Darcy and Fitzwilliam: A Tale of a Gentleman and an Officer (18 page)

What did he mean--could not be anyone else? Was she that undesirable? Even if she did regret this ridiculous lie, she could not retreat from it now. She yanked her hands free from his grasp and crossed her arms over her chest. "I beg your pardon, Colonel? You cannot honestly be calling me a liar?!" Her tone was icy cold.

"Yes, I can, and a pathetically poor one at that."

"Well, well. Colonel Fitzwilliam, I am not accustomed to having my words doubted in this way, or in any way, for that matter!" She was suddenly livid. "I can assure you that I
am
involved with another! Oh yes! He is a respected physician, and I know him very well from chapel on Sundays. In fact, I go often to his hospital to volunteer my services to the poor. Yes, we are very involved! I am involved unto the brink of receiving and accepting his offer!" Ha! That told him. She pulled and tugged at her dress then ruthlessly yanked locks of falling hair and seemed to pin them directly into her skull. He half expected to see rivulets of blood stream down her forehead and neck.

A disbelieving Fitzwilliam was becoming exceedingly annoyed. "Really? Is that a fact? How very interesting. Come, who is it, then? I insist on knowing his name. You say he is from the hospital. Very well, I am there often to visit my men. I am certain I know him. Well, speak, woman, who is this mysterious man you cannot live without? Tell me--
if you can
! Is it Mr. Cannon? Mr. Braithwaite? Sir Michael Siemons?"

"Sir Michael is nearly eighty-five years old!"

"Madam, after this encounter, I have every confidence in your ability to raise the dead. Now stop bamming me, Amanda! You are hardly the sort of female to be on the brink of betrothal to one man while passionately making love to another! I am not some young buck just come to town."

This was the outside of enough! Even if he
was
absolutely correct in his appraisal, why would he not think another would want her? She believed herself to be attractive in certain lights--true, those lights needed to be very dim and at least twelve feet away.
The nerve of this arrogant turtleback or lobsterfoot or whatever he is.
Her Yankee temper flared red-hot, and she twitched around like a netted fish, unable to stand still in one spot. "Please stand aside. I am returning home."

"Who is it? Anthony Milagros?"
Please don't let it be Milagros
. He had met Milagros and liked the man, but Milagros was tall, dark, and elegantly handsome. Most women he knew adored him. Suddenly he loathed the man. When Amanda's head snapped up at the name, Fitzwilliam's temper detonated. "So it
is
Milagros, is it? I might have known you would be like all the rest, drooling over some goddamn oily Latin type. Well, he is handsome and rich, I'll give you that!"

It was at that moment that Darcy came out onto the balcony, a concerned look on his face. "Is everything all right? You two are making a bit of a racket. People are beginning to become alarmed..."

"Get out!" they shouted in unison. Seeing the furious looks on both their faces, he immediately spun around on his heel and made a hasty retreat inside.

"Well!" She furiously patted her hair down on both sides. "I have never been so insulted nor so abused in my life! Colonel Fitzwilliam, I would appreciate it if you would never attempt to speak with me or contact me again!"

"Believe me, Lady Penrod, that is the farthest thought from my mind! You shall have no cause for further alarm on that front! The joy of the evening to you, madam!" Fitzwilliam released his hold on Amanda's arms so suddenly that she almost fell back against the wall. His fists rested upon his hips as he turned his body angrily away.

She threw down his coat and stormed off.

There was dead silence on the balcony.

***

Darcy had time only to retreat a few steps into the shadows of the ballroom, coming forward as soon as Amanda ran past, her head lowered. He came to stand just within the balcony doors. "Jesu, Fitz! What in hell happened out here?" Darcy ran his hand through his hair as he walked slowly toward his cousin.

Fitzwilliam looked out over the garden, unable for once in his life to torment his little cousin. "We were passionately in love--for a few minutes, anyway. One of my longer relationships."

Darcy chuckled. "I take it the earth moved?"

Fitzwilliam barked out a laugh. "Well, I've never heard my anatomy called that before, and yes, the South of France did wave." He grunted mirthlessly. "Shit! Give me a moment, Darcy. At present I am in no condition to walk through that room. Is Georgiana all right?"

"She's fine, merely her usual distress at being among such a large crowd. This promises to be a trying come out for us all."

Fitzwilliam saw the bottle of wine and two glasses in Darcy's hand. "I hope that's liquor you have there and that it is intended for me." Reaching over, he brushed aside the glass his cousin proffered, preferring the whole bottle. He took a long, hard draw.

