by Wells, Linda
“Son, if you like this woman and she would have you, I would be overjoyed to see you settled in any home, no matter the size, I would be willing to make a gift to you upon your marriage to help you along.” Lord Matlock nodded then addressed the gathered family. “We would all be happy to see you out of that uniform.”
“I would be happy to see a genuine smile on your face, Brother.” Alicia spoke and all eyes turned to her. “You cannot hide it from everyone.”
Fitzwilliam said nothing and stood to go look out of the window, keeping his hands clasped behind his back. Layton studied his wife, thinking again how he really never took the time to know her, and moved to sit by her side. She looked at him in surprise when he took her hand and kissed it, then smiled a little to receive the gesture. The room grew quiet until the sound of running feet in the hallway stopped and were replaced by careful steps. Georgiana appeared at the doorway, looking very ladylike. Richard turned to her and smiled.
“You are not fooling anyone, Georgiana.”
“Oh I knew you would hear me!” She looked down at her shoes. “I should have worn the slippers.”
“No dear; then you would have fallen and you would have broken your neck, and then what would your brother say?” Fitzwilliam gave her a hug and played with her curls. “Are you excited? They will be here very soon.”
“I am always happy to see Elizabeth, and I miss Fitzwilliam, even though I see him almost daily.”
“What can you possibly miss in your stodgy brother?”
“He does not tease me.” Georgiana said and looked squarely at Layton.
“Ah, Georgiana, I think that Elizabeth might teach him how to do just that.” Fitzwilliam laughed to see her brows knit and glancing back outside, he turned to his family. “They are here.”
Lord Matlock joined him at the window. “Two carriages?”
“Perhaps Harwick and Darcy divided the group amongst them so everyone would travel comfortably.”
“Come along, Henry.” Lady Matlock walked by. “You will see them soon enough.” Together they descended the stairs, and stood to the side while they waited for the footman to open the door. Darcy entered first with Elizabeth on his arm. Both had the appearance of people steeling themselves for an unpleasant evening, and received similar fixed smiles in return. Elizabeth came forward and was surprised to receive Lady Matlock’s kiss on her cheek. “Do not worry dear; we have every confidence in you.”
“Thank you.” Elizabeth whispered and Darcy entwined their fingers. She smiled up to him and he kissed her temple. “Thank you.”
“Richard apprised us of yesterday’s events.” Lord Matlock said as the party began to enter the vast hallway. “Quite a story, I look forward to hearing it all when we can really hash it out. Ah, Gardiner!” He strode forward and shook his hand. “Mrs. Gardiner, a pleasure.” He glanced around and bowed, “Miss Bennet, you are looking lovely.”
Jane smiled and blushed. “Thank you, sir.”
Turning away he spotted Harwick, shaking his hand and noticing the man’s stiff posture. “Hang in there, man.” Harwick nodded and stepped forward to take Jane up the steps to meet the rest of the family.
Finally all that remained were Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth turned and stood by them. “Lord and Lady Matlock, these are my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bennet.”
“Welcome to Matlock House.” Lady Matlock inclined her head. “I hardly expected that the night of our ball we would not only meet your lovely daughter, but find that she and my nephew became engaged in our garden as well. I have been very pleased with Elizabeth. She is naturally formed for the role she must play, and only needs experience to round out her emerging skills as a proper hostess and mistress for her husband. You should be very proud of her.”
“My Lady, I am exceedingly pleased to hear that all of my teachings have proven to be …”
“Oh no, Mrs. Bennet, did I imply that she arrived here with the proper skills? No. She knew enough to satisfy a simple household, but to be mixing in our circle; I knew that I must take her in hand.” She turned to Elizabeth and smiled. “We have been conducting a finishing school of sorts.”
“I appreciate your condescension to teach me, madam.”
“Now dear, you know that I wish you to call me Aunt Helen.” She patted her hand. “Shall we join the family?”
