by Kay Mares
Soon the crackling fire starts to warm the small area and both of them strip down to their undergarments and hang their clothes close to the fire in the hopes of having them dry off. The thunder and lightning continue unabated while a wicked wind whips about. A particularly loud crash near to the cabin has Darcy out checking for the source of the noise as well as to make sure the horse has not spooked overtly. The noise emanated from a large dead tree which succumbed to the violent winds. Darcy comes back and reports that to Elizabeth while letting her know the horse is fine and seems to be content to be out of the weather. As he perused the sodden food in their baskets with a twisted frown, Lizzy tells him not to fret so. Instead, he should look upon this as an exciting adventure.
Darcy’s concern for Lizzy is not masked as he scrutinizes her and chastises himself. “I should have been more aware of the changing weather. I allowed us to become trapped in a storm resulting in a thorough soaking. I failed in protecting you and our unborn child. If you should fall ill, I will not forgive myself. Lizzy, you were shivering when I came into the cabin. I should have attended to you first instead of worrying over the horse and curricle.” Darcy is intense as he speaks, but he also looks miserable. The standards he holds himself to are ridiculously high and rigid, but Elizabeth knows this is as much a part of his nature as his humor and gentleness. She will not argue with him nor try to convince him differently. Instead, knowing him as she does, she decides a different route may work to pull him from his brooding.
Lizzy rummages in the baskets, pulling out some figs, nuts and even a few apples which are none the worse for wear from the drenching rain. She spread these out on her handkerchief on the table near the fire. Further, inspection yields some cheese which too survived the storm. Most of the bread disintegrated into mush. Lizzy holds up some clusters of grapes. “How did you manage to acquire these? Summer has not yet begun, and yet you have grapes?” Lizzy cocks her head and smiles at her brooding spouse.
“I received them on one of my ships. They came with a load of goods from a country farther south.” He waves his hand distractedly obviously not willing to go into any more detail than that vague statement. He is monitoring Lizzy’s progress as she continues to salvage what she can from the bedraggled baskets. He notes her undergarments are dry and she no longer shivers, in fact, she seems undisturbed by their predicament, instead of enjoying what she deems an adventure. Lizzy gifts him with one of her dazzling smiles as she holds up some cured sausage along with a tiny amount of crackers which are edible. “This will be tolerable,” she states gravely, “but not handsome enough to tempt me.” Darcy’s brows shoot up as he pursed his lips. He is not sure if he appreciates her jesting about his statement at the Meryton assembly. He notes the smirk on her face as she returns to the second basket and with a flourish, she presents the bottle of wine he packed. “This is not only tolerable, but it is quite handsome. I believe we can both relish this wine and enjoy the smiles it will offer us.” Lizzy cockily states as she works to remove the cork.
Outside the storm still rages, winds causing the cabin to shudder but inside of the cabin, the fire makes for a cozy setting. They eat from the offerings Lizzy arranged on the table, and they drink the wine, pouring it into the glasses Darcy packed for the day. “See now? This evening has turned out to be tolerable after all. We are fed and warm. We have wine to soothe us, and we are both safe. There is not much for you to be brooding about. Your need to fuss will be met as you will have to keep the fire going overnight as well as attend the horse. I, on the other hand, have nothing more strenuous to do but to relax here by the fire trusting in the competence of my beloved spouse who has kept me safe from an unexpected storm and managed to provide me with shelter and sustenance. Really what more could I desire?”
Darcy gazes about the small cabin. “I suppose you are correct. This night could have been much worse if I had not recalled…” his ramblings are stopped as Lizzy swiftly gives him a consuming kiss clearly revealing her desires. Darcy is taken aback but responds quickly with a kiss of his own as his hand strokes her neck. Lizzy presses into him as her arms wrap about his neck and down his back. When she draws away a bit, she looks into his eyes as the flames flicker and bounce off of the walls. “Love me Fitzwilliam, keep me warm and safe in your embrace.” That is exactly what he does as the night wears on.