"Did I come out here too early or too late?"

"Damned if I know." Fitzwilliam exhaled loudly and took another draw from the bottle, finally remembering to pour some into Darcy's glass. They stood in silence for a while.

"She claims to be promised to another. Can you credit that? Promised to another when we were..." He looked quickly away before he continued. "Well, forget the rest of that. I just cannot believe this has happened! Something is very wrong."

"Did she say who the man is?"

"Dr. Anthony Milagros." Fitzwilliam rolled his eyes. Darcy winced, knowing Milagros's attraction to the opposite sex.

"Go after her, man!"

His cousin considered that recourse for only a brief moment then shook his head. "Never, brat! I am a confirmed bachelor, my own man, set in my ways and too old to change."

"You are only two and thirty. My own father was married at four and thirty. You have years left. Do not give up so easily."

"Goddamn it, Darcy, I do have
some
pride."

"Oh, you stupid idiot. When it comes to love, pride always takes second place."

"I have
never
had to chase a woman,
never
, and certainly have no intention to begin now!" With that, Fitzwilliam stormed away. "Beg for
that
harridan! Ha! I have not enough interest in her to even pursue this any further. End of discussion."

Fitzwilliam leaned against Darcy's carriage, an angry lover assessing his rival's townhouse, the freezing rain fueling his fury. And the townhouse was an awesome sight, more a mansion, one of the largest, grandest homes in London, exceeded by few others, including Darcy's and Catherine's. "Shit. I knew the bastard was rich, but not this rich."

His loyal batman and driver, O'Malley, grunted his opinion. "Ah, well, don' be so hard on yerself, Colonel. Ya have good points--God bless me, even a busted clock is right twice the day. No, truly. Yer a good horseman, the very best I've ever seen, and yer kind to unfortunates... and ya have grand teeth. Oh, the fancy doctor may be filthy rich, an' dark and handsome an' all, and irresistible to the ladies, and..." Fitzwilliam's cold, hard stare stopped the litany of Anthony Milagros's greatness.

Unable to tear his eyes from his colonel's O'Malley took a large swig from his flask and trembled violently from the potent brew. He took out his pipe. "I'll not say another word. Me lips are sealed."

"Bloody hell..." Fitzwilliam cursed as he made his way across the road, and then again as he opened the gate. He began the climb up the granite steps, hissing "shit, shit, shit," on each one. He looked around as he approached the massive and elaborate double-door entryway. "Bloody hell."
Fine,
money evidently will not influence him. I cannot possibly kill him. What are my other options?
He pounded on the door knocker.

An ancient butler answered, terror registering on his face within moments of Fitzwilliam demanding entrance. Without saying a word, the trembling servant turned, motioning for Fitzwilliam to follow, slowly leading the bizarre little parade at a snail's pace into a magnificently ornate receiving parlor. Finally facing the colonel he announced, in dreadful tones, that the doctor would be informed of his presence.

The splendid room was lit by the fires within two huge marble fireplaces, one on each end of the room, along with several gilt branches of candles strategically placed, Fitzwilliam sneered, for the sole beatific illumination of the highly expensive furnishings, rare tapestries, and paintings. It worked brilliantly. He walked to the front bank of French windows and turned to get the full effect, sweeping the room with his eyes. He exhaled loudly.

Shit.

***

Within the elegant mansion somewhere, an unsuspecting gentleman ignored the outdoor gloom and rain. To him, it was a lovely Tuesday evening in winter, crisp, clean and enchanting. Dr. Anthony Milagros had recently returned home after spending a productive but tiring day at his hospital and had put aside the disturbing visions his dearest friend's words had conjured up the day before.

"Bah!" He laughed at his baseless fears, rebuked his own reflection in the dressing-room mirror. He had reacted much too emotionally. Amanda had, of course, been correct, although that would be a first for her. The colonel was a highly decorated, nationally respected military leader, was lionized as a hero, a role model, a modern-day knight in shining armor. He would not act like some rabid dog defending a bone. Would he...?

No! Of course not. Ridiculous.

Anthony laughed softly as he thought back to the Sunday just past when he and Amanda had had their tiny "fracas." It was amusing to think of, really. In fact, as he now remembered it, with two days of hysteria as a cushion, he had been quite understanding during the entire confrontation--tolerant, sophisticated, exceedingly sympathetic.

***

"Have you lost your mind?!"

