Healing Mr Darcy’s Heart

by Kay Mares

  “I am not sure anything less than a chair will help with this congestion. Thank you for your efforts, I will make do and try to get some rest.” Elizabeth smiles at him and his concern.

  “I have another idea,” Darcy says as he removes his waistcoat and vest. He returns in a moment with a light summer shirt on and just his small clothes. He crawls into bed next to her and positions himself on the pillows, so he is sitting almost upright. He then pulls her next to him while lying her head on his chest high up near his shoulder. He caresses her back, and Lizzy listens to the steady beating of his loyal and loving heart. Next, she hears as well as feels the deep timber of his singing voice as he softly sings to her. Hymns, some love songs, songs from operas, and once or twice to Lizzy’s amazed amusement a drinking song. As his sonorous crooning continues, Elizabeth falls into a deep sleep, held in her amazing husband’s arms. Her last thought is what a magnificent father he will make.

  Chapter 22

  The next two weeks fly by, and Lizzy’s cold has long since vanished along with the bruise. Darcy and Elizabeth learn to let each have a say and to better listen to what the other might be trying to convey. They laugh over their choice of words to describe each other and credit their vast vocabulary to copious amounts of reading. Henry and Georgiana arrive at the manor and Darcy eagerly welcomes his sister home. He missed her although he would not trade the time he had with Elizabeth. Elizabeth is overjoyed to have the opportunity to converse with her new sister without the constraints of polite society or the company of others. Henry accompanies Darcy on his rounds on the tenants and farmers as Darcy ascertains all are ready for the long winter. The men partake in some hunts as well.

  On a particularly blustery day, the often talked about Jonesy breezes in with the darkening clouds and dropping temperatures. He is a shorter man with dark brown hair and eyes. He is fashionably dressed but with a certain jauntiness about him. His manner is altogether lively. He speaks well but does not have any airs about him. Instead, he welcomes everyone as if they are dear old friends. He is a man without concerns, comfortable with his position in life and jovial in company. Just like Darcy and Henry, Jonesy is not afraid of some manual labor which keeps him fit and trim.

  “Fitz! It is so good to see you! This must be the lovely Mrs. Darcy I have heard so much about. Words do not do her justice, old man!” He bows to Darcy and pivots smartly to bow over Elizabeth’s hand while bestowing an air kiss. He doffs an imaginary hat as he announces his full name. “Francis Xavier Theodore Jones at your service Madame. I am profoundly moved to make your acquaintance.” Elizabeth blushes and returns a curtsey.

  “Must I remind you not to call me Fitz and must you always play to the full house?”

  “I must. It is part of my native charm…Colonel!!” Jonesy booms when he spots Henry coming to the foyer with Georgiana on his arm. “Miss Georgie! She is a beauty, elegant and refined, with none of your disagreeable airs Fitz. I imagine you are polishing up on your marksmanship and cleaning your dueling pistols, eh? Miss Darcy, you will capture the heart of every young man and your brother will see them run through.” Jonesy bows to Georgiana with a flourish as she giggles at his antics.

  “Enough, let us retire to the parlor. I have a fire going and some libations available.” Darcy implores them to repair to the cozy room.

  “These libations, Fitz, are we toasting to a deity or is your meaning in a humorous way? We all know what a great wit you are.” Jonesy asks with mock seriousness.

  “Humorously, I am sure or else he would have us toasting him!” Henry declares.

  “I will not dignify your comments with a response.” Darcy snorts.

  “Charming as always, Fitz. Tomorrow is soon enough to go over the rail dealings, right? I know you suffer from a horrible affliction called fastidiousness. However, you will put your drive to work aside; we will instead enjoy an evening of companionship and stories. Henry surely has some new ones, and Mrs. Darcy has not heard the old ones.” Jonesy wiggles his brows as the ladies giggle once more. Elizabeth is taken with Jonesy’s easy airs, and she delights in how he speaks to Darcy.

