by Lane Cossett
“It does not matter. I understand this debt is more than a year old and it is only now that the viscount is forcing Mr. Bennet to pay.”
“And how much does he owe?” asked Sir Jeffrey.
“Langley did not say, but I know Mr. Bennet cannot pay the debt and he has therefore agreed that the viscount can marry his daughter.”
Sir Jeffrey’s eyes widened in astonishment. “My dear fellow. I have never heard such a thing. Have you discussed this with Mr. Bennet?”
“I have only just heard of it but he would not receive me even if I tried,” said Darcy. “Mr. Bennet is the last person I would have expected to force his daughter into a marriage.”
“But he cannot sell her,” said Sir Jeffrey.
“He is not selling her. He has merely agreed the viscount may marry one of his daughters to settle the debt.”
Sir Jeffrey was shaking his head. “I do not like it. “I do not like it at all.”
Darcy did not like it either. “I went to see Langley to ask him if he would pass the debt to me, but he would not. He took a perverse pleasure in telling me how much he looked forward to marrying Miss Bennet.”
Sir Jeffrey drummed his fingers absently on the edge of his desk. “Darcy there is something very puzzling about this business. Why would the viscount not take the money? From what I hear the Egerton’s are in need of it.”
“Lady Frances has said the same. I believe he refused to be perverse. He suspected I had some feelings for Miss Bennet.”
Sir Jeffrey was momentarily distracted by something on his desk. He picked up a piece of paper, read it and then discarded it. “Forgive me Darcy. I am afraid it looks as if you will have to accept Miss Bennet is lost to you.”
“Never!” Darcy was emphatic. He would not give in. She could not marry Viscount Langley.
Sir Jeffrey tried to be reasonable. “I cannot see what else you can do. If the Viscount has offered Miss Bennet marriage and she has accepted, what else can be done.”
Darcy was determined not to give up. “There has to be a way. Someone who gambles as much as the viscount would surely owe money to people himself.”
“And then what?” asked Sir Jeffrey. “Darcy I would caution you to do nothing which you would later regret but if you wish I can make some enquiries. I’m not sure what you hope to find.”
Nor did Darcy, but he could not sit and do nothing. If Miss Bennet wed Viscount Langley she would be lost to her forever. He was not ready to accept that.
“The wedding is to take place soon. I am sure we have no more than three weeks,” said Darcy.
“Very well.” Sir Jeffrey opened a drawer and took out some paper. He wrote a short note, blotted it dry, re-read it, folded it and stamped it with his seal. He called for his clerk and handed it to him. “Please see this is delivered at once.”
Sir Jeffrey explained the letter was for. “Gabriel Watson. owns the largest firm of runners in the capital. I have asked him to meet me in the morning.”
“And will he?” Darcy was loath for there to be any delay.
“Yes. I have said it is a matter of great urgency. I provide him with a great deal of work. He will come.”
“Have you not already used them to find out about Mr. Bennet’s debts?”
“No, I didn’t. Perhaps I should have … well it does not matter now. Darcy if there is anything amiss regarding the viscount Mr. Watson will find it.”
Darcy hoped Sir Jeffrey’s confidence in Mr. Watson was not misplaced.
“Darcy would you like to dine with me tonight? We could talk over this business while we eat.”
Darcy was about to refuse, but he was not keen to return to Darcy House. “Not at Whites. Langley is there. I do not think I can trust myself if I come across him.”
“Yes you could. I have never known you to lose your temper,” said Sir Jeffrey. “But we shall dine elsewhere. Let us go to Mivart’s. Their French cuisine is unmatched anywhere in London.”
Mr. Darcy agreed.
66
Elizabeth stood in the bedchamber on the morning of her wedding, trying to fight down a feeling of sickness that was threatening to overwhelm her. She had hardly slept knowing that today was the day in which her life would change forever. It was hard to believe that back in the summer she had hoped that she would become the wife of Mr. Darcy. Now a few months later she was to be a wife, but the groom was not the man she had learned to love so deeply, but Viscount Langley a man she both disliked and despised.