"Anthony, let me explain."

"He will call me out, Amanda. I'm a dead man. I will never again see my family, never again see Madrid. Look at these hands... look at them. They are beautiful and perfect, slim, elegant. And to think I will never again play the violin."

"You hate the violin." She dutifully complied with his request and studied his hands. "You play very badly."

"That is beside the point! I will have no time left to practice, will I? I will be dead."

They had stood outside the small chapel both attended for early Sunday mass, the only place in London that allowed Catholic services. People scurried past, frightened by his extraordinary and spirited outburst, whispering and pointing, crossing themselves. Amanda dragged him by the elbow back into the church and deep into the south transept.

The chief of physicians at St. Theresa's Hospital in London paced back and forth. "I cannot breathe," he announced in amazement, then stopped. "Perhaps this is a heart attack?" He pressed his hand onto his chest. "I think I can hear my mother's voice."

"I do not understand what upsets you so."

"Oh,
dios mio mi vida
, pardon my thoughtlessness," he hissed. "You have told a man who desires you, whose profession it is to
kill people
, I might add, that I am your lover. Is this not correct?"

"Keep your voice down!" Amanda swept her glance around the main room of the church, concerned that they were in danger of being overheard, then returned her attention quickly to her agitated friend. "All right, Anthony, you are partially correct, in a way, yes..."

"In a way?" A ray of hope, that. Perhaps he had misunderstood her. "In what way am I mistaken,
querida
?" His long dark lashes were blinking furiously.

"Well, we had a somewhat intimate moment between us...oh, it was heavenly, Anthony. However, when he expressed a desire to court me, I am afraid I rather panicked, may have led him to believe something of a relationship was occurring between you and me."

He took a few moments to run a bejeweled, elegant hand through his curling locks then perused his cuticles closely. It was a while before he could calmly express himself. He decided he would speak slowly to her in the hope that she could grasp the gravity of what she had done.

"Well, as you know, I am acquainted with this Colonel Fitzwilliam of yours, Amanda. I have been in meetings with him at the War Office concerning his wounded soldiers. He possesses a look and manner not unlike your American grizzly bear. That is, he can be short-tempered, ruthless, aggressive, self-confident due to his rather formidable build. Also, he has fairly coarse hair." He watched her eyes closely for understanding, for a glint of comprehension. "He is vicious, pitiless, and ferocious." She still did not respond. "I like him enormously. But"--his hand went up before him to silence her--"I have no intention of willingly becoming the object of one of his vendettas. He is as unrelenting as he is merciless. He always gets what he wants, Amanda, always, no matter whom he must annihilate."

Anthony searched her face to see if this speech had affected her, penetrated her thick American skull. But no, he saw only hesitation in her sad, blinking brown eyes. She looked like a spaniel. He leaned forward and spoke louder to compensate. "Do you not comprehend me,
querida
??" Perhaps her hearing had gone the way of her brains.

She flapped her hands for him to be quiet. "Anthony, please cease being quite so Spanish. Compose yourself." He spat out an indignant harrumph at that. "Dearest, are you certain we speak of the same man? Richard has been all that is gentle and kind with me. Well, aside from his furious explosion on the balcony. I do not believe that he will pursue me if he believes us betrothed, and I surely had to stop his coming to Penwood, to that house. No, I am confident that, at heart, he is a most honorable man."

"
Betrothed?
" In his burgeoning terror, Anthony heard nothing else. "Tell me, do I have little beads of sweat forming upon my brow? No? I swear that I feel definite moisture about my hairline." He brought his silken handkerchief up to mop his brow then inhaled deeply. "So, my darling--tell me quickly to lessen the sting--
did
you, or did you not, inform him that we were betrothed? Yes or no."

"No, Anthony, of course I said no such thing. I would never lie, not really. Not in so many words. However"--Anthony's breathing stopped--"I may have implied that you were
about
to offer for me.'

Anthony looked horrified, but she continued without noticing. "You see we were... together, in each other's arms. Oh, it was beautiful, Anthony, heavenly. Never before have I experienced such passion, and he was so gentle. Anthony, he told me he loved me." She beamed, her eyes shining. "Do you remember how I would question you about him after your meetings at the War Office? I must confess I have long admired him."

Anthony still looked horrified.

"Anthony, do be calm. He is all kindness. I fear what he truly felt was the need to comfort me, not love me. Emily informed him how a woman who thought I was a servant ridiculed me and tried to have me thrown from the ladies' retiring room. It was very lowering, Anthony. She made me feel very sad." He looked down at her bowed head, his hands rubbing her upper arms soothingly, then leaned forward and softly kissed her forehead.

