by Kay Mares
Now as Elizabeth watches the children gather around Darcy, she longs for her children. As everyone repairs to various chambers to freshen clothing before the evening meal, Elizabeth slides her hand cautiously around Darcy’s waist. Darcy already gathers where her thoughts lay. “Our children will soon be here. Then you may bestow all your love upon them. I love you, Mrs. Darcy.” Elizabeth sighs as she lies her head on his shoulder. Her Fitzwilliam always knows, he always protects her, and he loves her.
During the meal, Darcy tells his guests about his misfortune and assures them of his return to health. Since he has avoided too much time in the bed, most of the swelling around his face has left, and the bruises are fading quickly. The cracked ribs pain him still, but his stoicism comes to the fore, and no one except Elizabeth suspects his discomfort.
“Have they found those responsible?” Jane asks with her quiet, serene manner.
Henry answers for Darcy. “We have a pretty good idea who they are, but until we know more, no moves have been made against them.” The answer satisfies Jane, but Darcy will tell Bingley and Jonesy more of his suspicions later. The subject of children comes up.
“So Fitz, you have once more plied our children with candy and wound them up so they will not sleep tonight. I thank you.” Bingley dips his head in Darcy’s direction.
“Since you have reverted to calling me Fitz, it was the least I could do on a moment’s notice, Bing.”
“Please do not start with that inane shortening of my name. If I start to hear bells ringing, I will leave.” Bingley threatens in jest. Darcy and the other gents grin knowingly. Charles has despised his moniker from the moment it was first bestowed upon him at a pub near Cambridge when they were all at University. Darcy only protests his nickname because it has been a joke for so long, but Bingley truly detests his. “If the children start to refer to me as Uncle Bing, I will see each of you ran through.”
“I had not thought of that before. Uncle Bing. It has a unique sound to it. I rather like it.” Jonesy tips his wine glass to the scowling Charles. “Come now, Bing, stop that. I thought only Fitz there scowls and glowers like that.”
“No, he no longer does. Instead, he is all sunshine and laughter. A perfectly amiable gentleman.” Henry chortles as Darcy unleashes a particularly withering scowl in his direction. “There it is, the look he is so famous for. Been practicing? I felt the heat from that one.” Henry directs his next comment to Jonesy. “Did Mr. Darcy of Pemberley really manage to have you locked up in your own root cellar?”
“He did. When Kitty and I first moved to the estate, Fitz insisted on seeing all aspects of the home and grounds. I should have guessed at his nefarious purposes when he suggested viewing the cellar. He allowed me to go in first, distracted me with small talk, then secured the door and left. Kitty figured it out about an hour later when I failed to return for lunch, and she witnessed the prim and proper Mr. Darcy with that annoying twist to his mouth.” Jonesy winks at Kitty as she chuckles. Once Kitty was made aware of the stuffy Mr. Darcy’s proclivity for pranks and humor, it was fairly easy to surmise he had been up to something. Elizabeth loves to laugh, and Darcy gives her plenty of opportunities to do so. “I will retaliate.” Jonesy threatens.
Darcy shrugs his shoulders as Georgiana changes the subject. “Will you and Elizabeth go to Mr. and Mrs. Sease’s party? They have extended an invitation to Matthew and me, along with Henry. Since the party is still two days away, you should know more healing, Brother.”
“Elizabeth and I have decided to attend. Most of the bruising on my face has disappeared, and clothing will cover the rest. It seems as if the Seases have been more than gracious and they extended invitations to everyone here tonight. It will be advantageous to be seen in public. Any more possible rumors will be put to rest.”
“Perhaps we may uncover more about what befell you, Fitz,” Henry adds. The rest of the meal is spent with happy chatter and some stories shared. Entertainments included the children who vied for a position next to Darcy. Unfortunately, because his injuries still gave him pain, the children did not sit on his lap. Much later, Elizabeth and Darcy chatted as they reclined in bed together.