Over the night the storm continued to rage until the early morning hours. Darcy propped himself up against the wall and had Lizzy lying against his chest as they both snuggled on the small cot the cabin provided. She slept soundly only once awakening to gaze into his eyes and stroke his cheek as she murmured how she loved him. Before the sun begins to crest, the storm abates, leaving the outside wet and muddy but with a clean smelling scent. One by one the birds begin to greet the morning as the first rays poke through the gloom. Soon a chorus of birds is cheering the sunrise as they fly about to start their day. Lizzy awakens refreshed, and as she attends to some personal needs, Darcy stands and stretches, loosening cramped muscles. There is still a bit of food left, so he and Lizzy polish that off. As Lizzy begins putting on her clothes which thankfully are dry, Darcy, who dressed already, went outside to the horse. When Elizabeth appears on the small porch, she sees that Darcy allowed the horse to graze a bit on the grass while he holds one of the long driving reins attached to its bridle.
“We have survived our adventure and are no worse for wear. As always Mr. Darcy, you have provided for me and protected me. I love you.” Elizabeth smiles at him as he comes toward her with the horse in tow. She leans into his kiss, and she puts her arms around his neck as she rests her forehead against his. “I never had any fears you know. I rested easy because you have never failed me. So what now?”
“I shall harness the horse, and we will make our way back to the house. I fear the journey may take an inordinate amount of time due to the mud and possible washed out areas. Is there any of the food left? We may be some time before we can have a warm meal.” Even though he appreciates Lizzy’s sentiments, Darcy will not be easy until he has Lizzy back at the manor. Elizabeth does not appear anything but robust, and if he were to admit it, she seems to have been charged by the whole incident. Her radiant smile warms his heart, and he flushes when he recalls the passion they shared in the lonely cottage. Deciding perhaps he should adopt her light heartiness, Darcy calls Elizabeth’s attention to his shirt sleeve. “I may not wish to return to the manor to endure Barnabas’ ire. See here, this tear I fear will not be easily mended, and for cert, the shirt will not be able to be worn in public even if it is repaired.” The upturn to his mouth which Lizzy adores so much returns along with the sparkle in his blue eyes.
Lizzy nibbles on a pear as she watches Darcy deftly and confidently apply the harness to the horse. His practical talents are evident. She cannot imagine many men of the ton who would be able to perform as such. Lizzy speaks to Darcy about this revelation. “You know, Fitzwilliam, my praise of your skills is not hollow. Had I married one of the members of the elite and found myself in a similar situation, I fear I would be the one harnessing the horse and hitching up to the curricle. So many dandies are afraid to become dirty or do hard work. Then there is you. What a contrast! Windswept hair, muscles well defined and a torn shirt. A stalwart protector in the face of the storm. Almost too much for a simple girl like me to handle.” Lizzy lowers her eyes with a seductive smile then sashays to him. She grabs the reins from his hand and secures the horse to the railing. “I would like to reward such a gallant and virile man, but I am not sure what reward this magnificent man would appreciate.” She flutters her lashes at him as she takes his hand in hers.
“I believe it would be most advantageous if we were to delay our trip. We could allow for the trails to dry a bit as well as have the curricle seats dry,” he says bemusedly. “I trust your judgment in how you would wish to reward my efforts.” He is now leaning lazily against one of the porch supports with a leer. Lizzy flushes a bit both from her own boldness and her husband’s s
exual flirtations. However, Lizzy always rises to a challenge, so she does not back down now as she leads her unresisting spouse back inside for a quick morning tryst. Eventually, they are ready to make their way to Pemberley. As Darcy predicted, the travel is slowed by the rains of the night before. An advantage to their later start is that some of the water ran off the roads and there are small areas of drying. The curricle is still damp however so Darcy insists Elizabeth use the rugs they had dried by the fire to sit upon.
As they break from the trees where the smallest path diverted them to the hunting cabin, they are met with a welcomed site. One of the Darcy carriages is heading down the lane to their position. As soon as the driver pulls up to the curricle, he addresses Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy, we were sent to search for you. Miss Darcy is quite concerned about the storm and requested we try to track you down as soon as possible.” The driver, Mr. Helsby states seriously. “Please Sir if I may suggest, you and Mrs. Darcy utilize the coach while Mr. Scovell drives the curricle back. The coach is dry and warm.”