Lord Matlock’s lips twitched and he turned to address the thoroughly ignored Mr. Bennet. “Well sir, I understand that you were impressed with Darcy’s library? Have you heard about Pemberley?” Lord Matlock started up the stairs, Mr. Bennet walked alongside him and silently listened to the glowing description of a library so vast, the volumes would fill every room of Longbourn three times over. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner exchanged smiles and started up the stairs. This couple would not allow anything to get out of hand that evening. Left alone in the front hallway, Darcy caught up Elizabeth’s hand and drew her into his uncle’s study and shut the door.
“Fitzwilliam, what are you doing? We cannot hide in here, as much as I would like that …”
“Hush.” Darcy’s arms were around her, and he made no secret of his desire, kissing her deeply, then relenting to deliver soft gentle kisses over her face and throat. He drew away to smile at her dazed eyes staring up at him, then brushed his lips tenderly over hers. “Elizabeth.”
“hmmm?”
Darcy chuckled and kissed her again and laughed when she cuddled into his chest. Kissing her hair he bent to see her face. “Dearest you are becoming far too comfortable.”
“Do you mind?”
“No, I could remain this way forever and a day.” He rubbed his hands over her back. “You needed to be kissed, and I needed to kiss you. You look frightened to death, my love.”
“After yesterday is there any wonder? Fitzwilliam, it was horrible!”
“I noticed.” He whispered and held her tightly. “What happened when you returned home from our walk?”
“Papa and Uncle …discussed the situation.” He kissed her forehead. “After seeing Mr. Harwick, I fear that he is unconvinced of any possibility for improvement, despite Papa’s words of contrition.”
“He is not alone.” Darcy spoke honestly. Hearing footsteps in the hallway he reluctantly let her go, and smiled as she arranged her gown and touched her hair. “You are perfect.”
“Hardly.” She peered in a mirror over the fireplace then turned to see his outstretched hand. “Help me through this, Fitzwilliam.”
“I promise.” Opening the door, he stepped out and they started up the staircase. At the top, Layton stood with his arms folded.
“I was thinking of forming a search party for you.”
“I was showing Elizabeth the study.”
“It is very handsome,” She said and her eyes sparkled when Layton’s brows rose, “the contents were most impressive, and certainly bespeak of a …powerful man.” Darcy looked down to her and his chin rose before Layton burst out in laughter.
“Powerful, I look forward to telling that to Richard.” They walked into the blue drawing room where the group was gathered. “Found them, Father.”
“I did not realize they were lost.” Lord Matlock said pointedly to his son. “Did Darcy show you the landscape in my study? I know that he was anxious to show you the difference between Matlock and Pemberley.”
“Oh …I am afraid that I will need to view it in daylight to fully appreciate the estate, sir.” Elizabeth blushed and Lord Matlock smiled.
Mr. Gardiner stepped up to Darcy and spoke softly. “Sir, you truly do test a chaperone’s nerves.”
“A landscape?” Mrs. Bennet cried. “Oh, Mr. Darcy showed us the painting of his estate yesterday, and it was most impressive, most impressive indeed! Why I cannot imagine a finer place, and of course so perfect for my Lizzy. I am sure there is nothing to compare with it anywhere! I am looking forward very much to visiting often!”
Elizabeth felt Darcy’s arm tense under her hand. “Mama, I am certain that Matlock and Meadowbrook are
equally lovely estates, and yours Mr. Singleton, I do not recall your estate’s name?”
“Oh, it is named Ashcroft, Miss Elizabeth.” He smiled and looked to see Audrey watching him. “I … I am very fond of it.”
“Do you have a home in town, sir?” Mrs. Bennet asked Singleton. “Mr. Darcy’s home was extraordinary to view, but now here I am in the home of an Earl! Lady Matlock, I must tell you that the decoration of this room is beautiful! It is precisely what I would have recommended Elizabeth do for Darcy House.” Lady Matlock’s eyes met Elizabeth’s and instantly she recalled their conversation about redecorating this particular room. “I cannot imagine why she would not wish to take advantage of her rights as a bride and put her mark on the house, why …”
“Mrs. Bennet.” Darcy said quietly and sent her a quelling glance. Her mouth snapped shut, and she took a sip of her drink. Mr. Bennet looked between them in disbelief, and the rest of the room’s occupants directed admiring smiles in his direction.