“Having everyone visiting tonight was quite pleasant. The children make me pine for our own. I hope they will arrive soon.” Elizabeth begins a slow massage to Darcy’s chest. He starts his own amusements as Elizabeth asks him, “Are you healed enough? Should you be engaging in such activities?”
Darcy does not answer as he rolls her to her back and slowly begins his explorations. Soon Elizabeth’s concerns are brushed aside as her virile spouse proves his vigor. Afterward, they talk about the coming arrival of the Darcy children then the talk changes to the ever-present worry of who may be trying to harm Darcy.
“I have gone through most of the newest business dealings, and I have done a thorough search through my notes regarding tenant disputes, but I cannot come up with any situation which stands out as extraordinary. There is always someone who is not content but nowhere can I find a notation of mine which would suggest that someone is that incensed with me. I cannot account for it. The men wished me dead, Elizabeth. I was alert enough to mark their conversation. Henry has found that the three who abducted me are not in any way related to any of my ventures or the estate. They are simple hooligans. Nothing more. Someone else hired them, and someone is watching us. But that is as far as the trail goes.”
“We will practice caution then, My Husband. You must not go about alone. Nor I.” Elizabeth hastily tells him as he starts to offer cautions and a lecture. Those impossibly blue eyes fix on her face searching for any signs of impertinence.
“I would not live if something happened to you, Lizzy. I never wish to be without you, to be alone once again. Even with our children, I would still be alone without you.” His movement in the bed is not without discomfort. Elizabeth notes that the contusions are fading but still readily evident. The blows his body sustained were fierce and cruel.
As tears come to Elizabeth’s eyes, she speaks, “I would cease to live without you. When you failed to return that night, I cannot convey the angst and fright I felt. When the staff and I noted that you had not taken Tempest, my worry overcame all other thought. I could not find rest, I knew you were hurting, alone, and I could not come to you.”
“My Love please, fret no more. I am here. I have taken your good counsel to heart, Lizzy and I have become more cautious. I will be even more alert of my surroundings now. I will protect you, our children and myself.” Then Darcy did as he always did when a situation became frightening or dire, he relied on humor to relieve the tension. Pulling Elizabeth to his side, he tells her of seeing Dr. Hardin on the street just the other day.
“The doctor was certainly pleased to see me, and he remarked on my recovery. He was placating and full of false flattery. I would not have suspected it of him. I could not help myself but to remind him of his visit to Cheapside. He flushed and stammered some weak excuse as I stood and scowled. He repeatedly bowed and offered more platitudes.” As Darcy pulls the corner of his mouth up, Elizabeth decides to tweak Darcy.
“He sounds as if he treated you much like Mr. Collins would.” Darcy will forever become nonsensical whenever Collins is mentioned, and he forgets his manners completely when in Collins’ presence.
“That groveling imbecile!”
“Who, the doctor or Collins?” Elizabeth asks with perfect innocence.
Late the next day, Darcy is working on some pressing business matters. Elizabeth sits with him in the library as he furiously writes, only to stop to read or reread his letters. As she has many times in the past, Elizabeth instinctively knows when he requires quiet or some small talk. As Darcy stretches his long frame behind the desk, Elizabeth begins to tell him about the correspondence she has received from home. Naturally, Darcy is interested in any news or comments from Mr. Bennet; the two men have a close friendship and mutual respect. Darcy nods politely to information regarding Mary and Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth th
en peruses another of her letters, this one from Mrs. Collins.
“Mrs. Collins writes that in spite of her encouragement to partake in gardening, Mr. Collins has seen an increase in his girth and some accompanying health issues as well. He had a rather painful round with gout not too long ago.”
“So now his body is as swelled as his ego. Puffed up, nattering fool.”
“Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth gently chastises, “Come now, that is not very kind.”
Darcy waves his quill in Elizabeth’s direction. “Do not forget that I hold him particularly responsible for Aunt Catherine’s verbal attack on you.”
“Instead you should be thankful to Mr. Collins. Had your Aunt Catherine not acted upon his chatter, you may very well have never returned to Hertfordshire.”
