by Aleena Ashe
When he pulled back, she groaned in protest. He just smiled. “It is nice to know you are affected by me much as I am by you. But we cannot continue. Not like this. Not here. I want you Elizabeth, but I want more than just to possess your body. I want your heart as well.”
She looked at him with equal parts shame and awe. Shame because he knew she had been prepared to let things go much further (Would she if she had been herself?). Awe, because he had so openly declared his feelings. She sat on her knees across from him, wanting to tell him all that was on her heart but the words would not come.
After a moment, she just blushed and said the only words that would form, “I believe I have fallen in love with you, Fitzwilliam.”
The shock on his face registered and, out of embarrassment, Elizabeth stood to leave. Her mind filled with doubts. Did she misunderstand his meaning? Maybe he wanted her but not when they could be discovered at any moment. Or maybe he just wanted to know he had her affections and now he would leave. Had he been toying with her?
She had almost made it back to Hector before Darcy caught her. “Where are you going? You can’t tell me you love me and then run away!”
“But you looked so… shocked, or… I don’t know. I must have misunderstood. I thought you meant…” She couldn’t finish.
“That I love you? I do, Elizabeth.” Taking her face in his hands he turned her so she was looking in his eyes once again. “Elizabeth, I love you more than I thought it was possible to love. Hearing you say those words did shock me. I had only hoped to earn a chance at your affections. I never suspected you returned my feelings.” Then he pulled her lips to his once more. But before the kiss could deepen beyond the last of his control, he pulled back.
“You should go, my love.”
Chapter 21
Darcy
Darcy sat on Elizabeth’s bed lost in thought. She loves me. He imagined their lives together. He was sure she and Georgie would love each other. But, how could they if Georgie thought he was Elizabeth? It wouldn’t be right unless they came home to Pemberley as themselves. We have to figure this out!
A soft knock sounded at the door. “Come in?”
Mary came into Lizzy’s room with a very shy, almost worried look. “Um, Lizzy. May I speak with you a moment?”
“Of course, is something the matter?”
“Well, you see… I wanted to talk to you about Wi… I mean, Mr. Collins.” Darcy smiled and Mary continued. “You see, I know at one time Mr. Collins paid you special attention and that you may be expecting a continuation of his addresses. But…”
Darcy interrupted her, “But the two of you… are becoming close?”
Relieved, “Yes, and I don’t want you to be upset but, you see, I believe I may love him Lizzy! I think I have almost since he came into our home.”
This was the most impassioned speech Darcy - or likely anyone - had ever heard from Mary. Pleased and yet, unable to keep himself from acting as a protective older brother, he asked, “And has Mr. Collins declared himself to you?”
She blushed and nodded. “Last night after dinner. He read to me from Ecclesiastes 4:9: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up..." Then he told me that he could think of no more fitting partner for his future life.
Darcy noted that Collins had not read one of the many verses which included the idea of love, but he supposed each loved in his own way. Who was he to judge? Leaning forward, he hugged her. “Mary, I know you don’t need me to say so but I am very happy for you. Have you told Mama yet?”
“No, he is downstairs with Papa now.”
Darcy was surprised at the very real emotion he experienced for Mary. “Well,” he swallowed the lump in his throat, “let me be the first to wish you joy.”
Wiping tears of her own, Mary simply said, “Thank you, Lizzy.” Then she left Darcy alone to his thoughts once again.
**********
“Jaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnne? Lizzzzzzzzzy? Girls?? Make haste, we have visitors!” Mrs. Bennet bellowed up the stairs. As expected, Elizabeth and Bingley came at the earliest acceptable hour.
“Mr. Bingley, I have heard that your sister has been unwell. Miss Bingley that is. Pray, what ails her?” Mrs. Bennet asked with more curiosity that genuine concern but fortunately Mr. Bingley was too good to notice.
“She improves slowly, Madame. There is still some concern for her lungs but the worst appears to be over. Thank you.” Without realizing it, he took a hold of Jane’s hand and patted it before recollecting himself. Mrs. Bennet noticed but said nothing, taking it as a promising sign for her daughter’s future happiness.
Hill entered the parlor announcing the arrival of unexpected visitors. “Lady Lucas, Miss Lucas, and Mariah Lucas, Ma’am.”
Bingley, Collins, and - after a momentary lapse - Elizabeth all offered their seats to the newcomers. “Thank you, gentlemen,” said Lady Lucas taking Collins offered seat near Mrs. Bennet. Charlotte sat in the empty seat next to Darcy allowing Elizabeth to resume her seat and her part in the conversation. Jane and Bingley removed themselves to the far corner chairs allowing the three youngest girls to occupy the couch, while Mr. Collins and Mary went to the pianoforte where he turned the pages whilst she played.
“Have you heard, Mrs. Bennet? It seems that Lt. Wickham is a rake as well as a gambler. There is rumor that he has gotten several young ladies ‘in the family way’. Oh mostly poor, young women who have no one to protect them. It is really quite a vulgar business!”