“Thank you, Mr. Helsby, I believe we shall do just that,” Darcy answers as he and Elizabeth disembark from the curricle to make their way to the coach. As Darcy opens the coach door, a delightful scent of warm food reaches his nostrils. He shoots a questioning glance to the driver who responds, “Miss Darcy again Sir. She feared you and Mrs. Darcy have been without a hot meal, so she insisted we take along some food.” Darcy nods and assists Lizzy into the coach, then raps on the ceiling to signal their readiness to go. Elizabeth already explored the contents of the basket, and she and Darcy begin to eat the warmed food, realizing just how famished they really are. Lizzy comments on Georgiana’s thoughtfulness.
“Your sister is not only caring and compassionate, but she is wise too. She had your men out scouting for us as soon as the storm stopped and the lanes were passable. Also, she anticipated we would not have been able to obtain a hearty meal, and her forethought has provided us with a delicious repast.” Elizabeth is full of praise for her newest sister.
Darcy concurs as he too feels gratitude for his sister’s direction of his staff and his thankfulness that because of Georgiana’s actions, Lizzy is secure and will not have to wait to have an adequate meal. Darcy lets out a breath and settles back into the familiar and soft cushions of the coach. Elizabeth nestles down on the seat beside him, and they hold each other as the coach makes its way home. Once they arrive, a worried Georgiana greets them on the steps. “I was so concerned for the both you. There was no warning the weather would turn ugly so quickly. I have fretted for your safety, but I am relieved to see you both are unharmed.” Georgiana’s worried eyes scan over her beloved brother and his wife. Georgiana’s concern for Lizzy is great because of Lizzy’s pregnancy, so Lizzy seeks to give her some relief.
“You should not have had any fear, My Dear. Your incredible brother managed to find us shelter in a hunting cabin, tended the horse and had a toasty fire going which dried us out completely. We salvaged enough of the food from our baskets to keep the worst of our hunger at bay then the following morning Fitzwilliam had the horse and curricle ready for our travel back home.” Elizabeth reaches up to stroke Darcy’s cheek lovingly as her eyes seek his. “I had nothing to fear with my Fitzwilliam by my side.” Lizzy looks away from Darcy to focus on Georgiana. “I have to thank you for your insight and kindness in sending the coach and the wonderful warm food. Your love has shown through these gestures, and I thank you.” Lizzy gives Georgiana a tight hug and kiss on the cheek. Georgiana squeezes Lizzy in return then hugs her brother.
Darcy too spoke of his gratitude to his sister for her assistance, and he tells her he loves her. Georgiana beams with the praise and practically skips off as the elder Darcys make their way above to bath and change into clean clothes. Lizzy falls into a doze in the warm water of her bath. She does not want to admit to Darcy that the prior evening has worn her out. She is cognizant of how much Darcy frets over her wellbeing and even though it is illogical for him to take on the blame for the quickly changing weather, he still chastises himself for his perceived lack of foresight. The afternoon finds Lizzy reclining on a settee enjoying a warm breeze which comes wafting through the window. Darcy checked Lizzy over both physically and emotionally to satisfy himself that she harbors no ill effects from yesterday, so he rode out to oversee the last bit of the spring planting. The rains delayed some of the farmers in the lower areas, but others whose fields are hilly found they could continue with their own planting. Georgiana keeps Elizabeth company as the two chat amiably. Lizzy discerns that the young lady has something on her mind she wishes to discuss. The concept of Darcy’s protectiveness comes up, ushered in by their talk of last night’s adventure.
“I understand his overprotectiveness, but it is how scrutinizing Fitzwilliam is when it comes to any man interacting with me,” Georgiana begins with, “before they can even start to head in my direction to speak with me, Fitzwilliam has almost literally frozen them with that icy glare he has perfected. I know nothing of how to speak with a gentleman. Just like my brother, I find I am shy and uncomfortable in the presence of the other gender. I worry when I have my presentation I will be found foolish because I know not how to conduct myself.” Georgiana looks to Lizzy for advice and understanding. This topic is too embarrassing to discuss with Darcy mainly because whenever Georgiana has even barely brushed the subject, Darcy becomes tense, cool and stern. Darcy’s terseness stems from his inability to comprehend female concerns. Darcy is frankly unsure how to deal with a maturing sister who is on the cusp of womanhood. Part of his desire to marry is so Georgiana would have a confidante to help her navigate through the next few years. It is another reason Darcy had been so particular about the type of mate he wished for, Lizzy again exceeding his expectations and dreams.
