by Kay Mares
“Mr. Darcy. Tell Mr. Gardiner that Mr. Darcy needs to see him immediately.” Darcy grates out. As the maid runs off to alert the house, Darcy pulls himself onto the small settee and slumps on it. Mr. Gardiner is the first to arrive, and he orders his servants to prepare a bath, gather clothing and sends a man to summon the constable.
Mrs. Gardiner rushes off to retrieve some water for Darcy to drink. Once Darcy drinks some of the soothing fluid, he begins to speak. “Please send someone immediately to Darcy House so Elizabeth can know some relief. I have been from home since last evening.”
Darcy recounts the events of last night and this morning to the Gardiners. Mr. Gardiner sent one of his men to have the most prominent Dr. Hardin come to attend and assess Darcy. In the meantime, Mr. Gardiner’s personal manservant assists Darcy with a bath and a change of clothes. Darcy is put into a large comfortable bed in the guest quarters and given more to drink. Darcy tries to rest, but between the knowledge that Elizabeth must be frantic and his broken ribs, Darcy finds no relief.
Elizabeth’s panicked voice soon reaches his ears. “Where is he? I must go to him at once.” In seconds she is in his room and flies to the bed.
Darcy holds up a hand to stay her from hugging him; his ribs will not allow it. Elizabeth sobs when she views his bruised face. She grabs a chair and pulls it next to the bed, sits on it and grasps his hand. Slowly he tells her about the attack and the night alone in the warehouse. He tries to jest a little with her when he relays to her how he talked to himself and that he finally figured out the prank behind the faulty watch. Elizabeth is not easily placated. She had not slept during the night, and she had the summoned the authorities to look for her husband. No one knew what had become of him. He simply vanished without a trace. The authorities held little hope of a positive outcome.
Elizabeth sent out missives by special courier to Henry, Jonesy, and Bingley. Jonesy and Kitty arrived at Darcy House immediately after receiving their note, but it will take the Bingleys and the Fitzwilliams much longer. Georgiana was also notified, and she sent word she was on her way along with her husband, Lord Marsden. A knock on the door signals the arrival of Dr. Hardin and it is immediately evident that the good man is not pleased to be in this neighborhood. He is tall and thin, stately with white hair and intelligent brown eyes but without a trace of warmth.
After the greetings, Dr. Hardin looks pointedly at Elizabeth before he starts his exam and questioning. “She stays,” Darcy says flatly.
Dr. Hardin draws in a breath and regards his patient closely. Darcy is peeved at the man’s haughtiness. “Very well, what has befallen you?” Dr. Hardin adjusts his spectacles farther up his nose as Darcy describes the attack and his injuries. Once the physical exam commences, Elizabeth gasps as she notes the contusions and scrapes all over Darcy’s person. Dr. Hardin pauses and addresses Darcy.
“She will not have a case of the vapors? I cannot afford to attend to another patient at this moment, Mr. Darcy.” The doctor says Darcy’s name with sarcasm. The doctor does not believe this battered man is Darcy of Pemberley.
“She will not, she stays.” Darcy reiterates once more, but Darcy’s own wicked wit is rising to the fore. “It was the last wallop, pardon my French, to my ribs which is causing me the most discomfort. I believe I have some broken ribs. Each breath has been difficult.” Darcy uses the word, which traces its origins back to Old French, to annoy the prim man and the pursed mouth and dour expression proves his point.
“Did you cough up any blood during this whole incident?” The doctor is satisfied when Darcy responds that he did not. “I do not believe then that you have lacerated any of the internal organs. Rest, fluids and some draughts which I will leave for you should have you recover without concern. Oh and I suppose you will require laudanum?” Dr. Hardin says with a hint of a sneer. “You may allow your wife a small amount should she need to calm down.” Elizabeth grabs Darcy’s hand tighter and shakes her head because she knows Darcy is about to lose his calm and give the pompous man a tongue lashing. Instead, Darcy gives him a last poke.
“Must I finish all of the medicines?” Even though Darcy has always hated to take medicines of any kind and will avoid doing so, Darcy wishes further to annoy this presumptuous doctor with an inane question.
