by Kay Mares
The servants have reported to him that they have suffered taunts when they go out to procure food and other supplies for the house. Darcy is angered by the shallowness of people and the never-ending stream of vapid chatter. He has reiterated his command for all of his friends to avoid him, and most have done so. Now Darcy wonders if he really has any true friends left. Henry appears determined to let Darcy suffer from his choices while Charles sends letters of encouragement but does not visit. Jonesy has tried to keep the businesses from suffering, but he too reports trouble in his missives to Darcy. Once more Darcy is alone.
Elizabeth can no longer stand the separation, and she enters the library. His outline shows up against the windows where he stands, tall, proud, angry and defiant. Few people would dare to venture close to Darcy when he glowers and stares as such. Elizabeth lays a soft hand on Darcy’s arm, and he flinches from the gesture.
“So this is how it is to be?” She asks him as he moves behind his desk to scowl at her. He picks up his infamous glasses to glare over them at her, but Elizabeth knows the ruse. “You are taciturn and unsociable. Brooding and glowering. Allowing no one to know your pain and to share your burden. I thought you and me to be one, united forever. When you feel pain, so do I but now you push me away. The children miss their father, Fitzwilliam and you waste precious time. The time you could spend with them instead of torturing yourself here alone.”
Elizabeth sees the same icy coldness in his brilliant blue eyes which was present all those years ago when she first met him. He had shuttered himself and his feelings up back then, and he has done the same now. Tears creep into her eyes as she recognizes the pain he suffers. She longs to hear his laughter once more or share some silly story. Jests and pranks on the other gentlemen are forgotten as his bitterness overcomes him. “Fitzwilliam? Please talk to me.”
After a prolonged moment, Darcy sighs and his shoulders slightly droop as he removes his glasses. “I will never understand people, Elizabeth. I worked hard to ensure a future for Georgiana, Pemberley and our own family. The Darcy name and reputation is solid and respected yet as soon as a whiff of scandal approaches, many wish to comment and sully my name. Why do people only dwell upon the negative? Give them happiness, lightness, and hope, and some will glory in it, but others lament that there is not enough excitement or drama. Your sister Lydia proved this theory correct when she went off with Wickham. I have found most people are drawn to scandal and darkness. Death, murder, mayhem and any calamity which can befall the human race. Men and women rush to the scene of a tragedy, some to help but the majority to seek some sort of a thrill. They wish to have a tale to tell, gossip to repeat. It matters not what the truth is, just as long as there is some is some sordid story. I have long abhorred the ton. As you can see, it matters not what good I have done in the past. No, only now matters. The people shake their heads knowingly as they assure each other that they knew all along that Mr. Darcy is a dark character, capable of any evil.”
“Fitzwilliam, most people do not know you because you are so carefully regulated in society. You are painfully aware of how I misjudged you when I first met you. But what other people think and say does not matter. Those who love you know you are not evil but rather the best of men. You are allowing the petty-mindedness of others torture you. You often warned me of the scheming members of the ton.
Darcy flicks away her comments with a wrist as he continues, “Most of your acquaintance with me has brought you pain. My first proposal, my aunt’s visit, the forced stay at the hunting cabin, the perfidy my aunt told you about Wickham’s parentage, and now this. How can you still wish to be anywhere near me? How can you still love me? I will not blame you if you wish to leave. You may return to Pemberley where you are so happy. You and the children could still know some joy as this sordid mark starts to fade, but death will forever blacken the Darcy name. Perhaps if you were to remarry, the scandal would eventually fall from you, but the children would forever bear the burden of having their father labeled and hung as a murderer.” Darcy's voice holds sorrow and anger in it.
“Fitzwilliam, I love you. I have always loved you, and I will continue to love you no matter the outcome of this trial. I made a vow to you and before God that I would be true to you and stay with you for better or for worse.” Elizabeth turns to him and stands before him as she looks deep into his haunted eyes. “I made a vow to myself that day. My own personal vow is that you will never be alone again. You will never face the tribulations of life by yourself because I will be there to bear them with you. Fitzwilliam, you are not alone.” Elizabeth grabs his hand then pulls him to her as she grasps him forcefully.
Slowly his hands come around her then he quickly tightens his grip on her and crushes her to him. Elizabeth has reached him, and he is not alone. Elizabeth whispers to him, “Please Fitzwilliam, come back to me, to the children. I understand that the situation is dire but I trust in God above that He will not let harm come to an honorable man.” Darcy remains uncertain and conflicted.
“Henry seems to believe that Wickham will return to enact brutal revenge upon me. He reminded me of Wickham’s attempts to sully my name and reputation as well as his cruel taunts and innuendos. There is a reason we used to call him Mr. Wicked instead of Mr. Wickham. Henry fears that there is no good to be found in him, his feats on the battlefield notwithstanding. Furthermore, Henry is now convinced Wickham is the one who was directing Gunther in his quest to harm me. If this is true, then I am as good as a dead man. All I have for my defense is two inebriated individuals who insist I partook in a duel and Mr. Wallace the Bow Street man. The character references from friends and family are natural and to be expected, so I do not hold much hope. Perhaps Henry is right. I made a foolish and costly mistake when I forgave Wickham. I threw away our future, and I did not know I had done so. I failed to protect you, our children and myself.” Darcy still clings to her, but there is a certain defeat in his voice which Elizabeth has never heard before.
