Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple

by Brenda J. Webb

  “Yes, thank God that Graham thought to investigate the new treatments for head injuries espoused by his associates before he left Town. Between the latest techniques and medications and the eye exercises developed by Mr. Colpack, Darcy has showed immense improvement. He has not been plagued with double vision for days and can walk without stumbling.”

  “And he was able to toss away the eye patch,” Bingley chuckled. “I tried to convince him that he looked dashing with it, but he said it put him in mind of the drawing of a pirate he once saw in a cheap novel he found in Georgiana’s room.”

  Richard laughed. “I never said as much, but I thought he looked like a pirate, too. Seeing Darcy in his study this morning was like a tonic. For the first time, I had faith he would recover completely.”

  “I can only imagine Miss Eliz... err... Mrs. Darcy’s relief!” Bingley declared. “Mr. Bennet told me that neither he nor the Gardiners received word of Darcy’s injury directly from her. He assumed she was too distraught to think clearly enough to write.”

  “This is true. My aunt confided that in the first few days she was almost as worried for Mrs. Darcy as she was for my cousin. I will give him credit, though. After my lecture and my aunt’s intervention, he made a conscious decision to be more considerate of his wife. As a consequence, her spirits have improved remarkably.”

  “That is good to hear. By the way, have you heard anything from the men investigating the ambush? Have they located Andrew Darcy yet?”

  “Ambush is right! The more I learn about what happened, the more convinced I am that someone lay in wait for my cousin—to rob him, kill him, or both, I cannot say. The Bow Street Runners that Fitzwilliam hired as guards are following some clues, and I expect to hear from them shortly.”

  By then Richard, who now sat atop Titan, had cleared the paddock gate, with Charles riding right behind. “Shall we race to the far pasture again?” the colonel challenged. “Whoever first reaches the feed shed in the middle wins?”

  “I am ready, if you are,” Charles quipped.

  “What say you if this time we wager a shilling on the outcome.”

  “Fair enough!”

  Without warning Richard kicked the large, red horse into a gallop. “Excellent!” he shouted, racing away. “Titan can use the exercise, and I can use the money!”

  Smiling at his antics, Charles kicked his own steed and quickly closed the gap. When he got close enough, he shouted, “Darcy warned me that you were not to be trusted when money rides on the outcome!”

  “Darcy was wrong! As an officer I was trained NEVER to play fair, wager or no wager!”

  With a loud guffaw, Richard surged ahead, leaving Bingley breathing his dust.

  MONTHAVEN MANOR

  That same morning

  Hearing voices in the foyer, Lady Susan walked out of the library just in time to see Georgiana hand her cloak and gloves to the butler. Miffed that she now had to spend time with Fitzwilliam’s whiny sister, she struggled to put a smile on her face as she walked toward her guest.

  “Georgiana! What in the world are you doing here, and so early?”

  Rushing to give her friend a peck on the cheek, Georgiana exclaimed with no little ire, “I am sorry I did not send word beforehand, but I could not take any more of the sweetness and light at Pemberley, so I left.”

  Seeing Mrs. Holden standing in a nearby doorway, Lady Susan ordered her to bring tea and refreshment to the drawing room and began to lead Georgiana in that direction. Once inside the room, Georgiana continued her rant.

  “Now that Brother has gained some ground in his recovery, it seems that he and Elizabeth are getting reacquainted. I fear it is only a matter of time until they return to their previous worship of one another.”

  “You have the drawing. Why have you not used it?”

  “I have come to believe that if I try to blackmail Elizabeth, I will fail. She has too much support from my aunt and uncle, Richard and now Mr. Bingley. I do not doubt that if she confided in any of them about the drawing, it would be confiscated and destroyed, and Brother would never see it.”

  “Then why not show it to him yourself? He has sufficiently recovered to withstand the shock, has he not?”

  “I am waiting for the right opportunity. With his progress, Brother has slipped back into his previous distrust of me, so I dare not bring it out until I am sure he can be convinced. Else, it would be fruitless. There is one good thing to report, though.”