“Now why would you not wish to?” Dr. Hardin dryly responds as he peers over his glasses with an emotionless stare. The men are taking the measure of each other, but Elizabeth sees the small upturn of Darcy’s mouth and knows he is sporting with the priggish man. The gesture eases Elizabeth’s heart; her husband will be fine. With a huff and smart pivot, the doctor exits the room.
“I do not think he believes you are Mr. Darcy of Pemberley. He made his disdain known and you did little to convince him otherwise.” Elizabeth states. “Did you hear him mutter about the word ‘wallop’ as he departed?”
Darcy’s signature grin is in place. “Indeed I did. While follies and whims do divert me, I would never wish to ridicule what is wise and good.”
“Impossible.”
As the doctor reaches the hallway, Jonesy arrives. Dr. Hardin recognizes the man as one of the major holders of the new tramway and the astute partner of the esteemed Mr. Darcy. As the doctor colors, knowing he has made a blunder, he addresses Jonesy. “Mr. Jones, Sir. What brings you here?”
Jonesy barely returns the greeting. “Mr. Darcy. Where is my friend?” Mrs. Gardiner hugs Jonesy and leads him to the guest chamber. Dr. Hardin’s curiosity cannot be contained, and he follows Jonesy back.
“Darcy!” Jonesy exclaims, “You look awful! What has happened?”
“Please, I will tell you all, but I must know some things first.” Jonesy nods his acceptance. “Does anyone know you are here and how did you arrive?” Jonesy understands Darcy’s caution. Scandal and gossip can ruin future prospects.
Jonesy motions to the doctor then replies. “No one. Kitty remains at Darcy House to squelch any rumors there, and I came here on horseback. Less obvious.”
“Good, well done. I must figure out a way to return to Darcy House without drawing attention to myself. Any of the carriages will be too conspicuous.”
“I will take you there in my carriage. No one will think much of it. I would be honored to do so, Mr. Darcy.” A contrite Dr. Hardin offers. Darcy fixes the man with a cold, impassive stare as the moment lengthens then Darcy dips his head regally.
“Done.” Darcy states. Jonesy shoots a knowing glance at Elizabeth as Darcy accepts the doctor’s offer. Dr. Hardin had unwittingly ignited Darcy’s ire, and now the battle for dominance has been won.
Chapter 6
After giving Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner profuse thanks and praise for their assistance, Elizabeth and Darcy depart to Darcy House in the doctor’s carriage with Dr. Hardin. Jonesy is riding alongside with a pensive look and Darcy is grimacing as the carriage bounces on some bumps. Once Darcy is settled in the Master’s chambers with an inordinate amount of directing and advice from Dr. Hardin, Darcy starts to relax. The doctor left after assuring all of the elixirs arrived without issue, and his directions to Barnabas were precise and exacting. Jonesy, Kitty, and Elizabeth are in Darcy’s chambers, and they are discussing what little they know of the attack.
“I recognized the one man’s voice, but I cannot put a name to it. The others, I believe are just hired thugs to do the dirty work. Until I know who the voice belongs to, I am willing to let the authorities treat this as a robbery, but we know that is not the case. Henry will be here soon, and I would like to gather his thoughts on the matter.” Darcy eyes the cups Barnabas has just brought in, no doubt containing foul and nasty concoctions for Darcy to consume.
“I have your medicines, Sir. Dr. Hardin was very specific when he stated that all of them must be consumed.” Barnabas raises his brows. “I did not know the doctor knew you, Sir.”
“He and I have not met before.”
“Then he appears to be an astute man.” Barnabas waits as Darcy finishes all the liquids, then he check
s each cup, satisfied that Darcy did not miss any. After Barnabas leaves, Elizabeth quietly speaks.
“I have sent messages to Georgiana and Henry, telling them that you have been found. They will still arrive, but I sought to ease some of their worries.”
“Thank you, Love. I plan to look over some of my most recent ventures to see if I can jog my memory. Perhaps I have angered someone recently, and he seeks revenge.”
“Jog your memory? Fitz, Henry will blast you for that saying.” Jonesy laughingly says.
“Indeed, he shall. Do not call me Fitz.”
“Shouldn’t you be resting instead of working, Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth’s concern is evident.
“I will rest while I read but I plan to leave this bed yet today. The worse thing I can do is allow these muscles to tighten. Furthermore, if I stay prone, I will not breathe as deeply due to the cracked ribs and my inactivity which may lead to pneumonia.”
