Authors: Elizabeth Ann West
Rising from her reverence for the rank of her soon-to-be relations, Elizabeth gave a genuine smile to Lady Matlock. In a thrice, the older lady’s arms were open. A tiny jingle could be heard as she waved her hands to bid the two Bennet sisters into an embrace as the bracelets on both arms shook.
“My dears, my dears, you have been through too much for lambs.” Lady Matlock inspected both of the girls’ complexions for signs of fatigue and weariness. Happy with her inspection, she clucked her tongue and tucked an arm of each girl into her own. “For a fortnight it will be my deepest pleasure to erase any pain of your recent past tragedies and show you off as the delightful, intelligent young women I know you to be. Now, tomorrow we will visit the modiste, followed with a short call on Lady Rockford. . .” The Countess of Matlock’s voice trailed off as the ladies left the men in the foyer.
“Well, Darce, it looks like we’ve been replaced.” The colonel gave a guffaw, but his cousin kept his famed mask in place to hide all emotions. “Do not be so dour, Groom. Come, let’s join Father in the study.” Richard motioned towards the Earl of Matlock, making a hasty exit to the medieval styled, leather upholstered den of retreat for five generations of Fitzwilliam men.
Once the door was shut, the younger men waited for the elder to speak as the colonel poured drinks. The Earl collapsed into his desk chair and scattered the papers about with a frown on his face. Richard looked to Darcy, who elegantly seated himself in a chair opposite the desk.
“You appear frustrated, Uncle. Is there something I can assist you with?” The Master of Pemberley voice Darcy reserved for formal occasions made an appearance.
“My boy, it’s the oldest problem in the kingdom. All the land we cannot need, none of the cash that we do.” The Earl continued to seek out a sheet, and finally locating his query, the head of the Fitzwilliam family gave a rare glimpse of his younger self. “Here it is! Richard, come here!”
Already pouring himself another drink, the colonel flinched, then finished his pour. “Coming, Father.” He strode across the study in his full regimentals with the swagger of a war-tested professional.
“I have it here. Visited the blood suckers myself, I did. If you will give up your commission, your grandfather will settle the Grover Downs cottage on you. See, my son, there is no need for you to concern yourself with this black business on the Continent.”
“What kind of army man should I consider myself that I did not see this ambush coming, hmm?” Richard gave his cousin a plaintive look. But Darcy was preoccupied; he sat and watched the swirl of his drink, wondering what his aunt was planning with Elizabeth. He remained completely oblivious as the father and son attempted to speak civilly about their bone of contention, though neither was willing to concede ground.
“I say, in my day, a second son would roll over in mud to have such an offer!”
“And I’ve tried to tell you father, I am grateful, but this is not my place. Besides, Darcy, you have remained awfully quiet. What say you?”
“Pardon? I fear I was not attending.”
“Clearly, Cousin.” The colonel rolled his eyes and took the offer from his father. “Mother’s family has joined in the crusade to make me give up my commission.” He handed the letter to Darcy and made a prolonged sip of his drink.
The practiced businessman part of Darcy flitted over the broad strokes of the deal, and he absently began to stroke his chin as he often did when ruminating on an idea. “Well, Darce?”
Looking at his uncle and cousin, he was truly neutral. The loyal part of his heart wished nothing more than to support Richard in any scheme the man might dream up. Why, by Jove, he’d even fund it! But the part of his heart that loved his cousin was torn asunder by the very idea of more cannon fire in his general direction. “As no announcement has yet been made about the troops leaving for the Continent, merely blusters of volunteering, perhaps it would be wise to travel this summer to Grover Downs cottage and inspect the property for yourselves. At the very least, if there are any repairs to be made, that can be done should Richard decide the better part of valor is living to fight another day.” Darcy handed the letter back to his uncle and stood and bowed. As he moved to exit the room, both men called after him.
With a smile, Darcy turned around. “I’m sorry, gentlemen, but a pair of very fine eyes is owed my presence. I am certain you will remain at a standstill when we next speak.”
