Healing Mr Darcy’s Heart

by Kay Mares

  “I did not mean to imply I was unhappy with any choice Mr. Darcy made regarding the running of his household; I just gave voice to my disbelief.” Caroline baldly states.

  “Indeed.” This single word reply is another of Darcy’s tricks. Most people cannot decipher if they unwittingly offended Darcy when he gives this answer. It is effective in sticky business transactions and keeps the opponent off balance. He also uses the reply to give himself time to assess another person. Of course, he sometimes uses the word when he is jesting or if he simply does not wish to respond any further. This time the ruse works remarkably well with Caroline as she does not have any assurance Elizabeth will not report her latest infraction to Darcy. Caroline lets the matter drop, concerned in her own mind that she has been outwitted again.

  Recently, Elizabeth showcased her mimicry of Darcy one evening, and he laughed at her antics. Darcy then showed her different ways to use eye contact and body language to control a conversation or intimidate a difficult person. Knowing Darcy as intimately as she does, Elizabeth saw why he kept such a tight rein on his emotions and how he achieves such an aloof, withdrawn persona. Darcy already uses a deep masculine voice, but he enlightened Elizabeth that even as a female, a slight deepening of her voice will serve as a warning to others. This revelation prompted Elizabeth to try to talk like Darcy while puffing out her chest and tucking her chin in. She knitted her brow and did her dead level best to pierce him with his own scowl. Elizabeth brought forth the exchange to her mind.

  “Come now, Mr. Darcy. I think it past time for you to stoke that fire. While you are at it, you should see to some fresh drinking water. Also, you will draw the curtains for I feel the weather is about to take a turn for the worse. There is a chill coming.” Elizabeth tries to maintain her stiffness, but it is near impossible because they are ready to claim their bed for the night and Darcy has not a stitch of clothing on. He performs her tasks with false studiousness while giving Elizabeth exaggerated bows. Elizabeth chortles when he makes a grand show of closing the drapes with a flourish. He executes a perfect pivot and with a cheeky grin comes to the edge of the bed where she sits.

  “Whatever would the ton say if they saw you? There is nothing shy about you like Jane once inferred.” Elizabeth’s eyes are shining with delight.

  “The ton would never see me like this, I would hope. Besides I am only shy when I am in large groups of people who I do not know well. With you,” he leers at her, “I do not have to be shy, and I know you.” He wiggles his brows as Lizzy pulls him to her. How Lizzy cherishes these light-hearted moments with him.

  Now as Lizzy sits there with the scene replaying in her mind, Jane questions the slight smile on her face. Lizzy flushes because she recalls what immediately followed their playfulness. “I am just content and pleased with having my dear sisters with me for my first Christmas in my new home.” Elizabeth could never ask, but she wonders if Jane has the same freedoms with Mr. Bingley. Jane would be mortified if Lizzy even began to bring the subject up. Whatever Jane’s relationship with Bingley, Lizzy is confident it is fulfilling for Jane based on the peace and love she notes on her sister’s face.

  The gentlemen return and greet the women upon their arrival. Darcy seeks out Elizabeth’s eyes with his and quickly crosses the room to kiss her hand. He holds her hand as he acknowledges Georgiana then the rest of the company. Caroline is compelled to speak to him.

  “Mr. Darcy, it is good to have you back. Was your hunt successful?” She gives him a sultry smile.

  “Indeed.” He looks down his nose at her and flicks his eyes away from her display. He turns from her and addresses the room. “Per the instructions given to the staff, we will be having an abbreviated meal so the Pemberley staff may enjoy a day off. I trust this meets with everyone’s approval?” As those voice their agreement, Elizabeth cannot help but to catch Miss Bingley’s eye. Elizabeth raises one brow and cocks her head ever so slightly to the side. Caroline understands the silent cut.