  Lady Susan’s eyebrows rose. “Oh?”

  “They have relaxed their guard. They no longer watch to make sure that I am not left alone with Brother,” Georgiana said enthusiastically. “So it should be easier to talk to him undetected when I decide to act.”

  Though wishing Georgiana would just get on with it, Susan could not say as much. “Then I suppose you are wise to wait.”

  “I am. I know I am.” Georgiana glanced over Susan’s shoulder. “Matthew... Lord Attaway, is he here?”

  “No, I am afraid that he is on an errand for my father—I expect him back in an hour or so.”

  “That will be too late. I must get back to Pemberley before I am missed. Now that Richard has returned, he has taken an inordinate interest in what I do when I leave the house.”

  “I see that Richard is still a pest. When we were all young, he would run to Fitzwilliam whenever he caught me—” She stopped abruptly, realising what she was about to say. “Whenever he saw Andrew and me speaking privately, he would run to Fitzwilliam with some tale that we were devising a secret plan. One would have thought we were plotting to overthrow the king, the way he reacted.”

  “I know what you mean. I used to think Richard understood me; now I know that he only pretended to understand in order to gain my trust. He is just like Brother.”

  “Enough talk of that bore. What of Fitzwilliam? Does he treat Eliza as he did before the accident?”

  “In my presence, he behaves as though she is only a friend, whereas before, he often acted like a lovesick—”

  Susan interrupted. “I do not care to hear how besotted he was in the past. I only care that he NEVER acts that way again!”

  Georgiana looked startled at Susan’s outburst but murmured, “I agree.” Then she stood suddenly. “I should return. I told the groom I would be riding in Pemberley’s pastures.”

  “May I ask one other thing of you?”

  “Of course. Anything.”

  “I need to know the minute you hear anything about Eliza going outside the grounds of Pemberley—even just a trip to Lambton. The very minute you know, you must send me word.”

  “You can count on me to do that.”

  Susan’s frown relaxed and she pulled Georgiana into an embrace. “I know I can, dear, just as you can always rely on me.”

  PEMBERLEY

  The hall outside of Elizabeth’s study

  Seeing Elizabeth about to enter her study, Olivia quickened her pace in the hallway, hoping to catch her before the door closed.

  “I thought I might find you here. Were you intending to work on the coats, my dear?”

  “No. Mr. Graham is examining Will now, so I came in search of a book— a poem actually. It is one my husband read to me during the weeks after we... ” Elizabeth blushed, “after we were reconciled. My hope is that by reading it to him, it may strike a chord in his memory.”

  “What poem is that?”

  “The First Kiss of Love by Lord Byron. 16 When age chills the blood, when our pleasures are past, for years fleet away with the wings of the dove—”

  “The dearest remembrance will still be the last, our sweetest memorial, the first kiss of love,” Olivia completed softly. “Joseph and I admire that poem as well. We read it often.”

  Elizabeth smiled, then noticed the item Olivia held in her hand. “Doll clothes?”

  Holding up the miniature green gown with lavender trim, Olivia smiled. “I promised Mazie that I would make more clothes for her doll, but I have been remiss in keeping my word.”


  Sighing, Elizabeth added, “I fear that I have, too. I have not called on any of the tenants, not even the Beckers, since Will’s injury.”

  “All of Pemberley’s tenants understand why you have not been able to visit. They are just grateful that you take such good care of their master.”

  A wan smile was all the answer Olivia was to receive, so she hurried over to the sewing table. “Come! Help me complete the bows. I made one for the front of the doll’s gown and a matching one for Mazie’s hair, but I need a steady finger to hold them while I tie the knots.”

  As Elizabeth held a finger at the centre of each knot, Olivia noticed that she had changed wedding rings, but she said nothing and hurried to tack the smaller bow on the neckline of the doll’s gown before holding it aloft. “There! All done! What do you think?”

  “Mazie will adore it, and the matching bow for her hair will make her all the more proud.”