Darcy is motionless as his piercing gaze is locked on his bemused wife. One facial muscle twitches then another. Soon an exasperated snort follows. “Hrrmph.” Darcy returns to his writings once more.
The library door swings open farther to allow Henry to enter and Elizabeth enthusiastically greets him while Darcy appears to be ignoring him. “Fitzwilliam, Henry is here, what a pleasant surprise.”
“What is the issue with him?” Henry indicates a scowling cousin with a tilt of his head. “He appears to be brooding.”
“I have just spoken to him regarding Mr. Collins. You are well aware of Fitzwilliam’s fondness for the gentleman.” Trying to act unconcerned, Darcy begins to greet his cousin until his eyes spot the animal trailing behind Henry.
“Just what is that?” Darcy stabs a finger at the dog obediently sitting next to Henry’s feet.
“It is a dog, Cousin.” Henry turns to Elizabeth, “And people say your husband is so astute.” Henry returns his attention to the dramatically frowning Darcy. “He is not just any dog though; he is an English bulldog with a fine pedigree. This particular one does not wish to bull bait and instead has become a most loyal companion.” Henry watches as his fastidious and persnickety cousin’s face becomes dour as the dog wheezes and sports a tiny amount of drool. “I named him Fithian.”
“Indeed.” Darcy draws back affronted. “Do you even have any idea of the origin of the name?”
“I do not care; I just like the sound of it.”
“Of course.” Henry is gleeful as he knows he has annoyed his cousin. “Dogs,” Darcy continues, “should serve some purpose. Hunting, pointing and such. The mastiffs here and at Pemberley guard the residences. Yours appears to be pointless. Even cats serve a purpose in that they keep the vermin at bay.”
“Cats are little more than furry assassins, Fitz, which brings me to the reason for this intrusion.” The banter and baiting have ceased. “As before, you know that Mr. Wallace, the Bow Street man found that your attackers are no more than wastrels. Even so, they remain tight-lipped while flashing large sums of money about. In a sense, they acted as paid assassins. I still feel the correct course is to have them followed in the hopes that they may slip up and lead us to who paid them off. Interestingly, no one has come in contact with them since the botched attempt on your life. Other than making sure they eventually pay for what they did to you, it seems as if they no longer are a concern for you.”
“Are we safe to leave the house?’ Darcy asks.
“Mr. Wallace is willing to watch over you and the family should you decide to venture out but he will do so at a distance so as not to awake suspicion or to have his identity revealed. I believe that you should continue to go about as you normally would in the hopes that guilty one will show himself.”
“That seems risky, Henry. Fitzwilliam already suffered too much.” Elizabeth grasps Darcy’s hand as she stands next to him.
“Perhaps, but if you both exercise caution along with Mr. Wallace’s assistance, I think we may be able to flush this man out.”
“I do not wish to be a prisoner in my own home. We will not go about unless it is in the company of footmen and drivers who are armed. If we do not find this person soon, we will forever live our lives in fear of when he may next attack. I will not allow someone that kind of power over me.” Darcy declares. “We will be attending the Sease’s party tomorrow and any other event we wish to.” Elizabeth does not argue with Darcy as it would be futile. His mind is made up, and although she can see his logic, she holds onto the fear of what this unknown man may do.
“I will be staying at the Matlock townhouse tonight if you need me.” Henry starts to depart. “Come Fithian.” The bulldog snorts and slobbers as he ambles up to Henry’s side.
“Good riddance,” Darcy mutters under his breath. Unbeknownst to any of those within Darcy House, a pair of eyes have been monitoring the home and the occupants’ comings and goings.
Chapter 8
The night of the Seases’ party found the Darcys and the rest of the family enjoying an evening of fine dining, good conversation, and some entertainments. Fortunately for Darcy, there would be no dancing as his ribs are still mending. Dr. Hardin’s prediction on the length of healing will be proven true. Darcy stepped outside for a moment to catch a small breeze and to stretch his legs which cramped a little after sitting for a prolonged mealtime. Elizabeth watched as he ducked out of the room and gave him an understanding smile. Even though he no longer stands apart in a crowd while glowering and scowling, large groups of people still make him uncomfortable. Henry knowingly watched his cousin’s retreat as well, and he assured Elizabeth he would soon follow Darcy outside.