  Even though the meal is dressed down, all seated at the table are satisfied. Louisa and Caroline beg off of the evening entertainments because they are to pack to head to the Hursts’ home. Mr. Hurst announced his intention to leave first thing in the morning. Caroline tried to protest, but she could hardly stay at Pemberley without her sister. The Bingleys will stay another day or so before traveling back to Netherfield. Kitty and Jonesy took a short stroll about the sitting room before settling themselves near the fire. Georgiana opts for some solitude while practicing some new pieces her music master suggested to her. This leaves Darcy and Elizabeth with Jane and Bingley. The Kerfoot estate is the prime topic of conversation.

  “So Darcy, do you think it would be wise to purchase the estate, depending on Jane’s opinion of course?” Bingley’s eagerness shows.

  “I believe with some minor modifications the estate would show more profit, however, I will not lead you and Mrs. Bingley one way or the other. You must each know your own minds and make the decision together.”

  “Diplomatic, I must say. So you do not believe there are any major deficits to be found on the property?” Bingley still wishes his friend would be a bit more forthcoming. In truth, Bingley does rely a little too much on Darcy’s opinions, but Darcy will not make that mistake again. Darcy shakes his head in the negative but does not elaborate any further. He indicates he received word Mr. Kerfoot would welcome their party to view his home and lands as soon as tomorrow if that meets with their approval. Darcy, after checking with the other three sends word they will inspect the estate in the late morning.

  “We will all go tomorrow and offer our best and most honest insights but you and your wife will be the ones to dwell there should you purchase it, so it is best if you two come to some accord without outside influence.” Darcy swirls his wine around in his glass while he looks at the contents. He gives off a disinterested air, but Elizabeth is not fooled. She knows her husband believes the home to be acceptable for his friend, but he will not force his wishes on Bingley.

  Elizabeth changes the subject. As she tilts her head towards Jonesy and Kitty, she asks the others what their thoughts are on the blossoming romance. “I think our sister has grown up and attracted the attention of a fine man. I believe Papa will be most impressed. Mama will be in raptures over Kitty’s conquest.” Elizabeth smirks as Jane rolls her eyes.

  “Jonesy is aware of what awaits him at Longbourn. He is singular once he has a goal in mind. Jonesy will amuse Mr. Bennet for our friend is full of follies.” Darcy chuckles. Darcy has watched the interactions between the two and to his continued amazement, he notes himself thinking the match to be a good one. Jonesy has even given up teasing Darcy in favor of spending time with Kitty. Soon Henry joins the group. He had been in his quarters writing to Anne to apprise her of his travel plans. He agreed to wait until the Bingleys departed so Jonesy could spend more time with Kitty. Henry kids that he will stay with the young lovers tomorrow while the others head over to the Kerfoot estate.

  Later in the night as Darcy and Lizzy snuggle in their bed, they talk about all the changes that are coming. Henry and Anne’s wedding is the first item then the wonderful possibility of Bingley purchasing a nearby manor, lastly the budding romance of Kitty and Jonesy. Lizzy and Darcy are eager to see all of it come to fruition. After talking, they start with their own pursuits as both have developed a habit of reading for a bit while in bed. Darcy sometimes looks over contracts and peruses business letters with the infamous glasses put to use while Elizabeth catches up on her reading. When Elizabeth becomes aware of a slight commotion on her husband’s side of the bed, she glances over to see him almost on his belly, curved to the outside of the bed as he stretches fully to try to retrieve a paper which has fallen to the floor. Just as she is about to give a warning regarding his precarious position, kerthump! Darcy lands on the floor.

  Almost immediately Darcy appears with his arms folded on the side of the mattress and his chin upon them, glasses askew and eyes shining with a small
sheepish grin. “You have rescued your paper, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asks him as she starts to chuckle.

  “Indeed I did. I absolutely abhor when something so simple has to turn into an inconvenience. I was admittedly too lazy to leave the warmth of our bed to grab the paper instead trusting my long arms to accomplish the task.” He starts to laugh along with her at his folly. Elizabeth marvels at the stark contrast between the confident and composed public persona versus the insouciant and casual man she sees every day at Pemberley. He climbs back into the bed after depositing his papers and glasses on the table beside the bed then bids Elizabeth to do the same with her book on her own bedside table. He gathers her into his arms, and sometime later they fall into a blissful sleep.