It was now more than three weeks since she had reluctantly become engaged to Viscount Langley and the time had rushed past. She had hoped that something would happen to prevent the marriage taking place, but nothing had happened. Her father now recovered from his accident had become quite cheerful and she had found it difficult to hide her resentment over the position they found themselves in. As soon as the wedding was over he had told her he was returning to Hertfordshire.
Her mother had written of her delight at the marriage and it seemed Mrs. Bennet had now forgiven her for not marrying Mr. Collins. She could only wonder at what Mrs. Bennet was saying to all the local ladies of Meryton. She had embarrassed them all when she had boasted about Jane’s success in catching a rich husband, but Mr. Bingley paled in comparison to Viscount Langley, the son of an Earl.
How comfortable her wedded life would be, Elizabeth could not be sure. She could not help but remember the shabby drawing room at the Egerton’s House in Connaught Gardens where she would start her married life.
Lady Egerton had sent a kind note saying how much she was looking forward to getting to know her as her daughter. Lady Vivienne had called to see Elizabeth at the house in Cheapside and been both excited and appalled at the prospect.
“Miss Bennet, I am disappointed,” she said on arrival. “I thought you would have more sense than to agree to marry my brother.”
A lump had stuck in Elizabeth’s throat, and her eyes had filled with tears.
Lady Vivienne had looked mortified. “Oh my dear. I hope you are doing the right thing. Naturally, I could not wish for a nicer sister in law. You and I are destined to spend many happy hours together.”
Elizabeth liked Lady Vivienne, but she found her tiring and she worried about how easy she would find living with her new relatives.
As Molly and Phoebe helped her dress Elizabeth wished Jane was with her. She remembered Jane on her wedding day, looking so beautiful and so full of hope. Something had gone wrong, but as Jane refused to confide in her she did not know what she could do. She had sent word to Jane asking her if she would come to Cheapside to help her get dressed for the wedding, but Jane had replied saying she was too tired and would see her at the church. Elizabeth had been disappointed.
“You look so beautiful miss,” said Phoebe admiringly.
Elizabeth looked at her reflection in the mirror. She did not feel very beautiful. Her brown hair so expertly pinned by Molly had lost some of its lustre and it felt lank. It was a good thing that it would be hidden under her bonnet and veil.
“Once you have left for the church miss, we will pack up the rest of your things ready for them to go to Cadogan Gardens.
Elizabeth was barely listening. She was finding it difficult to believe that after today, she would be married to a man who had little feeling for her and was only using her to give an air of respectability. All this she was doing for her father and for the rest of the family. They would never know just how much she had sacrificed.
“Are you almost ready Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth turned around. Mrs Gardiner had arrived looking very smart in her cream coat and bonnet.
“I’m ready,” said Elizabeth quietly.
She saw there were tears in Mrs. Gardiner’s eyes as she gazed upon her. “You look lovely Lizzy.”
“Thank you.”
“Could you leave us?” asked Mrs. Gardiner.
The two maids slipped from the room.
Mrs Gardiner took both of Elizabeth’s hands in hers. “
Oh Lizzy, I know how difficult this is for you?”
“Please don’t.” Elizabeth’s voice was strained. “I shall sob and undo all Molly’s work.”
Mrs. Gardiner kissed her gently on the cheek. “You are a brave girl Lizzy, and I don’t think I have ever admired you more.”
Elizabeth was too overcome to reply.
”
67
Mr. Darcy, was standing watching the clock in his study. Today was the day Miss Elizabeth Bennet was to be married to Valentine Langley. He had not slept all night. He had not even gone upstairs to retire. He had sat in a chair trying to read, though he had constantly been distracted by images of Miss Bennet.