“I cannot allow myself to believe that all is lost. I refuse to think Wickham would still hold such a deep grudge after you forgave him. I was there; I heard the regret in his voice. The men you employ to monitor him have not reported any malicious behavior from him while he has been on English soil. Even Mr. Wallace did not have any information on Wickham other than a few dalliances which we already knew of.” After some many moments, Elizabeth notes a tiny amount of relaxation in Darcy’s being. He is considering her words.
So Elizabeth tries a little levity to shake him from his dark thoughts. “Perhaps you may feel a little relief if you broke another glass object?” Darcy gives a half smile, as already two figurines met their demise. He fingers the tall, slender bud vase on his desk as he watches Elizabeth’s response.
“No, not that vase. That is the one I put on your desk so that you may enjoy a small fresh bloom.” Elizabeth follows his movements as he runs a hand over a crystal paperweight, another figurine then his hand finally rests on a hideous small statue of a hunting dog. The dog is out of proportion and is poor quality.
“Henry gave me this dog some years ago about the same time as Jonesy gifted me with that infernal watch. He insisted I place the dog on my desk and he always makes some comment about how wonderful the statue is. The truth is, I cannot stand it, and I believe it to be another one of the gents’ jokes. I believe this will be the next object to be hurled.” Darcy hugs Elizabeth closer to him as she distracts him with kisses and caresses. Darcy responds to his wife rapidly, and the library door is locked to ensure privacy. Even though Darcy’s thoughts remain dark, he accepts that Elizabeth will not leave him and he is not alone. After returning to a presentable state and Darcy once more expresses his disdain of the impediment to his desires, known as the corset, a servant announces that there are visitors in the main salon.
Darcy and Elizabeth finish some last minute straightening of their clothing and repair to the salon. Charles and Jane along with Jonesy and Kitty are there. Georgiana and Matthew have com
e as well. Darcy starts to frown and offer his disapproval immediately, but Jane speaks first. “Fitzwilliam, please forgive us for intruding but we wished to come,” Jane states as she lays a soft hand on Darcy’s arm. Darcy draws himself up to his full height as he looks down his nose at Jane, but she is not intimidated. “I wish to give my love and support to my sister,” Jane still speaks with her calm, serene voice as her hand tightens slightly on Darcy’s arm, “but I also wish to give my love and encouragement to my dear brother.”
Gentle Jane has given Darcy some succor, and he allows a small guarded smile. Darcy has come to love Jane and Kitty as sisters, and he is very fond of them. He gazes at his assembled family and just as Elizabeth told him before, he is not alone. Jonesy interrupts. “Fear not Fitz, we came by horseback and rode up through the alleyway to the carriage house. I do not believe anyone took note of us.”
Georgiana hugs her brother and encourages him to go into the billiard room with the other gents so she and the ladies may engage in some female chatter. Reluctantly Darcy follows the other men as Elizabeth smiles at him and blows a kiss to him. Georgiana dabs at a tear in her eye once the men have left. “It is unfair. Matthew has heard the scandalous talk, and he is incensed. Some of the gossip is similar in nature as to what was said about Brother so many years ago when he was unmarried and struggling so hard to make Pemberley stronger. How can people be so cruel and say so many hurtful things when they have no idea what the truth is?” The ladies shake their heads sadly as they acknowledge the truth of Georgiana’s words. “How is Fitzwilliam coping Elizabeth? I see the pain in his eyes.”
“The accusations have wounded him deeply, but as you both know, there is little he can do to cease the rumors. Henry was here some days ago, and he was very forceful regarding his opinion about a negative outcome to the trial.” Elizabeth herself is still angered at Henry’s accusations.
Georgiana is aware of Henry’s disapproval about how Darcy handled Wickham in the past, but like Darcy, Georgiana had become weary of having Wickham as an enemy. She instead was pleased to hear that Darcy and Wickham appeared to have put their animosity behind them. “Henry spoke to Brother out of fear. Fear of what the future may hold for Brother and fear for all of us. He has not abandoned Brother.”
“I understand why Henry reacted as he did but the charges he leveled at Fitzwilliam stung. Fitzwilliam felt as if everyone has abandoned him. Your presence here is welcomed and most certainly needed.” Elizabeth allows her sisters to bear some of her concerns and worries with her. Meanwhile, the men give their support to Darcy while in the billiard room.
Darcy absentmindedly rolls a pool ball across the surface of the pool table as his friends talk with him. “The situation with the businesses is proving not to be as dire as one might believe. Once the initial shock had worn off, most saw the ridiculousness of the charges and are now eager once more to partner with us. Various investors and others believe nothing more will become of the trial and some have even been very vocal about the ludicrous notion of putting Mr. Darcy on trial. These individuals are questioning a system which would make an example out of an honorable man. You have more support than you know, Fitz.” Jonesy tells his taciturn friend.