  After seeing the Hursts and Miss Bingley off in the morning, the foursome is in Bingley’s carriage heading to the Kerfoot manor. The home is grand but not on the scale of Pemberley. It is a fine white stone building with a large and lofty entryway. Inside the walls showcase a lustrous plaster with gold accents. Some wood paneling lines the study and a few of the parlors. Darcy inspects the library and pronounces it to be perfectly adequate earning a poke to the ribs from Lizzy. The family quarters are spacious and decorated tastefully. The ladies depart from the men for a more personal tour of the inner workings of the home from the head housekeeper. Lizzy is glad to see the attention to the manor by the staff is not lacking, and she is pleased with the order found in the kitchen.

  Jane declares herself satisfied also, and she believes she would enjoy being Mistress here. Jane said she would defer to Bingley for the final say, but she voices no qualms about moving. An added benefit is that Mr. Kerfoot will be leaving most of the furnishings except those which are more personal like the family portraits. Jane comments to Lizzy she approves of the décor of the house, so she is delighted to hear the manor will stay outfitted. Jane takes her time to stroll through the house once again, pointing out various aspects to Lizzy as they both wait on their husbands’ return.

  Meanwhile, Darcy and Bingley take a more focused look at the home’s structure, the barns, and the surrounding lands. Darcy does not find much to concern himself nor Bingley with. Bingley listens to Mr. Kerfoot intently as the man describes the workings of his estate. The estate has a steady income, tenants who are satisfied and loyal, and a very competent staff. Darcy is impressed with the man’s knowledge, and even though Bingley could be the next occupant, Darcy knows some disappointment that he had not gotten to know the Kerfoots before this time.

  Mr. Kerfoot leaves for a time to attend a staff matter leaving Bingley alone with Darcy. It is not long before Bingley seeks Darcy’s thoughts. “What say you, Darcy? I am convinced I would be happy here. If Jane approves, I will make an offer as soon as I can have my solicitor draw one up.”

  Darcy turns his mouth up. He feels Bingley will move quickly to secure the deal. “It seems as if you do not need my input. I would say your mind is made up, all you are waiting on is your wife’s permission,” Darcy states with a chuckle.

  “Oh bother, I suppose you are correct. Please tell me though if you have spied anything out of place which will be a major issue later on. I do trust your expertise in matters such as these.”

  “Bingley, I think this is a well-run estate which both you and your wife could be content with. If you need my blessing, then you have it, but you best make sure it is to Jane’s liking.” Darcy states with a wag of his finger. Bingley grins, enjoying the levity Darcy seems to be displaying more openly since his marriage to Elizabeth. Elizabeth is the catalyst Darcy needed to begin his healing his heart.

  After the men return to their wives, Bingley can separate Jane to hear her opinion of the manor. When he hears of Jane’s delight with the home, he asks to speak to Mr. Kerfoot in private, then makes an offer based on some intelligence Darcy offered. A handshake seals the deal with the promise to have each man’s solicitor finalize the proceedings. The carriage ride back to Pemberley is filled with excited chatter as the couples envision the future when they will not be so far apart.

  All too soon the departure day for the last of the Christmas guests dawns. Elizabeth shed tears over her sisters’ leaving and expresses her sadness to have the entertaining Jonesy and Henry exiting. Georgiana and Elizabeth decide the best remedy for the emptiness of the mansion is some female chatter. Darcy gladly leaves them to their own devices as he buries himself in correspondences that now need his immediate attention. The ladies are eager to replay some of the more interesting scenes which have occurred over the holidays.

  “Your sister confided in me her attachment to Jonesy. While there is a difference in their ages, it is not all uncommon in many marriages.” Georgiana picks up a small piece of sweet bread from the tray. “I think Jonesy is rather smitten with Kitty as well,” she further notes.

  “Fitzwilliam has said the same thing about his friend. He knew when Jonesy wished to settle down he would find his heart’s desire with alacrity. It seems Fitzwilliam knows his friend well.” Elizabeth sips some tea before she talks of Kitty. “I know my sister, and I can assure you she has never before shown such a mature outlook and she has considered her connection with Jonesy honestly. I think it safe to say he owns her heart.”