Darcy draws deep breaths and feels the tension ease from his shoulders. His leg muscles relax, and his ribs cease throbbing. Sounds are emanating from some foliage in the large backyard, and Darcy’s ears make out the unmistakable noises of a couple engaged in a tryst. He sighs and moves back towards the open doors, not wishing to be caught in any scandal. Once in front of the doors, he relishes the breeze and lingers. He is far enough away from the couple so as not to have suspicion cast upon him. Darcy hears footsteps and turns, looking into the smug face of Sir Pierce Richards. The two have had words in the past, and Darcy loathes the man.
“You are enjoying the evening breeze, Mr. Darcy?” Sir Pierce smirks as he knows the pious and stern Darcy does not approve of his activities and he is reasonably sure Darcy knows what has just transpired. Pierce has always enjoyed giving Darcy cuts, but he only will go so far as once when he pushed Darcy too hard, Pierce found himself bodily lifted from the ground with Darcy’s menacing face pressed into his. “I find there are other enjoyments to be had out here as well.”
“I know what you were up to and I would rather not discuss it any further with you.” Darcy narrows his eyes at Pierce; he too knows Pierce is baiting him.
“Come now, Darcy. Women are for us men to enjoy. They are here for our pleasure. Even the law sees them as our property. You do not hold with such radical ideas as to think they are our equals in any way?” Pierce goads Darcy, well aware of the committed love and respect between Elizabeth and Darcy.
Darcy thinks how he would enjoy physically dealing once more with Pierce but his ribs will not allow it. His recovery has been remarkable, but it is far from complete. However, Pierce is ignorant of the fact. Darcy turns to face Pierce directly and draws himself up to his considerable height and towers over Pierce. He watches with satisfaction as Pierce shrinks back in fear and he impales him with an icy glare. Darcy does not have to say anything more as Pierce scrambles around him and disappears into the crowd. Darcy sports the slight upturn to his mouth whenever something has amused him. Henry and Elizabeth have come outside and noted the grin.
“Whatever did you do to Sir Pierce?” Elizabeth asks with a grin of her own. Darcy has made his distaste for the man well-known to his wife.
“He has just finished a dalliance with someone, and he made his comments to me about how women are to be used for men’s pleasure, all of his usual filth just to spark a rise out of me.”
“Did you hit him, Fitz? You are in no condition to partake in any brawls.” Henry warns.
“N
o, I glowered and glared as I fixed him with a hard stare. He is such a coward. He turned and ran as is his wont.”
“His dislike for you is real; you could have been injured. Tell me, is his the voice you heard when you were attacked?” Henry and Elizabeth wait for the answer.
Darcy sobers immediately. “No, it was not his voice I heard. He is too smooth, too polished. The voice I heard was not from someone who has Pierce’s sophistication.”
“Still, you must be cautious. Nothing points to him as being the money behind the brawn. I had Mr. Wallace check him out.” Henry states as Elizabeth pulls Darcy closer to her.
“I agree with Henry.” Elizabeth looks deeply into Darcy’s eyes. “But I must say Sir Pierce has not had such a pleasant evening regardless of his recent activity. Shortly before he left to come out here, he was in Caroline’s company. No need to fret, Fitzwilliam,” Lizzy comforts him as he stiffens once more. “Caroline is more than a match for Pierce. Caroline reported that Pierce had alluded to his wealth and standing along with his protection should Caroline wish to form a deeper acquaintance with him. Caroline rebuffed him naturally, but when he would not be put off, Caroline stated she would consider his offer once he produced his books and ledgers for her perusal.”
“I cannot imagine Pierce would take kindly to such a statement, considering his low opinion of women.” Darcy grins at the thought of Caroline using her prickly personality to thwart Pierce. While she has changed her whole manner regarding the former Bennet sisters, Caroline can still offer cuts as painfully as she did in the past.