  “I hope she enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it.” Then Olivia reached out for Elizabeth’s left hand, studying the ring once more. “This is not the ring that Fitzwilliam had crafted for you.”

  A deep sigh escaped as her niece pulled back the hand, covering it with her other. “No, I replaced it with Mrs. Darcy’s ring—the one that I wore on my right hand.” Elizabeth tugged on a small chain around her neck, causing the ring William had given her to slip from her décolletage. “I now wear his ring next to my heart.”

  “Will you tell me why?”

  Elizabeth’s countenance fell. “Each day Will is becoming more aware. I could not bear it if he asked... if he did not remember commissioning my ring. The sentiments expressed upon it are all I have left of my dear, sweet... ” Her voice broke and it took a minute to compose herself. “I need him to remember having the ring designed for me. Only then can I be certain that he truly remembers all that we shared.”

  Olivia stood and pulled her into a tight hug. Then she pushed Elizabeth to arm’s length. “I wish I could wave a magic wand and make everything between the two of you as it was.”

  “I fear our relationship will never be as it was.”

  “Has nothing improved?”

  “While his words and actions are kinder, I can tell his heart is not engaged. I do not know which is worse—to have him snap at me or stare at me without emotion. The love that once danced in his eyes is no more. It is excruciatingly painful to be with him and more excruciating to be apart.”

  The conversation she had had with Mr. Camryn only minutes before weighed heavy on her heart. Olivia knew that, though it would only add to Elizabeth’s distress, she had no option but to confess. After all, by failing to keep a promise she had made to her niece, she had created even more problems.

  Praying for wisdom, she declared, “Oh my dear, I fear I have more bad news to share, and I would not blame you for being exceedingly angry with me after you hear what has happened.”

  Olivia watched as Elizabeth’s brows knit in puzzlement. When her niece did not reply, she continued.

  “When Fitzwilliam was so very ill, I confided about the baby to Mr. Camryn. I was beside myself with worry for your health and felt that I could not allow him to suggest potions for you without knowing that you could be with child.

  “Only moments ago, as he was leaving, Camryn mentioned that he passed along that information to Mr. Graham, so that he might keep an eye on you as well. But when I asked if he told Graham that Fitzwilliam does not know, he said he had forgotten. Since Graham is with my nephew at this moment, he may mention the baby during the examination. Forgive me. If he does, it will be my fault for breaching your confidence.”

  Elizabeth looked stunned as she sank into one of the wooden chairs at the table. Studying the carpet as though the solution to her problem lay in the intricate design, when she finally looked at Olivia, she smiled wanly.

  “I know that Fitzwilliam’s injury has been as hard on you as on me. And I understand that you acted out of concern for my wellbeing, so there is nothing to forgive. I suppose it was impossible to hide for very long, and I need to tell him in any case. Before I return to his bedroom, however, I need time alone to decide exactly what I will say.”

  “I shall leave so that you may do just that.” At the door Olivia paused. “If you need to talk to me before or after you speak to Fitzwilliam, please send a maid to fetch me.”

  Elizabeth nodded. As she went out the door, closing it behind her, Olivia looked up to heaven. Please let Fitzwilliam be thrilled at the news of his child.

  IN THE HALLWAY OUTSIDE the study

  Having gone to retrieve a book for Georgiana from a small drawing room on the second floor, Florence was returning to her mistress when she heard voices coming from inside Elizabeth’s study. Looking about to ascertain that no one was watching, she stopped to find that the door had not closed properly, leaving her free to eavesdrop. Clutching the book to her chest—ample evidence for being there—she felt safe, should Mrs. Reynolds turn the corner.

  Once she overheard the news about the baby, she gave up her post, rushing down the hall in order to pass along the information as quickly as possible. That revelation would likely make her mistress angry, but it would earn her another cache of gowns in reward. She smiled. If she kept up her spying, she would soon have as grand a wardrobe as any privileged young lady. As fate would have it, as she turned the corner, she did encounter Mrs. Reynolds.

  “What are you doing on this hall?” the housekeeper asked.