The thread on Jane’s shawl twisted mercilessly around her two fingers and she continued her pattern of tightening it and unraveling it to wind it around her fingers again. Lydia was finally asleep, and Kitty was happy to extend her tea to dinner at Darcy House with Georgiana. In her Uncle’s sickroom, she sat with her aunt as the three of them discussed what to do about their newest problem.
“We must tell Darcy. He has a right to know.” Mr. Gardiner stated, wincing in pain as his leg was still healing from the multiple fractures experienced in the coach accident.
“I still do not see what good that will do. Even should Mr. Wickham be found this very night, my sister is too far gone for there not to be talk. I’m afraid the only option will be to find somewhere to send her away, and . . ,” Jane paused as she swallowed once more for the courage of her conviction, “and I shall go with her.”
“But where, Jane darling? Where on earth can we send you? I’m afraid we are out of relations. And what of Mr. Bingley? Your absence would be most remarkable.” Jane closed her eyes and pinched her lips together. She breathed in and out of her nose to lessen the aggravation she felt. Once again, that ill-decided courtship was wreaking havoc on her life. Between her and Lydia they were wealthy enough to maintain a household, but there was no way for two unmarried women of marriageable age to do such a thing!
“I know protecting Lydia is your goal, Jane, dear. We just need more options. I still say we need to send for Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Gardiner coughed and whooped in pain. His broken ribs on the same side of his leg injury were irritated with his talking and Mrs. Gardiner rushed forward to grab her husband’s hand lest he thrash in response to the pain. After a moment, Mr. Gardiner regained his composure and with teary eyes, he whispered thanks to his wife.
“No.”
Both of the Gardiners turned to the shocking firmness in Jane’s voice.
“There will be no bothering Fitzwilliam or Elizabeth so close to their wedding. They both deserve one brief period of happiness before the ugliness of this business is bandied about.” Jane rose from her chair. “I know what must be done. On the morrow, I will take the carriage to Matlock house and request an audience with the colonel. If there is any help to be found in that quarter, he is the right man to approach.”
Jane nodded to both of her relations and quit the room to check on Lydia. As she left and quietly shut the door, Mrs. Gardiner turned her attentions back to her husband. With a light pressure, she kissed his forehead and locked eyes with him.
“That’s two now that are all grown up. When did it happen, Edward? How did we miss it?”
Taking a measured breath, Mr. Gardiner managed the only response he could. “God is gracious.”
Chapter Twelve
Elizabeth returned from her unfashionable morning walk in Hyde Park to see her older sister exiting the Matlock study with Colonel Fitzwilliam.
“Jane!” Elizabeth rushed forward to hug her sister. “Is anything the matter? Aunt? I knew I should have called the doctor last time!”
Bewildered, Jane looked at the colonel, then back to her sister. “No, no, everything is fine. What is this about Aunt?”
Frowning, Elizabeth was still flushed from her exercise, and her hunger was increasing a notch. “She said it was normal pain, her body adjusting. . . but I thought . . .” Elizabeth looked to the colonel who was admiring a perfectly shined suit of armor and realized this discussion was not appropriate. Lady Matlock descended the stairs to find both Bennet sisters and her son.
“Lovely, Miss Bennet, you have come. See, I knew she would be willing to shop; all women are.” Lady Matlock took her son’s arm to be escorted into the dining room to break her fast.
“Lizzie . . .,” Jane whispered. “What is Lady Matlock talking about?”
“Ssshh, I was going to give your regrets, but now it is too late. Smile, you’re going to the modiste.”
“But it’s so expensive!” Jane frowned as she did not wish to spend more money on dresses when she might very well need her savings, and Lydia’s, to keep the family safe, once, that is, either Mr. Wickham was found or a living arrangement could be found from the colonel.
“Why ever did you come this morning?” Elizabeth asked, but they were interrupted by the colonel returning to fetch them.
“Ladies, I believe your presence is required.” He smiled and gave Miss Bennet a wink behind Elizabeth’s back. Jane nodded to the gentleman, thankful for his interference, but not sure how long she was going to be able to keep hiding secrets from her favorite sister. Her original plan was to avoid Lizzie’s presence as much as possible, and on the very first day she had failed miserably.