  Georgiana sighs, “To think they found each other here at Pemberley and during Christmas. How romantic. He was very attentive to Kitty. As you are aware, Jonesy can be quite the kidder, but he adopted a more serious tenor whenever Kitty was present. They never seemed to lack for something to talk about.”

  “No they did not, and it was refreshing to see Kitty so content. Now it is up to them to find their happiness if that is what they wish.” Elizabeth like her husband will do nothing to encourage nor discourage the match. “Fitzwilliam told me Jonesy would be traveling to Hertfordshire to see Kitty and talk to Papa. What we do not know is if they will come to an understanding first or if Jonesy will propose. It will be exciting either way.” Elizabeth’s eyes sparkle.

  “I cannot wait to hear the outcome either.” Georgiana takes another small bite then a sip of tea before she continues. “You must be thrilled with the Bingleys’ taking the Kerfoot estate. I enjoyed Kitty’s company, and Mrs. Bingley was most attentive. I look forward to having Mrs. Bingley nearby. She is such a gentle soul. I can imagine how close you and she must be; I’ve always desired that type of relationship. While Fitzwilliam was attentive and kind, you must admit, there are things a sister just cannot discuss with a brother who is ten years older.” Georgiana flushes a little and shyly looks at Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth pats Georgiana’s hand. “I am pleased to be able to talk over all the things which are important to us women. As much as I adore your brother, I too find a need to discuss female concerns. So tell me, dear, do you have any issues you would like to talk over with your sister?” Lizzy teases as Georgiana’s eyes widen.

  “I do not have any specific issues. I have enjoyed seeing Fitzwilliam’s felicity since his marriage to you, and it is gratifying to see the contentment Mr. Bingley has with your sister. Now Kitty seems to be the next to find happiness. I just wonder when it will be my turn. I made a terrible mistake letting Mr. Wickham convince me of his regard. I know now it was only the temptation of my dowry, not any true fondness the man had for me. It has been a painful lesson.” Georgiana begins a contemplation of her tea as she swirls it in the teacup. She still carries guilt over what Mr. Wickham had almost caused her to do.

  “Oh Georgiana, it grieves me to see you distraught. Your brother has assured you of his love and devotion. He placed the blame squarely on who it belonged, Mr. Wickham. You are aware of how I misjudged your brother in large part because of the perfidy Mr. Wickham practiced. His deceit spread through our hometown, and I shamefully accepted it. How could anyone, most of all me, think poorly of you for falling prey to him when we all did. He is practiced and smooth; his fine countenance makes it easy for a lady to believe what he speaks. I thought myself a good judge of character. Look how I muddled that up. If not for you
r brother’s loyalty and perseverance, I would still be laboring under false pretenses. Please do not torture yourself over what happened. Rather, grow from it, becoming stronger and use the experience to better gauge your future connections.” Elizabeth gently encourages Georgiana to look up once more.

  “I can see what you mean, it makes so much sense, but it is difficult to let the guilt go. I caused Fitzwilliam pain and disappointment.” Georgiana lowers her eyes. Elizabeth hugs the girl to her while thinking about the scar to Darcy’s side. If Georgiana ever gained knowledge of Wickham’s attack, she would forever blame herself. Darcy’s instinct is correct to keep the knife wound a secret.

  “I can tell you the only disappointment your brother ever spoke of was in himself for not keeping Wickham away from you. What you both need to accept is the man plotted against you, and again he is rather cunning in his manipulations. It would have been difficult to imagine the wickedness he possessed. Neither your brother nor you were prepared to face the possibility. Therefore the blame and fault lie fully at Mr. Wickham’s feet.” Elizabeth soothes Georgiana as she ponders what Lizzy said.

  “I had not thought of it in that manner. What you are saying is both Brother and me are taking the blame for actions of another. These actions were of an evil nature neither of us had suspected of him, so we were caught unprepared.” Georgiana draws her brows together as this new idea takes root.