"All right, now tell me exactly what you said about me to the colonel."

"Is that all that concerns you?!" She was incensed. "Have you heard nothing else?!"

"Amanda! I am
the
most
sensitive man alive, as you well know! I am profoundly troubled with how that woman insulted you. I hate that woman. I spit on that woman. Oh no, wait! I cannot spit on that woman because I will be...
dead
! Thank you, Amanda." He grabbed her hands, bending over to look straight into her eyes. "My darling friend, why do you hate me so much?"

"Please try to see this from my viewpoint, Anthony. I am in love with him. There, I have finally spoken the words." She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply before continuing. "It was imperative to say something to him to keep him away. I had to make him believe that I was involved romantically with another. You understand, don't you? You, as my dearest friend in the world, must understand. I have never before asked anything of you, have I?"

"Yes, yes, you have. Many times. Countless times. Constantly." Anthony watched as Father Riley spoke to the few stragglers in the church, after which he glanced quizzically their way. The old priest had an unerring instinct for rooting out trouble.
Like a pig for truffles
, Anthony thought wildly. He grabbed Amanda's elbow and led her deeper into the church.

"May I say something to you, as a close friend who loves you with all his heart and cares deeply about your happiness?

"Of course, Anthony. You know I value your opinion most highly."

"How idiotic can you be?"

She punched him in the shoulder very, very hard.

"No, truly, Amanda. You have a chance for genuine happiness with a man you love and who evidently also cares deeply for you." Reassuring himself that Riley had been diverted once again, he looked down with affection at his friend. "Amanda,
dios mio
, attend me, please. You are a healthy, lovely young woman, and he is a healthy, single man. Grab life and live for a change."

"I have given you my declaration that he will never bother you, Anthony," Amanda said coolly. "I must discourage this suit somehow, and he truly is an honorable man. As long as he feels that I am spoken for, he will not push me for any deeper sort of a relationship."

"You are mistaken concerning this for two reasons." He sighed and took her hands in his. "First, no one is honorable when it comes to love." His eyebrows rose when she opened her mouth to protest, and he raised his hand to silence her.

"Second, you are throwing away your life. True love is rare. You know I have never been able to replace mine. If you love this man as deeply as you say, well then you are a fool to let it pass. Even if it is experienced only for a moment, true love is rare and precious." He raised her hands to his lips and kissed them tenderly.

"But how can I, Anthony? You know how my life is held in forfeit. I could lose my son if she discovers us."

Anthony turned a compassionate gaze at her. "In the eyes of the law, you have already lost him,
querida
. When will you accept this? Anyway, did I say she would have to know? Liaisons are a national diversion here. In some circles they are even mandated. Are you not aware that one half of the
ton
is always cuckolding the other?"

As her eyes filled with tears, she shook her head.

"It is just not my way, Anthony." She sighed deeply. "I was not raised to carry out the sort of life they lead here. I do not understand these people and I doubt that I could ever be capable of having a relationship outside of marriage vows. I couldn't, could I? No, it is not in my upbringing, but I love him so very much. Oh, I don't know what I should do! You understand this, as a Catholic, don't you? I mean, would it not feel sinful?"

"Only if he is very skillful..."

It had taken only a moment then for Amanda to swat the back of Anthony's head very, very hard.

***

Remembering, he shook his head and chuckled at his own witticism. "Only if he is very skillful," he repeated to his reflection in the mirror.
Very clever, Antonio,
he complimented himself and smiled, once again at peace and happily looking forward to drinking his very expensive imported French brandy, eating an exquisite meal prepared by his very expensive French chef, and relaxing for hours in the arms of his latest paramour, due at any moment.

Life was, indeed, very good for Dr. Anthony Milagros.

As the valet adjusted the lapels of Anthony's exquisite dinner jacket, his butler scratched discreetly at the dressing-room door. "Enter, Bascome." Swirling a brandy snifter around several times, Anthony took his initial sip, savoring the sweet nectar as he regarded his butler's visage in the mirror.

The ancient gentleman gazed back.

Anthony raised his eyebrows in question and waited. They remained staring silently at each other in the mirror for quite a few moments, the tottering butler apparently unable to vocalize. Anthony finally turned toward him and finished off his drink. "Well?"

"Your lordship..." Bascome appeared distressed.