“Well while you are perusing your papers, I brought along some more for you to sign. I met with Mr. Cullip as we planned, finished the last work regarding the mill, and offered him a lame excuse for your absence. Keeps the gossip to a minimum.” Jonesy gives the documents to Darcy as he eyes his friend closely. “I thought you promised Elizabeth to be more careful, to take better care of yourself?”
“I am. I had no idea those men were lurking about and no idea I would end up in this condition.”
“Take care of yourself, Darcy. There is more to this incident than we are aware.” Jonesy and Kitty depart to their townhome but will return tomorrow for a small dinner. They will bring their daughters as well, at the insistence of Elizabeth.
The next morning saw another visit from Dr. Hardin. The doctor is satisfied that Darcy did not have any further injuries and he warns that the ribs could take two to four months to heal completely.
“Two to four months?” An incredulous Darcy asks. Darcy is seated behind his imposing desk in the library at Darcy house, fully dressed and immaculate except for the bruises which mar his handsome face. Darcy peers over his bifocals at Dr. Hardin. Dr. Hardin may employ this tactic effectively, but Darcy has mastered it. Dr. Hardin shifts uncomfortably.
“Yes, Sir. It will take a length of time for the bones to knit. You are fortunate that the bones appear to have stayed aligned instead of puncturing your organs.” Dr. Hardin does not fear speaking so plainly in front of Elizabeth. He underestimated the Darcys once; he will not do so again.
“Carriage trips, horseback rides?”
Dr. Hardin hesitates then answers. Darcy’s agitation is noted, and the doctor knows how formidable Darcy can be. “Carriage rides may be undertaken at your discretion, but I would not recommend a long trip. Horseback rides will have to wait. Mounting a horse will be difficult, and I cannot imagine that the jarring will be tolerated. An accidental fall from a horse would be dangerous.”
Long fingers tap out a rhythm on the gleaming surface of the desk as intelligent blue eyes once more pierce the doctor’s face. “Indeed.” The doctor, realizing that his presence is no longer needed nor wanted, departs. Darcy has started to twirl his signet ring, and his face is dark.
“You are brooding, Love.” A smile claims Elizabeth’s face as she teases her complex spouse. “Also, you continue to have sport at the poor doctor’s expense. He is renowned. Most of the elite seek his services.”
“You are correct on both accounts. We need to return to the children and for the harvest. I admit to much discomfort from the ribs, but I fear taking laudanum because I do not wish to become dulled until I know what this all means.” His piercing stare is focused on Elizabeth now, assessing and forceful. She does not mind; she knows it is part of who he is. At length, the fidgeting with the ring ceases, and he asks her some questions.
“How are you, My Love?” The warmth and love infuse his blue eyes immediately. Only Elizabeth gives him the succor he needs; she is the only one who has healed him and made him whole. He is fiercely protective of her and loves her deeply. This trip, which was to distract her from her losses, has instead given her pain and angst.
Carefully curling up onto Darcy’s lap, Elizabeth pushes the hair from his brow and gently strokes his cheek. “I am well. You are home and safe. Your injuries are healing, and you will find a solution to this madness.” A soft feather kiss glances his lips. “After the visit with Kitty and Caroline, I have come to realize that even though I may have suffered a miscarriage, I have never buried a child. Both Kitty and Caroline have done so. I have been spared that agony. I do not wish for you to fret for me. Instead, we must see to your health and safety. Together.”
The kisses which follow start to deepen and intensify but the noise from the hallway announces a visitor. The library door swings open before Elizabeth can jump from Darcy’s lap. “Oh for the love of…you two never cease, do you? Fitz, you look like hell.”
“You still have not mastered even the most basic of manners, have you, Henry? Once again I must remind you, not to call me Fitz.”
“Your name fits.” A smirk twists on Henry’s face. “You gave the whole family quite a fit worrying about you and this latest incident. What did you do now? Save a whole village, dive into a burning building, rescue a kitten from a tree?”
“I took a walk.”
Henry nods his head, all traces of teasing gone. “I know, Fitz. I did some digging before I came. There is more to this attack than what we see on the surface. I hired a Bow Street man to monitor you and to see what he can find out. So far the three who attacked you have remained largely quiet.”