Charles adds, “It is because of these reports that we felt it reasonable enough to bring the ladies for a visit with you and Elizabeth. Admit it, Darcy, you are pleased to see us.”
“Indeed, I am, but as I still believe some others would seek to harm me, I cannot help but be concerned for all of you. I do not know who is behind this scheme. So I fret that perhaps the individual or individuals involved may try to hurt a member of the family to gain revenge.” Darcy forcefully rolls the ball into a corner pocket as Matthew addresses him.
“Both Lord Matlock and I have questioned our various acquaintances and friends, but no one seems to have any information. However, just as Jonesy stated, the longer they drag on without some sort of trial or ruling, the more agitation members of the Gentry are sporting. Your reputation and honor are without question, and most know of you, Darcy.”
“Oh yes, you are quite the famous man.” Jonesy jests with his friend, well aware that Darcy loathes having any extra attention fixed upon him.
“Phenomenal.” Darcy deadpans.
“Fitz, I know this has not been easy for you, but you must not give up hope. First of all, because of who you are, you will not face a jury trial. A judge will decide your fate and more than likely idle chatter will not easily sway him. You have been allowed to stay in your home and were not removed to jail like a common criminal and the pressure from the Elite to have the matter moved forward is starting to be felt. It will be uncomfortable for you, but you should avoid presenting yourself as cold and haughty.” Matthew counsels him.
“I agree. While you should be seriously concerned about the trial, you should not act as if you are above it.”
“What do you expect me to do? Smile and wave?” Darcy asks sarcastically.
“Fitz, anger will not help your case either. You have employed some very good lawyers to manage your case, and you have support from some very well placed individuals.” Bingley adds.
“I apologize, but I cannot help but be incensed over the whole ordeal. Do any of you have any idea what it is like to have people point to your house and sneer? To have your servants taunted and harried? To have your dogs bark almost constantly all night long because people are coming by to view the murder’s house? In the mornings, the servants have had to clean up rubbish which has been thrown over the back wall. Last night, the dogs’ barking woke up Ester and Elizabeth spent an hour or more rocking her back to sleep.” Darcy is stalking about the billiard room as the others remain quiet. They were ignorant of these events.
“Darcy,” Jonesy begins, “I did not know about any of that, and I am sorry you have to suffer so. Is there anything we can do to ease your burden?”
Darcy looks at his longtime friend steadily. “No, there is not. I appreciate what you have done in coming here today, and your kindness has made Elizabeth happy. For that, I thank you heartily.”
“Just know that we stand in support of you, and we will not leave you,” Matthew assures him.
The rest of the visit is spent with quiet talk and speculation regarding the upcoming trial. After the guests depart to their homes, Darcy and Elizabeth spend some time with the children, and Darcy even teases the children causing them to giggle and laugh. The moment is too short, however, but for Bennet and David, the time spent with their father is rewarding.
The cold, calculating eyes are fixed on Darcy house, and earlier in the evening, these eyes watched as Darcy’s friends and family came for a visit. Knowing how much Darcy abhors circumstances which have spiraled out of control, the cruel man decides to vex Darcy further. The evil eyes focus on the two Mastiff dogs which are patrolling in the backyard. For the last few nights, the stranger has delighted in throwing trash over the wall as he knows it tortures the fastidious Darcy. However, tonight he will cause Darcy more worry and angst.
The following morning, Darcy awakens after a better sleep than he has had in the last few nights. Elizabeth remarks to him that she too has slept through the night without any disturbances and without comment, Darcy hurriedly dresses and exits the bedchamber. He returns after a short amount of time. Elizabeth immediately notes the tight, drawn features and Darcy’s haunted eyes.
“Both of the dogs are dead, Elizabeth. Someone killed them. There is not a mark on them so they must have been poisoned. One of the groundskeepers spotted a small piece of raw meat. This is the reason why we slept so well last night. The dogs were not barking because they were dead.”
Elizabeth is frightened, but she maintains her calm. “Fitzwilliam, are the children safe? Are we safe here?” Never has she doubted Darcy’s ability to protect her and their offspring but never before has Elizabeth faced this kind of evil.
“The children are safe. I have already checked on them myself, and I have an armed man stationed outside of
the nursery. Furthermore, the nanny has explicit orders to ring at the slightest abnormality. Tonight I will sleep in their room on a pallet to ensure their safety.” Darcy’s features are drawn and tense.
“I would like to sleep in the children's’ quarters also, Fitzwilliam.”
“I think that would be a wise plan. We will both remain with our children. I have received a letter by special courier. I did not wish to upset last night’s visit with the others, but it seems that in two day’s time, the first part of the trial will occur. Just as Matthew speculated, the pressure from the Gentry has resulted in action. I have sent out missives to family and friends. Wickham, it appears, has arrived in London, but he is being granted a few days before he is to testify. I image the first day of testimony will be from those who the court deems as less important to the trial and then the second day will be the prosecution's star witness, none other than Wickham himself. The papers and the wags will have much fodder.”
“I think you are correct. However, you cannot control what others will do or say. Please, Fitzwilliam, let us enjoy the next two days with the children.”
“That may be difficult, Love. I will have to be in counsel with my lawyers. I must be as prepared as possible for the trial.”