“How did you do that?” Elizabeth asked quietly as conversation broke out around them.
“I seem to have a talent for it.” He shrugged. “Perhaps she is afraid of me?”
“Brother?” Darcy startled and turned to find Georgiana standing beside him.
“Georgiana! I was hoping you would appear.” He let go of Elizabeth’s hand to embrace her.
“Aunt will not let me come to dinner.” She said sadly. “She is so much stricter than you. May I come home?”
“To avoid your aunt or because you miss me?” He chuckled and kissed her cheek.
“I think it is that she misses your ways and wishes to avoid her aunt.” Elizabeth laughed.
“I thought you would support me!” Georgiana cried. “Is that not what sisters do?”
“Support, yes, but completely disregard what is best for you? No.” Elizabeth opened up her arms to hug her. “I miss you.”
“Thank you.” Georgiana whispered. “I miss you, too. I wish that you would marry soon so that I really can come home and be your sister.”
“If it was up to your brother, I think that would be tomorrow.” Elizabeth whispered back. “Are you truly unhappy with all of these ladies?” Georgiana glanced at Darcy then whispered in Elizabeth’s ear. She laughed and smiled at him then whispered back to Georgiana, who startled to giggle.
Darcy knew enough to leave them alone for a little while and walked across the room to see Layton standing to the side, watching his father speak to Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner. “I understand from Richard that yesterday was an utter disaster.”
“I lost count of the number of insults that flew through the room. Mr. Bennet knew that he was delivering them, but seemed to find it amusing. Mrs. Bennet however …well they seem to flow freely from her unstoppable tongue.”
Layton chuckled and nodded his head at the woman. “You stopped her, that is certain. I do not believe that her husband enjoyed you usurping his role, or perhaps he was simply surprised that it was possible?”
“I would be glad to see him display a desire to exercise his authority. He tried to make amends to Elizabeth this morning but avoided me entirely when I visited.” Darcy watched Harwick and Jane talking together. “I think that this is the greatest effort I have seen either of them put into their courtship.”
“I gather that it is not going well.” Layton observed. “Really Darcy, what can you expect? The apple does not fall far from the tree.” He received a scathing look. “Forgive me; Miss Elizabeth is certainly an exception.”
“It is well that you said that, Cousin.”
“I only meant that … well I am likely to put my foot in it if I continue. You are a braver man than I to want to attach yourself to such a family when there is so little to compensate you, besides of course, Miss Elizabeth.”
“It seems that Mrs. Bennet is not the only one with difficulty mastering proper discourse.” Darcy said coldly, and relented when he saw Layton’s obvious contrition. “Very well, yes the attraction is Elizabeth, but she is priceless.”
“So you will be inviting Mrs. Bennet to come and visit often?” Layton smirked.
“Not without a great deal of persuasion from my wife.” Darcy looked over to the window where Elizabeth and Georgiana were now talking with Alicia. “How is your wife?”
Layton startled. “She is well, why do you ask?”
“Richard tells me everything, you know. Are you healthy, Cousin?” Darcy looked at him seriously.
“I believe so.” He sighed. “A little more time and I think that I will be assured.”
“Alicia is not a fool. Does she know why you have abstained?”
“We have not spoken of it.”
“Is it not time?” Darcy raised his brows and smiled. “That is, if you ever want an heir.”
“When did you become the oracle of marital relations?” Layton laughed and Darcy looked to Elizabeth. “Or is it wishful thinking from a frustrated groom?”
“It is my desire to be done with this interminable waiting and go home.” He sighed and smiled. “Go home with my wife.”
“Besotted fool.” Layton smiled.
A footman appeared with a salver. “Pardon me sir; this express just arrived from Darcy House. The courier had orders to find you no matter your location.” Darcy picked up the letter to examine the return and knit his brow as he broke the seal. Conversation in the room stopped, the expression on Darcy’s face exposed that this was a serious situation.