“It does not make sense that these men would just happen to be in this neighborhood then?” Elizabeth wants to know.
“Exactly. They were near Darcy House, waiting for an opportunity. With your permission, I am having them watched and would recommend not having them arrested. Instead, they may lead us to who wishes you gone, Fitz.”
“I recognized the one man’s voice, but I still cannot put a name to it. When the magistrate was here earlier, I told him the whole story, but I did not tell him about that man’s voice. The magistrate had his men gather my clothing from near the warehouse, and the men reported no other evidence. The clothing has been kept as evidence. Apparently, the men were surprised by the amount of blood present.”
“So I’ve heard. Fitz, you suffered a savage beating. This attack was no robbery. You must exercise caution until we learn more. You will stay in London then?”
“I believe so. However, Elizabeth and I are trying to decide if we should send for the children. We may be here longer than we first anticipated.”
“I will hire some of my former soldiers to accompany the children here. All at your expense of course.”
“Of course.” Darcy narrows his eyes at his cousin, but the plan is sound. “Speaking of soldiers, how is our favorite miscreant? I hear he is to return to England.” Elizabeth waits to hear the latest intelligence on Mr. Wickham. “Is there any way he could be involved?”
Henry’s sardonic grunt speaks volumes. “Not likely. He is due home now that Napoleon is defeated. Wickham was there, serving under Sir John Colborne. The 52nd Regiment of Oxfordshire Light Infantry proved themselves once more by outflanking a French column, firing a destructive volley and finally running in with bayonets. Wickham received commendations for valor after saving some of his fellow soldiers during the heavy fighting. It is well documented. He would have no way of orchestrating an attack against you. I heard that the Iron Duke himself, Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, took note of Wickham’s efforts.”
“Impressive. Wickham did take my advice and made the military his career.”
“Fitz, I will grant you that Wickham has become quite a soldier, but I still do not agree with your decision those years ago to forgive him and let him go. He should have been run out of the country for what he tried with Georgiana, the slash he gave you, then for what he considered doing to Elizabeth. You are a fool for letting him go. You will never know how many people suffered fits w
hen they found out what you had done.”
“My husband always acts with honor.” Elizabeth softly challenged.
“Indeed he does but Wickham will not, in spite of what he has done on the battlefield, he will never act with honor towards Fitz.”
“It is done with, and I cannot undo the past. You and I will continue to disagree about Wickham and my forgiveness, but I ask you once more, do you believe him to be involved?”
“No.” The intensity of the room dissipated. Then Darcy spoke again.
“Has Anne accompanied you to Town?”
“No, she stayed at Rosings with the boys. This heat is too much for Anne’s breathing. I am to give you and Elizabeth greetings and her love. She awaits the fall and the planned visit to Pemberley. When is Georgiana due to arrive?”
“We expect Georgiana and Matthew to arrive yet today. Kitty and Jonesy are coming for a small dinner tonight, and we would be delighted to host you as well Henry.” It is decided that Henry will stay at Darcy House as a guest and he looks forward to seeing his family at dinner tonight.
Chapter 7
Georgiana and her husband, Lord Matthew Marsden arrived a little before suppertime. Their children, Gregory the first born and still a toddler, along with Allan the baby, came too. Additionally, Kitty and Jonesy brought Elizabeth and Catherine so the children will be entertained in the nursery while the adults dine. To the delight of all, Bingley and Jane breezed in, and they too brought Charles Jr. and Lucian their second son. When the oldest of the children spy Darcy in the great hall, the squeals could not be contained as the children run to Uncle Fitz. Darcy always keeps sweets on hand for his nieces and nephews, so the children’s joy at seeing Uncle Fitz knows no bounds.
Hugs and kisses follow then Darcy tells them a few funny stories about their other uncles. Childish giggles along with innocent voices plead with Uncle Fitz to tell them just one more story, but nannies and mothers urge the children along to the nursery. Henry kept a miniature portrait of Darcy with him, and as the children learned to talk, he would show them the picture of Darcy while coaching them to call Darcy, Uncle Fitz. Darcy naturally retaliated by telling the children about all of the ridiculous incidents Henry found himself in over time. Interestingly, over the years, Darcy’s numerous nieces and nephews will never believe Henry when he tries to tell them that Darcy used to be cold and forbidding.