Lizzy responds to Georgiana, “I do not think you need to fear anyone will find you wanting in any way. You are a gifted and bright young lady. I remember one of the more contentious discussions I had with your brother. It revolved around what being an accomplished woman entailed. You have all of the qualifications to be described as such. You can paint, draw, play piano, and speak foreign languages. I have talked about politics with you as well as the science of the natural world, and you are well versed. You know the classic literature and are abreast of many of the newest writings. Anyone would find much to converse with you.” Lizzy laughs a bit then becomes serious. “When Fitzwilliam stated how much emphasis he places on a woman possessing all of those qualities, I impudently told him I never saw a woman as he described, that she would be a sight to behold. I did not want to seem so lacking myself especially to a man of Fitzwilliam’s caliber. Even in my irritation with him early on, I wanted him to have a little respect for me.” Lizzy flicks her eyes over to Georgiana. “You are such a woman, and yet you manage to be warm, considerate and witty. Also, you are a beautiful young lady. Georgiana, you should not doubt your own self-worth.”
Georgiana raptly pays attention. Georgiana respects Lizzy, and even though they have grown up very differently, she is awed by Lizzy’s intellect and wit. “At Henry and Anne’s wedding breakfast, do you remember the oldest son of Lord Marsden?” Lizzy nods and encourages her to go on. “Well the young Lord Marsden has given me some attention, and I should not admit this, but he and I found we both are uncomfortable with the expectations our families and Society have for us. This revelation led to some humor, and we both became comfortable with each other. I had never felt so at ease conversing with a gentleman as I did with him. He reminded me of both Henry and Fitzwilliam because he has the same type of humor as them and he really made an effort to put me at ease. I could imagine myself wanting to know more of him, however, after a time, my brother came to check on me, and he gave the poor man such a glower that he stuttered a quick greeting then hastily excused himself. Poor Lord Marsden is almost as shy as I am.”
Georgiana gives a sad smile. “I doubt he will seek me out again at any event since Fitzwilliam has pro
bably frightened him away. It is unfair Lizzy that Fitzwilliam does not trust me. I will not make the same mistake I made with Mr. Wickham. I learned my lesson well, and I do not believe Lord Marsden is of the same makeup as Mr. Wickham. My friends and I have heard nothing but praise for the gentleman.” Georgiana dabs at her eyes with her handkerchief as she shakes her head. “It is useless. I fear I have made Fitzwilliam distrust me because of my poor decision. No man will ever know of my accomplishments because they fear my brother so.”
Lizzy hugs Georgiana as she addresses her. “Your brother loves you dearly, and he does not mistrust you because of Ramsgate, rather he does not trust any of the young men who would seek your company. He has shared with me some of the maneuverings of the ton which he has endured, so he seeks to protect you from some of what he has withstood. His behavior has nothing to do with what happened at Ramsgate. Remember what I have told you before, you cannot take the blame for someone else’s poor behavior. Just like your brother feeling responsible for us becoming stranded due to the storm, some things are beyond a person’s control.”
“What you say is true regarding the storm, and I know Mr. Wickham is the only one responsible for his actions but what of my own? I almost made a costly and foolish mistake. It is no wonder Fitzwilliam does not wish for me to have any man address me.” Georgiana is taking on self-chastisement.
“Georgiana, I understand you are embarrassed by your actions as a young girl, but I will remind you once again that neither you nor your brother had any way to account for the evil Mr. Wickham wished to practice. When you were vulnerable, he fooled you into thinking he was in love with you. He told you all the right words and acted as if he cared for you when in truth the only one Mr. Wickham cares for is himself. You had memories of him being kind to you when you were a child, so it was natural for you to think you had developed feelings for the man. He tried to lure you away from those who love you. The burden and shame are on him, not you.” Lizzy squeezes Georgiana to emphasize her point.