“Thank goodness Mr. Bennet made Wickham’s character known to you or who knows what might have happened! He might have prayed on your poor Charlotte!”
“Mama!” Jane and Darcy exclaimed. “Charlotte is hardly without protection.”
“And I hope I would have better judgement that to be taken in by a rake such as Lt. Wickham!” Charlotte did not appear offended but Elizabeth could not help but be embarrassed. “Anyway, it is too late for Lt. Wickham as I find myself happily engaged to Mr. Paulson, Mr. Townsend’s nephew.”
Several of the ladies squealed in delight and Elizabeth had to bite her tongue not to beg for more information. However, seeing her eager looks, Darcy spoke up. “How and when did you meet, Charlotte?”
“Well, you see Mr. Paulson came to Meryton from Keswick to help his uncle run the bookshop. You know Mrs. Townsend has been ill and they are moving to Bath. So, Mr. Paulson will take over. We met quite by chance. I was crossing the street when a carriage, driving much too fast, almost ran me over. I dropped all my parcels, and Mr. Paulson - who saw the whole incident - ran out from the bookshop to assist me. We started talking and …”
“And he has visited every day for the past two weeks! Well, except during that dreadful storm this last week.” Lady Lucas rarely interrupted people but since she was clearly so elated at her daughter’s news no one could fault her.
Mrs. Bennet was not as elated as Lady Lucas but offered her begrudging congratulations. She had wanted to marry her daughters off before Lady Lucas and for a while it looked like that might be the case. However close Jane was to being engaged, it was not official so Mrs. Bennet could not brag about her advantageous match just yet.
Mr. Collins looked hopefully at Mary for approval but before she could agree or disagree, he was already standing and calling everyone’s attention. “Excuse me, in light of the happy news… I would like to make an announcement. Earlier today, I asked for and was granted the hand of the lovely Miss Mary Bennet.”
Mary who would never have sought to steal the spotlight from Charlotte, found - with some relief - that Charlotte was only too happy for her. For Charlotte had always thought of Mary as the Bennet sister who - like her - was most likely to suffer spinsterhood. Now, neither of them would have to live in anyone else’s shadow.
In celebration of the happy news, a dinner party was planned two days hence, to include the Netherfield
party (if healthy enough to travel), the Lucases and Mr. Paulson, and the Bennet household. Elizabeth was truly overjoyed at the news, for all this was news to her. Of course Darcy was aware and would have informed her but had yet to have an opportunity. A wistful sigh escaped her and Darcy inquired as to the cause of her discontent.
“I don’t know, I guess I just miss my family. So much is happening and while I am here… I am not here.”
“Ah, yes. I am working on that. You see, I think it has to do with the star.”
She turned to him to hide her blush from the rest of the room. “I have to admit, I was hoping our kiss would have reversed the switch.”
Feigning hurt, “I hope you’re not disappointed.”
She smiled archly, “No, not at all. Quite the contrary. In fact, I was thinking perhaps we should try again, just in case.”
“I agree.”
She smiled and then, seeing her father approaching, straightened up. Mr. Bennet walked up to them and nonchalantly asked, “Mr. Darcy, do you play chess?”
“I do, Sir. Would you like to play a game?”
“Perhaps later. Rather I was wondering… have you ever been bested by a girl? I’ll wager Lizzy here can give you a run for your money!”
Forgetting herself, Elizabeth smiled with obvious pride that her father would brag on her so. But Mr. Bennet took her smile for disbelief. “Come now, Lizzy, teach this young man what a real chess master looks like!” While he said it in jest, she could see Mr. Bennet was watching them both carefully. What could he mean by it?
Darcy cleared his throat, “I’d be happy to play the gentleman, if he thinks he’s up to the challenge.
Within minutes, the three of them had set up the chess board. Elizabeth smiled at Darcy, “Ladies first.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
After an hour of intense play, they were at a stalemate. Mr. Bennet had watched fascinated as they played. It was a curious thing, Mr. Darcy had played many of Lizzy’s signature moves while Lizzy had played some fairly complex moves he couldn’t remember teaching her. Something was amiss but for the life of him, he couldn’t figure it out. However, he had also noted that the two young people in question seemed to be two halves of a whole. It confirmed what he had been beginning to feel for some time. Lizzy, his little Lizzy, had found her match. A mixture of sadness and peace stirred within his chest. He had known this day would come; at least he could say he liked and respected this young man.
Chapter 22
Elizabeth
Elizabeth and Bingley rode into town after spending the afternoon at Longbourn. Bingley wanted to buy some small tokens for his sisters, one to help buoy Caroline’s spirits and the other for Louisa and the baby - despite its arrival being months away yet. And... if he should happen to see something Jane would like, well, it wouldn’t be wrong for him to buy it now and save it for when they were engaged, would it? “I plan to ask her soon, Darcy. I just don’t see a reason to wait. We know each other well enough… don’t you think?”
“I’m afraid I can’t help you there, my friend. Only you and Miss Bennet will know when the time is right.” Mr. Bingley made Elizabeth smile. He was always so amiable and genuine, and he clearly loved Jane. She would be happy to call him ‘brother’ soon.