  “Lord help me for allowing you and Henry here at the same time. I will end up in Bedlam surely.” Darcy rolls his eyes and adds a dramatic sigh for good measure. The party seat themselves with refreshments, waiting for the narrations to begin. “I had the good fortune to meet Jonesy during his first years at Cambridge. He was then as he is now, however, I saw past that and realized he hid a sharp mind with an exceptional eye for business transactions. We discussed many of the minutiae of running an estate and his rationales were always sound. Amazingly his marks at Cambridge were all high.”

  Jonesy inclines his head to Darcy, “Thank you, Sir, for the praise. May I return the compliment? Ladies,” Jonesy indicates Darcy with his brandy glass, “this man had some of the highest marks ever seen at the university. His intelligence is not overstated. While I have to say, he has not the native charm of his cousin over there, Darcy does improve with time, rather like a fine wine.”

  “Enough! I cannot stomach the two of you and this mutual admiration you both have. Ladies allow me to tell you of some of what these two did while in the hallowed halls of Cambridge,” Colonel Fitzwilliam interrupts. Darcy glowers, and Jonesy beams. “An unfortunate Oxford fellow wandered into the Eagle, a pub which opened its doors in 1667. This young man decided to ‘penny’ some of the Cambridge men’s drinks. Simply, the object of the game is to slip a penny into another’s drink. Depending on who and when the penny is discovered determines who has to finish the drink. There is a whole set of rules for the game.”

  “Brilliant is it not that this Oxford chap would think he could outdo us Cambridge men. I will give him that pennying was invented at Oxford, however.” Jonesy interjects.

  “Yes, well, we quickly caught on to his game, adding our own pennies after checking the dates so we would never guess the wrong date and as you might imagine, it was not long before the poor chap was well into his cups. Not sure what to do with him and not wishing to trouble ourselves with him, we tried to determine the best possible course of action.” Henry fixes his eyes on Darcy who straightens in his seat and purses his lips while unleashing his scowl. “Oh yes, Georgiana, it will be hard for you to believe, you too Elizabeth, but it was Darcy who lit upon the satisfying solution.”

  Jonesy picks up the tale, “Put him in the dean’s office to let him sleep it off. I remember the very sober, very serious Darcy suggest. The other fellows clapped him on the back for his masterful idea and a group of us, with Fitz trailing, crept quietly to the building which housed the dean’s office. The main doors were unlocked, not a soul was about so in we went.” Elizabeth steals a look at Darcy who puts one finger against his lip while holding back a smile. She reaches over and squeezes his hand, and he rewards her with a wink.

  Henry picks up the narration at this point, “We had a problem though. The dean’s office was locked up tight. We could not just leave the snoring Oxford boy in the halls. Now Fitz’s diabolical nature will be revealed yet again. His eyes calmly went up to the transom above the door which was partially opened as Fitz pointed and said, ‘there, open it further, send Jonesy in and unlock the door from within,’ no sooner had he said it then we were about, making it happen. Jonesy slid in, dropped, unlocked the door, and the bloke was comfortably laid out on the floor. We secured the door, and the next morning the dean found the chap who was no worse for wear except I imagine a whopping headache.”

  “And who saved you all from the potential wrath of the dean?” Darcy imperiously queries.

  “Indeed it was Fitz himself!” Jonesy declares with a raised glass. “The good dean assembled everyone who had been out and about that night, and he scrutinized each group of merrymakers looking for some clue to point to the guilty ones. I shall never forget as his glance swept over Henry, myself and some of our chums, he narrowed his eyes, and I thought this is it! But then his gaze found Fitz, standing there all solemn, prim and p
roper.”

  “Supercilious,” Henry inserts, Darcy huffs while Georgiana stifles a giggle.

  “And the dean shook his head and muttered ‘hardly likely’ continuing his survey, so we were no longer suspect. Fitz is just brilliant, just brilliant.” Jonesy stops because the servant has announced that the supper is ready. Arms are secured, and they make their way to the dining room. Jonesy and Henry keep the atmosphere light and entertaining. Henry tells some of his military stories while Jonesy expounds upon life in London throughout the year. After the meal, Georgiana and Elizabeth are asked to entertain for a bit to the delight and applause of the men. As the men retreat to the game room for some of their own entertainment, Elizabeth requests if she and Georgiana might excuse themselves for the rest of the evening for some female chatter. Darcy gives Elizabeth a quick peck on the cheek, smiles broadly and tells her not to wait up for him.

