothes.”
“Be prepared, Son,” Lady Matlock said sombrely, “Fitzwilliam is struggling with many problems, and his temper is on edge. He is impatient with everyone.”
“I understand that his memory is lacking, in particular, regarding his marriage.”
“That is correct,” Olivia replied. “It is destroying Elizabeth, though she tries hard not to show it.”
“How ill-fated—finally grasping true happiness only to have it taken away in the blink of an eye,” Richard said sombrely.
“Most unfortunate, indeed,” Lady Matlock added. “Still, Mr. Camryn is hopeful that he will recall everything in time.”
“Let us pray it is soon, for dear Elizabeth’s sake,” Olivia stated.
“And Darcy’s,” Richard added. “Now, if you will excuse me, I shall see you at dinner.”
With that, Richard took his leave, disappearing from the room as quickly as he had appeared.
“I believe I shall find Joseph and see if the walk around the lake cheered Elizabeth,” Olivia said.
“I hope she is being guarded, as well as the house, until we know more about what happened to my nephew.”
“Oh, yes,” Olivia answered. “Joseph saw to that as soon as Fitzwilliam was brought home. Many of the servants are standing watch covertly.”
“Excellent. Still, I worry for Elizabeth’s state of mind.”
“As do I,” Olivia said.
“Please advise me if there is anything I can do to assist her. For now, I shall find Edward and suggest he take a nap. If he does not, he will become even more irritable than usual. And I plan to insist that we dine with everyone else tonight.”
“Then hopefully I shall see you at dinner,” Olivia offered.
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 66