As they were riding along the main street, there was a loud commotion in an alley to the side of the milliner’s shop. They would have thought nothing of it but then they clearly heard someone scream.
Rushing to the scene they dismounted their horses and immediately stepped into the fray to separate the two men who were fighting. Once the scene settled, Elizabeth realized the young man whom she had helped to pull off the other gentleman was none other than Henry Wright, the stable boy from Netherfield. The gentlemen on the ground was, to no one’s surprise, Wickham.
Wickham was still on the ground, bleeding so badly it was hard to recognize him at first. Only the icy blue of his eyes confirmed his identity. He was only half-conscious but he kept mumbling, saying, “It wasn’t me. She’s just a whore! It could have been any number of men.”
“You lying bastard!” Henry lunged again and Elizabeth was barely able to hold him back. For despite Darcy’s formidable size, Henry’s rage gave him an advantage. Before more could be said, Wickham passed out. No one had rushed to his aide, but neither would they allow him to be further beaten.
The magistrate arrived and took control of the situation. Henry was arrested. Through tears he pleaded with Mr. Bingley to help him. “Please sir, I can explain. I know it looks bad, but I promise I can explain!”
Bingley soothed him, “Now, I am sure there is a reasonable explanation. We will see that you get a fair trial.”
Elizabeth, who had known the Magistrate since she was a child, took him aside. Determined to use Darcy’s wealth and status to Henry’s advantage. “Mr. Hughes, that is your name, Sir, is it not?”
Mr Hughes, clearly surprised to have gained the notice of such esteemed persons as Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley, simply nodded.
“I have known Mr. Wickham for many years and cannot help but believe this may not be as clear cut a case as it appears. Just yesterday, I heard rumors of womanizing and gambling losses. But I think what concerns me the most is the fact that Mr. Wickham is not in uniform. Why is he out drinking in the middle of the day? I am sure you can see how all this would give me pause?”
Hanging on every word, Mr. Hughes looked very seriously at Darcy. “Yes, yes. Thank you for bringing all this to my attention. I will have to contact his superiors immediately and look into this matter.”
“No need, I have already heard of the scuffle and have come to take Wickham into custody myself. If that sits well with you.” Col. Forster walked up with a degree of authority that brooked no opposition. Two soldiers picked up Wickham’s broken and bloodied body and dragged him to the cart waiting just outside the alley.
“Seems in addition to Lt. Wickham’s womanizing - of which I was unaware until recently - he has also accrued many debts. Some so large, I am not sure he will be able to repay them. However, by far the most serious charge laid at his feet is ‘Desertion’. As we are at war, he is likely facing the death penalty. Good day, gentlemen.” With that the Colonel turned and walked away.
The magistrate looked at both Darcy and Bingley who all wore shocked expressions. “Well, I guess that takes the charges down to Fighting in Public for Henry. If convicted, he will likely only have to pay a fine.” He smiled and he tipped his hat, clearly happy not to have to follow through with a lengthy investigation. As he made his way toward the Jailhouse, he turned and added, “I’ll likely be needing statements from you gentlemen later. Let me know before you go out of town so I can make sure I cross all the Ts and so on.”
Straightening her clothes and making sure the crowd had dissipated, Elizabeth looked at Bingley. “You know they must have been fighting over Wickham’s responsibility to Jeana?”
“Yes, I know.” Bingley shook his head. “But I won’t fire him,” he had almost defensively. “He’s a good hand and I can’t say I wouldn’t have done the same thing if I were in his shoes.”
“Fire him? Of course not. I was thinking I would like to pay his fine. After all, he finally did what I could never bring myself to do… beat the tar out Wickham.” They both chuckled as they walked back to their horses.
**********
Darcy
It was not an hour after “The Brawl” - as it was being called - that word had made its way to Longbourn via Aunt Phillips. “Ladies! I have such news for you! Oh, it doesn’t get any juicier than this!” Mrs. Phillips began her much anticipated gossip.
As all gathered around, Jane and Darcy listened politely but without much interest until they heard: “Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy”.
“Well it seems that that no good, Mr. Wickham attacked young Henry Wright for no reason! Some people say it was because Henry caught him cheating at cards but I don’t know. Henry doesn’t strike me as a card player…”
&nb
sp; “Aunt! What happened?” Lydia interrupted, not caring a wit whether or not she thought Henry was a card player.
“Oh well, so there he was, Wickham, beating poor Henry to a pulp, when quite out of nowhere, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy rode in on their stallions. Then both leapt from down into the fray! They saved poor Henry’s life! Really, he might have died if not for their bravery. Henry was arrested but isn’t likely to get in any real trouble but Wickham…. Oh! His commander came and they took him away for gambling, fraternization, and DESERTION!”
Everyone gasped at mention of such a serious crime. Mrs. Phillip’s continued, “I heard Col. Forster himself say Wickham would likely face the firing squad. Serves him right!”