  Georgiana suggests to Elizabeth the two of them could talk more privately in her chamber. Elizabeth taps on her door and enters as Georgiana calls to her to come in. Georgiana’s face is bright with excitement. She wants to be able to continue the friendship she started with Lizzy plus she has questions of her own which she knows she can broach to Lizzy without fear of rejection or humiliation. “I admit I have waited somewhat impatiently for this time to come. My brother will be occupied all evening, and when he entertains as he is tonight, I would be left to my own devices. Having another female to chat with has been a desire of mine for a long while.” Georgiana shyly meets Elizabeth’s face.

  “Never worry, I too have longed for some female companionship. Much as I love your brother and have cherished our time together, remember I have four sisters, so I have missed the type of talk we used to engage in.” Elizabeth squeezes Georgiana’s hand as she continues,” Now I have another sister who I eagerly look forward to spending time with.”

  Georgiana looks at Lizzy gratefully. The two begin by discussing their lives. Georgiana, growing up in a house relatively sedate compared to the noisy gatherings of the Bennets. They compare the merits of small-town life, the country, and the draw of London. Talk of London leads to a discussion of ladies’ fashion and Lizzy tells Georgiana of the shopping trip with Darcy and his threat of buying clothing for her should she not spend what he thought appropriate.

  “Oh yes, I can imagine what you describe. Fitzwilliam never concerns himself with cost, he only wishes for those he loves to have what they need and desire. He has been a wonderful brother, but it is sometimes hard to relate to him, especially after Father died. He matured so much to make his mark in the world and to keep Pemberley strong. I have never doubted his love, but I would wish we could go back to when things were not so complicated. Those times I told you of him and me taking walks and his silly games. Some time, I would venture a guess, Fitzwilliam will treat you to one of his ridiculous drawings. All that ended when he became Master.” Georgiana sighs then begins quietly, “How did you come to love my brother? How did you find the joyful man he kept hidden away for so long?”

  Elizabeth stares at a corner in the room while gathering her thoughts. “It is hard to put into words. That I love him most ardently is easy to state. How it came to be is more difficult. Even when I thought him disagreeable, I did not wish for him to find me lacking. Odd I suppose. “Your brother, I found, always acts with honor and integrity. His behavior had me puzzled many times and frustrated at others.” Georgiana moves closer to Elizabeth and links hands with her as Elizabeth shakes herself. “When he returned to Hertfordshire, I spoke to Jane about my wish that he returned because of me, but I refused to fully allow myself that hope after all which had transpired between us. I loved him, I knew I loved him, but I was unsure what he felt for me. Then we were attacked.” Lizzy shudders and holds tighter to Georgiana. “I do not know what your cousin told you, but for a few days there was much worry on everyone’s part for your brother’s recovery.”

  “Henry told me of the fever and your tender care and devotion to Fitzwilliam. Henry said it seemed as if Fitzwilliam almost gave up the will to fight until you assured him of your love.”

  “I suppose that is so. I told Fitzwilliam during his fever so many needed him and he woke briefly from a restless sleep and asked me if I needed him. I told him I needed him most of all. At that point, I wanted nothing more than for him to become well so I could tell him I no longer held him in disdain but I loved him. I did not want to lose him or the honor of his regard which he bestowed on me. It was the most frightening time of my life.” Elizabeth sheds some tears along with Georgiana as they ponder a future without Darcy. “He started to improve rapidly and do you know what? He flirted with me and even courted me a bit!” Georgiana laughs with Elizabeth as Lizzy tells her of the witty stories Darcy shared with her. Georgiana’s face becomes dreamy when Elizabeth describes the private tea time Darcy set up for just the two of them.