  Florence held up the book as she lifted her chin in defiance. “Miss Darcy left this book in the green drawing room and I was sent to fetch it for her.”

  Mrs. Reynolds did not reply for a long moment, instead she stared at the maid for so long that it became plain that she did not trust her. Finally, she spoke. “Then be on your way.”

  Florence breathed a sigh of relief. While she was not afraid of Georgiana—after all, she could manipulate her—she feared the housekeeper, who she suspected knew whenever she lied. Pasting a false smile on her face, she replied, “Good day to you, Mrs. Reynolds.”

  As she hurried back down the next hall toward Georgiana’s rooms, Mrs. Reynolds watched. I may not know what she is up to, but I have no doubt that it is not good.

  Then sighing in resignation, she resumed her duties.

  WILLIAM’S BEDROOM

  Richard Fitzwilliam slipped into his cousin’s bedroom just as Mr. Graham was finishing his examination. When the physician concluded, he nodded in his direction as he left the room, and the colonel walked to where William sat next to the bed.

  “I did not hear all he had to say. Is Graham as pleased with your progress as his smile implied?”

  William could not withhold a smile either. “So much so, that he intends to return to London soon. He allows that he will come back in three months for another examination, but feels that the injury to my shoulder is healing nicely, as are the broken ribs. And, if I follow the exercises for my eyes, my vision should steadily improve.”

  “Do you still have double vision?”

  “Not for several days now.”

  “Excellent. And what about your memory?”

  “Graham will not venture a guess as to when that might resolve, but I confided to him, and now to you, that last night I believe I dreamed about what happened.”

  Richard’s expression changed, his brows knitting in concern, so William quickly cautioned, “Promise me that you will not mention this to anyone. I do not wish to raise Elizabeth’s hopes. It could turn out to be just a dream and not a memory.”

  “You have my word. Now, tell me what you dreamed.”

  “I was riding Zeus through Mason’s Pass, and I was aware that someone was ahead, waiting for me. Strangely, though, I did not seem fearful of whoever it was. Nonetheless, when I got to the bend where I would see his face, I woke up. When I went back to sleep, the dream did not return.”

  “I would wager a year’s pay that you were remembering exactly what happened. That could mean that you will soo
n remember who tried to kill you.”

  “While I would like to know the circumstances of how I was injured, I am most anxious to remember my marriage.” William walked over to the French doors and looked out. Richard noted that he fiddled with the signet ring on his little finger, a sure sign of anxiety. “I would give anything to remember why I was drawn to Elizabeth. Obviously, she is handsome, but I rejected many handsome women in my time. Why did I single her out?”

  “I will tell you exactly what attracted you—she is a breath of fresh air. The exact opposite of the women you considered marrying before meeting her.” Richard chuckled. “She is refreshingly unspoiled and honest.”

  He waited for William to reply but his cousin was weighing what he had said and did not speak. “With your abhorrence of all things deceitful, even I believed that you had found the perfect match.”

  “But, from what she has said of her family, she is far beneath our society.”

  “There is no shame in loving someone society claims is beneath you. The shame comes in letting society convince you otherwise. You were drawn to Elizabeth Bennet at first sight. In fact, the first time you told me of your admiration for her, you seemed almost in a trance. That was when I knew that she had stolen your heart. You would do well to give your heart to her again.”

  With those words, he patted William’s back and slipped out of the study as quietly as he had come. William turned back to the window to ponder his cousin’s advice.

  AS RICHARD ENTERED the hallway from William’s bedroom, Georgiana watched from the guest room one door down. Only minutes before, Florence had come to her with the dreadful news that Elizabeth was most likely pregnant; thus, she felt that she had to act now if she was to have any luck turning William against his wife.

  Clutching the folded drawing, as soon as Richard cleared the hallway, she rushed toward her brother’s bedroom. Once inside, Georgiana leaned back against the door, breathless with anticipation. Instantly, she realised that the room was empty and was cursing under her breath when she spied William on the balcony, leaning against a column. She hurried in that direction.