“My God.” He whispered as he scanned the page, turning it over quickly to read further.
“Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth approached and touched his arm. He squeezed her hand before walking away, running his hand through his hair while he began to pace.
“Darcy, what is it?” Fitzwilliam stepped up to take the letter from his hand and read it rapidly, and then looked up to him. “I will go with you.”
“Can you get away? You only resumed your duties a few weeks ago.”
“What is it, may I help?” Harwick stepped forward.
Lord Matlock joined them and took his turn. Layton stood and read over his shoulder. “Good Lord.” He whispered, turning the letter over, as if more information would somehow suddenly appear. “How could this happen?” He shook his head. “Well it has, and it must be addressed. Parliament is still in session, I cannot make this trip. Richard, can you really get away?”
“I would have to ask permission …”
Darcy was staring down at his boots, making plans in his head. “I have many appointments to cancel and letters to write.” He turned to his cousin. “And I must leave as soon as possible. It is too late to begin now; I will have to go at first light.”
“Then I will go with you.” Layton said. “It could be tomorrow night before you hear from your superiors, Richard.”
“Not if I go immediately.”
Not really listening to the conversation, Darcy strode off to the window. “I must have the carriage prepared, I only need to pack enough for the journey …I must arrange for the inns and changing the horses …”
Lord Matlock interrupted. “I will take care of all those details, Darcy. Just notify your coachman of the journey. I will send my people ahead to prepare for the changes. You will stay at the usual places?”
“Yes, yes, of course, thank you.” He said distractedly. “I … I am unsure what to do when …” He turned to see Elizabeth’s and Georgiana’s frightened expressions and walked over to take their hands. “I am sorry, but I must go, there is no choice. I will not know the extent of the situation until I arrive, and then I do not know how long I will be away. I will write to you as soon as I arrive, but you will not hear from me for at least six days.”
“Six days? Fitzwilliam what is wrong? Please tell me!” Elizabeth cried and threw her arms around his waist. Lady Matlock came over to hold Georgiana.
“There was a fire at Pemberley.” Both girls gasped. Georgiana rested against her aunt and began to cry, and Darcy held Elizabeth tightly. “The letter sa
ys that it was contained to the kitchens but there is a great deal of damage … I do not know if I am being spared the truth, Mrs. Reynolds would not wish me to panic.” He drew a deep breath and buried his face in her hair, completely disregarding the roomful of people staring at them, particularly her father. “I do not wish to leave you, but I must.” He whispered.
“I understand; this is your duty.” She looked up and he wiped her teary eyes. “Now what can I do to make this easier for you?”
“Do?”
“May I write letters and cancel all of your appointments for you? Would that save you some time?”
“You would do that for me?” He smiled in wonder.
“Of course!” She touched his face. “Just leave them on your desk, I will find them.”
Lady Matlock approached and placed her hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder. “I will help her, Darcy.”
“Thank you. I …” He looked down at Elizabeth and back up to spot Mr. Gardiner. “May I have some time to say goodbye?”
Mr. Gardiner glanced at Mr. Bennet who was staring at the scene in a state of amazement and nodded. “Go ahead.” Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and led her from the room, pausing only to speak to Layton. “I hope to leave by seven. I will have my coach pick you up here.”
“I will be ready.” Layton nodded, and went to inform his valet to begin packing. Lord Matlock quickly wrote a note to be sent to Darcy House to begin the preparations there, then turned to address his guests. “In light of the circumstances, I suggest that we do away with the formalities and eat. We seem to have many assignments tonight.”
Harwick held up his hand. “Sir, I will remove myself from this family crisis, although I would still be willing to accompany Darcy and Layton to Pemberley. I have dealt with fire at my estate.”
Singleton walked over to join them. “I … I have no experience, but I would also like to be of assistance if I can.”
“No, you stay here; if Darcy needs anything taken care of in town he can send us a message and that can be your duty.” Lord Matlock noticed Mr. Gardiner standing by his side. “Yes, sir?”