He’d had two notes from Sir Jeffrey which had said little only that Gabriel Watson was looking into the viscount’s gambling. Darcy was disappointed. Perhaps he had been foolish to put so much faith in Sir Jeffrey and the runners. It seemed they had found out nothing. And now it was too late. Part of him wanted to go to the church, but what purpose would it serve?
The clock hands moved. Another minute had passed. It had gone eleven. He understood the wedding was to be at noon.
He sighed. He had not yet discussed it with Lady Frances, but he was going to return to Pemberley. There was nothing to be gained by staying in London.
He sat down at his desk. He had some letters to write and reluctantly got some paper out of the drawer. As he was about to pick up his quill there was a knock on the door and it opened before he had the chance to reply.
“I am sorry Mr. Darcy, Sir Jeffrey is here with another gentlemen. Sir Jeffrey says it’s urgent he speaks to you.”
Darcy had never seen Mrs. Hopkings look so flustered. He was about to instruct her to show them in when Sir Jeffrey barged into the room, followed by a man he did not know.
Sir Jeffrey spoke quickly. “Darcy forgive us. This is Mr. Watson. He only arrived back in London this morning. He has news pertaining to Viscount Langley that I thought you should hear at once.”
Darcy’s heart thumped painfully in his chest. “Whatever it is, you are too late. The marriage takes place at noon today.”
Sir Jeffrey looked horrified. “Then we have not a moment to lose. Come Darcy we must get to the church.”
Darcy stood up. “What do you mean?”
Sir Jeffrey ignored his question. “Where is the marriage to take place?”
Darcy shrugged. “I had heard it was to be at St Martin’s-in the-Field.”
Sir Jeffrey took out the pocket watch. “Then we must leave at once. Come Darcy, we have a wedding to stop.”
Darcy still did not move. “For what reason?”
“We will tell you on the way. Come my carriage is outside.”
Puzzled Darcy followed the two men, who hurried out of the house. Mrs. Hopkins held out his coat for him and handed him his hat and cane.
“If Lady Frances should ask for me, tell her I have been called away on business.”
“Yes sir.”
Sir Jeffrey and Mr. Watson were already in Sir Jeffrey’s carriage and the moment Darcy got in the coachman set off making Darcy stumble as he sat down.
As they moved down the street Darcy asked them to explain what had happened.
Sir Jeffrey nodded at Mr. Watson.
“Sir, I have been in France for the last few days. Viscount Langley has dealings there.”
He pulled out a notebook and some documents from the long coat he was wearing. Darcy was reminded of the type of coat that some of the poachers wore and eyed him suspiciously.
Mr. Watson handed him a piece of paper.
Darcy looked at it. The words danced in front of his eyes as they travelled over some cobbles and it took him a moment to understand what he was reading. After a few minutes he raised his eyes to Mr. Watson. Is this true?”
“Yes sir It is true.”
Darcy looked at Sir Jeffrey and he nodded.
“I had a brief look at the details on our way here. I have no doubt they are authentic.”
Darcy did not know what to think. The viscount was not a man he’d ever trusted, but this ….
“That is not all Darcy. There are other matters. I am sure when Mr. Bennet hears of this the wedding will be off.” said Sir Jeffrey.
Darcy should have felt happy, but for some reason he did not. “We may be too late,” he said.
Sir Jeffrey leaned forward out of the carriage window and tapping the coachman with his cane told him to go as fast as he could.
68
The journey to the church seemed to go very quickly. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner spoke quietly to each other, but Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth remained silent. Elizabeth who’d refused some walnut cake from Molly before she had dressed was beginning to feel a little sick.
The carriage came to a stop outside the church. The coachman came around and opened the door. Mrs. Gardiner got out first followed by Elizabeth and then the two men.
Mrs. Gardiner took her husband’s arm. “We will see you inside.”
Elizabeth nodded. Tears were stinging her eyes. It seemed the last few months she had done nothing but cry.