  “To answer your question then, I guess I did not find the real man he kept so well hidden. Instead, your brother trusted me and allowed me to see him for who he truly is. The honor, dignity, and intelligence have always been there but the humor, wit and jovial manner he slowly revealed. He then let me know his greatest asset, his mighty heart. His love is the most wonderful gift he has ever given me. It astounds me still.” Elizabeth leans in closer to Georgiana, “My sister, Jane, said she believed your brother used his aloofness to hide a certain shyness. I remember the first time he ever smiled at me. We were here at Pemberley with my aunt and uncle. Poor Fitzwilliam was so nervous, twisting his signet ring and repeating himself. I was not in much better shape, wondering what he must have thought of me for coming to his home. While we were standing outside waiting for my aunt and uncle to finish their walk, your brother and I stood talking. Mostly about the sites I had seen on the trip and the weather. At one point the conversation lagged. I happened a glance at him and he ever so slightly began to lift his lips in a grin. He faltered a bit almost as if he was unsure how to smile then it began to grow, spreading to his whole face. There was such warmth in his eyes, and the smile was genuine and beautiful. His whole being relaxed, he looked so youthful and calm. My heart fluttered, and I was falling in love with him even then.”

  Georgiana sighs and draws a breath. “Will I know love as what you describe? I doubt I will ever be able to truly get to know someone like you described with Fitzwilliam.”

  “Remember though all the heartache and misunderstanding we went through. I would not wish such a rocky course on anyone. So many bad situations and people who sought to tear us apart. No that is not a road I would have you travel.”

  “But that is just it, Elizabeth. For all my brother’s wonderful qualities, you know his overprotective nature. How will anyone dare to come near me with him glowering and scowling? He has a well-deserved reputation for being formidable, and it has served both of us well for many years, but I do not believe many would make my acquaintance fearing a negative reaction from my brother instead.”

  Elizabeth hugs Georgiana. “Your brother is aware you will be presented soon, and he knows you will find your match. It is the way of things; he would never stand in the way of your happiness. Surely there have been some young men who have made their interest known?”

  “Yes there have been a few, but they seem to withdraw whenever Fitzwilliam so much as glances at them. He positively frightens them off. But then again, I was grateful for his abrupt manner and reputation last summer. Henry, Fitzwilliam and I were in London doing a little shopping and enjoying the weather. Fitzwilliam seemed out of sorts that summer so I was happy he agreed to go out with us. A Mr. Trussel had shown interest in me at a few gatherings and informal parties. He is the type, Elizabeth, who knows more gossip and has more knowledge about fashion than the most refined lady. He is a real popinjay. Strangely, he seemed impervious to Fitzwilliam’s glares.” Georgiana shrugs her shoulders. “We came upon Mr. Trussel during our wanderings, and he ingratiated himself into our party and conversation. Such a phony,” Georgiana snorts
and wrinkles her nose. Elizabeth chuckles at her new sister.

  “We were all startled by a ruckus and to our horror saw a coach and six bearing down the lane with the horses at full gallop. The driver was hauling on the reins to no avail as he shouted out warnings to the people before him. Henry and Fitzwilliam wasted no time, with a shout to me to stay back, they both ran towards the frightened beasts. Fitzwilliam managed to grab a rein as did Henry on the opposite side. They both ran a bit with the horses all the while pulling on the reins and giving soothing commands. The animals responded quickly to my brother and Henry, and as fast as they went out of control, they came back under control. It is strange how horses do that.”

  Georgiana sips her tea and continues. “Poor Fitzwilliam suffered a burn on his hand from the horses pulling the rein through, and one slammed his head into him, hooking his bridle on the front of Fitzwilliam’s shirt, tearing it. Henry’s hand was not much better off, but they had stopped the runaway team. Fitzwilliam questioned the driver to find out he had been urging the horses on, worried that his Master would severely reprimand him for being late to pick him up. The horses picked up on the driver’s agitation and dashed off.” Elizabeth frowns as Georgiana shakes her head at the driver’s folly which put others in danger.