After another pin-pricking, dress-shopping expedition, the ladies of Matlock House and guests found a pretty little pastry shop on the Promenade for refreshment. They had just made their order when Mr. Darcy arrived, much to the happiness of Elizabeth.
“And were we successful in new silks and satins to wear?” Darcy looked to Miss Mary for an answer, and the young woman smiled.
“Indeed, and Lizzie and Jane even talked me into short sleeves!” The table shared a laugh, and Lady Matlock began a conversation with Jane and Mary to give the couple a small amount of privacy in public.
“Did you meet with Mr. Adams? Was he able to draft all of the paperwork?” Elizabeth asked Mr. Darcy in earnest. He nodded.
“It was a smooth transaction.”
Jane’s ear pricked up at the talk of money transfers. “What paperwork? I thought your marriage settlement was signed weeks ago.”
“Of course, of course, Miss Bennet. This was a new scheme devised by the lovely future Mrs. Darcy. I was only happy to be a party.”
Elizabeth sighed and shook her head. “He’s being much too modest. I simply asked Mr. Darcy to arrange to send my dowry back to the Gardiners to help tide them over. Uncle will be out of work for nearly six months, and this is a safety net.”
“Though I, and my best men, will stay on top of the business to ensure inventory is handled properly.” Mr. Darcy clarified.
Lady Matlock cleared her throat, looking around at the members of London society beginning to pay attention to their very inappropriate subject of money and trade. “Have you heard that Hamlet opens next week? The delay has been most dreadful, but when your Ophelia falls ill, you can not very well allow the show to go on. Darcy, you should take Elizabeth and the Miss Bennets! Opening night will be the perfect time for that golden dress, my dear. You’ll make all of the other debutantes green with envy.”
“I had planned to take Miss Elizabeth as a surprise, Aunt Maggie.”
Elizabeth looked down at her lap, saddened that poor William’s plans were spoiled. Her insides twisted at the care that he would have to surprise her thus, and she only looked up when she realized Jane was speaking.
“Mr. Bingley mentioned the theater, but I had yet to give him an answer.”
“Oh, not the odious Bingleys. Such upstarts,” Lady Matlock frowned, “I’m terribly sorry, but that sister of his with her strong perfumes and unconscionable fashion choices. I will not attend if they are to join the party.”
“Bingley is my oldest friend. They can sit in the Darcy box.”
“That is certainly fine, but you and Miss Elizabeth and the Bennet sisters will sit in the Matlock box. It is time to begin Elizabeth’s acceptance into society after the ruckus Catherine caused.”
“Kitty? What has my sister done?” Jane asked, sweetly with concern.
“No, dear, not the younger, my sister-in-law. Lady Catherine was most vexing at a few events at the Carrigans’, not that I ever accept her invitations. Her father was in trade and she made a marriage of convenience for a title. And from what I’ve heard, Miss Bingley was not singing any of your praises, either. I would be very careful around that one.”
The sour taste of bile rose up Darcy’s esophagus. He had warned Charles about his sister, but apparently it had fallen on deaf ears. “I shall not extend the invitation to Charles.”
Saddened further, Elizabeth reached under the table and squeezed Darcy’s hand, causing him to look at her with such loneliness in his eyes, a loneliness he only showed her. As Jane sat next to Elizabeth, she caught the brief exchange between the couple and doubled her resolve to keep Lydia’s situation from the rest of the family.
“Mr. Darcy, with all of the engagements you and Elizabeth will need to attend, might not Georgiana appreciate an extended visit from Kitty? I hate to impose . . .”
“It’s no imposition What a wonderful idea, Miss Bennet! Why had I not thought to put the two young ladies together? After all, I will be sponsoring them both next Season.” Darcy could already see the wheels turning in his aunt’s mind.
“As my aunt says, it is no imposition, and I will ask Georgiana’s tutors to begin an evaluation of Miss Catherine. Perhaps this summer she can reside with Georgiana here in London and improve her mind.”