“Are you ready Elizabeth?” It was the first time her father had spoken to her. “
You look very beautiful my dear.” She heard the catch in his voice.
“Thank you, father.”
He guided her up the path and into the church. As she walked up the aisle she tried to smile at the small group of people who were there to witness her marriage. Her sister Jane was standing next to Caroline Bingley, who was looking particularly flamboyant in purple satin and a green and purple bonnet. Jane in blue, looked unnaturally pale but there was nothing she could do about it. Very soon they would be living many miles apart from each other.
At last they were at the end of the aisle and the viscount was standing with his groomsman beside him. He winked at her but hard as she tried she could not even manage a small smile in return.
Unlike Mr. Collins who she had once been destined to marry the viscount was very handsome but his nature was just as detestable as her father’s cousin. She would fulfil her duty as a wife, but she planned to spend as little time with him as possible.
The reverend stepped forward and started to intone “Dearly beloved we are gathered here together…”
Elizabeth stopped listening.
An image of Mr. Darcy was in her mind and her heart ached. It was wrong of her to think of him when she was to wed another, but she could not help it. She tried to concentrate on what was being said. The reverend had a loud voice, and an over dramatic way of speaking.
“… Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.”
Elizabeth held her breath. She looked up at the viscount. He looked surprisingly tense but when no one spoke she saw his shoulders drop and he smiled at her. He leaned towards her. “Almost there.”
The reverend was about to continue when there was a sudden commotion at the back of the church.
“Sir you must stop the marriage at once,” shouted a voice.
Everyone turned to see who was speaking. A well-dressed gentleman was marching up the aisle waiving some papers followed by another dressed in a long black coat and Mr. Darcy.
“Who are you sir?” asked the reverend.
“I am Sir Jeffrey Honeyfield. Please forgive me for the interruption but this marriage cannot take place.”
Viscount Langley stepped towards him barring his way with his out held arm. “Whoever you are go away. You can see we are about to be married.”
The other man with Sir Jeffrey stepped between them. He was not as tall as the viscount but there was something rather menacing about him.
The reverend looked uncertain what to do. Mr. Gardiner intervened.<
br />
“I am Mr. Gardiner Miss Bennet’s uncle. What is the meaning of this interruption sir?”
Sir Jeffrey held up the papers he was clutching, looking around at them all. “I am afraid the viscount cannot marry. He is already married.”
There was a single gasp among the people present. Lady Egerton glared at her son. “Valentine is this true?”
The viscount adopted a nonchalant tone. “I don’t know who these people are mother.” He smiled at Elizabeth before turning to the reverend. “Continue the service.”
The reverend ignored him. “Sir Jeffrey do you have proof of this?”
“Yes I do.” Sir Jeffrey turned towards the families on both sides of the aisle. “The viscount has been married not once, but twice and the proof is here.”
Elizabeth could feel all the eyes upon her. She looked towards the viscount who seemed unmoved by the accusation.
He started to bluster. “This is all nonsense. And we should proceed as planned.”
Elizabeth recoiled from him. She had never met Sir Jeffrey Honeyfield but she could not imagine he would have interrupted the service without reason.
Sir Jeffrey stepped forward and handed a piece of paper to the reverend. He studied it for a moment before looking at everyone. “I am afraid we will not be able to proceed with a service today until this has been investigated.”
“The marriage must take place,” said Lady Egerton imperiously.
“Mother – no.” Lady Vivienne tried to take her mother’s arm, but her ladyship shook it off.
“This is all a mistake it must be,” said her ladyship “What proof do you have? Where are these women?” The words were pouring out her mouth. She was giving no one else the opportunity to speak.
“Mother be quiet!”
Lady Egerton stopped in shock. Her son’s habitual smile had been replaced by a frown. The viscount turned towards Mr. Darcy who was standing a little way down the aisle, saying nothing. “So you won Darcy.”
Mr. Darcy turned away.