Elizabeth Bennet's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary (5 page)

Elizabeth’s hazel eyes flashed with what appeared to be annoyance.

“I pray Colonel Fitzwilliam does not know the reason for your inquiries.”

As if a moth to a flame, Darcy edged closer to her.

“I would never betray your confidences. You must know that. I told my cousin news of Mr. Wickham’s creditors came to my attention, and I simply wished to make certain my former friend did not mean to bring more shame to Pemberley’s door.”

Tears misted Elizabeth’s eyes, and her reaction warmed Darcy’s heart.

“I do know your honor, Mr. Darcy.” A hint of chagrin slid over Elizabeth’s features. “It is nearly ten of the clock. I would imagine you busied yourself with this task since early on.”

Darcy chuckled at her accurate evaluation.

“I began shortly after we separated yesterday afternoon.”

“And you have only the news of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s involvement to report?”

A gentleman could spend a lifetime learning the many facets of Elizabeth’s expressive countenance. Darcy shrugged the inevitable.

“In truth, I thought to ask your uncle to accompany me on a journey across town. I went through my correspondence to find the directions for Georgiana’s previous companion. If you recall from my letter, Mrs. Younge was the one who manipulated my sister into accepting Mr. Wickham’s attentions. The woman now owns a boarding house. I hoped Mrs. Younge knew something of Wickham’s whereabouts in London.”

Elizabeth rose upon hearing his explanation.

“Then I shall retrieve my bonnet and cloak.”

Darcy’s gaze narrowed.

“When did I say you would be traveling with me? My destination is not an area of London for genteel ladies.”

A spark of annoyance flared in Elizabeth’s eyes.

“First, I am not easily intimidated, Mr. Darcy, so do not speak to me of what you deem proper for my sensibilities.”

“I am well aware of your determination, Ma’am,” he said in amused contrition. Darcy found himself decidedly vexed by her stubbornness; yet, at the same time, he thought her decided manner remarkably admirable. “That particular fact does not change my opinion of your involvement in this venture.”

“You have not considered all the ramifications, Sir,” she reasoned passionately. “What if Mr. Wickham took residence at Mrs. Younge’s establishment?” Elizabeth reasoned. “Because of your history, Wickham will refuse to speak to you, or he will leave Town before my uncle can press him into acting responsibly.”

Darcy’s eyebrow lifted in dismay. He did not know whether to be offended by Elizabeth’s insinuation that Darcy might lose control of his emotions or to know a renewal of his estimation of Elizabeth Bennet as the most remarkable woman of his acquaintance. She would truly make him complete if Darcy could finally claim her loyalty.

“I assure you, Miss Elizabeth, I am quite capable of dealing with Mr. Wickham in your behalf. I do not believe Mr. Wickham will be at Mrs. Younge’s house: He would never be so obvious.”

Without further argument, Elizabeth started for the door.

“Your logic holds no sway with me, Mr. Darcy. I will leave Uncle a note as to our purpose.”

“And what if I depart before you return, Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy challenged.

Elizabeth turned to smile at him in rueful humor, and Darcy found her tenacity beguiling.

“Then I shall follow you in a let hack,” Mr. Darcy.”

Darcy held no doubt Elizabeth would try.

“I have not shared Mrs. Younge’s directions with you.”

For a brief second, Elizabeth’s confidence faded, but a squaring of her shoulders announced her determination knew no retreat.

“I will be only a moment, Sir.”

With that, she disappeared into the bowels of the Gardiners’ house. Darcy looked after her. Elizabeth Bennet’s willingness to risk everything to protect her family reinforced his belief she was his perfect mate.

“Absolutely bewitching,” Darcy murmured, “and I hold no desire to break the lady’s spell.”

* * *

Darcy nestled Elizabeth closer to his side as they approached the run-down boarding house. They left his coach a block removed to avoid Mrs. Younge’s spying a finer carriage in the area and sending up an alarm. As they approached, Darcy spoke softly for Elizabeth’s ears only.

“Mrs. Younge will not be pleased of my appearance on her doorstep. I must warn you I will negotiate hard with the woman. You must not beg her for the information we seek for Mrs. Younge will operate to take advantage of your desperation.”

“You wish me to be docile?” Elizabeth asked archly.

Darcy smiled down at her upturned countenance.

“You are to assume Miss Bennet’s personality for the next hour.”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes heavenward.

“Why did I not consider how manipulative you are? You will go to great extremes to have your way.”

“I am all innocence, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy teased.

“We shall see, Mr. Darcy,” she countered, as Elizabeth wrapped both hands about Darcy’s elbow just as a maid opened the boarding house door a crack to peer out at them.

“Yes, Sir?” The girl’s gaze slid across the cut of Darcy’s jacket.

“Mr. Darcy to speak to Mrs. Younge,” he said in his best Master of Pemberley voice.

“Be Mrs. Younge expectin’ ye, Sir?”

Darcy placed a hand against the door and shoved his way past the girl. Even so, he kept Elizabeth close. Conveniently, Elizabeth responded to his lightest touch.

“Tell your mistress I mean a word with her.”

The girl bobbed a quick curtsy and scurried away without showing them into a small parlor on the right.

With an amused shrug, Darcy gestured Elizabeth to lead the way into the room. They barely had time to take up a position of expectance before the empty hearth before Mrs. Younge entered the room. She looked very much as she had the last time Darcy saw the lady, except the quality of Mrs. Younge’s clothing possessed less fashion.

“I thought Betsie lost her reason,” she pronounced, “for surely Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy could have no business with the likes of me.”

“Again, you erred, Madam,” Darcy said coldly.

The woman frowned, but her eyes still held the shrewdness Darcy once missed in his evaluation of her fitness as a companion for Georgiana. He would not make that mistake again.

“I see you have not lost any of your charm, Mr. Darcy.” Mrs. Younge sat on a nearby chair without indicating they should sit also. “Speak your business, Sir. I have duties to perform.”

Darcy ignored the woman’s lack of manners, and instead, seated Elizabeth on a threadbare settle before joining Elizabeth there. He knew the tender care he displayed upon Elizabeth would not go unnoticed by Mrs. Younge. Thankfully, when Darcy captured Elizabeth’s hand in his, she relinquished it willingly.

Unable to wait him out, Mrs. Younge asked, “Will you do me the favor of an introduction, Mr. Darcy?”

Darcy realized the woman’s curiosity would show itself.

“My wife,” Darcy said simply. He felt Elizabeth’s fingers wrapping around his, and he enjoyed how Elizabeth unconsciously responded to his declaration.

Mrs. Younge waited, but when Darcy did not conduct the introductions, she said, “I see. I did not know you married, Sir.”

Elizabeth gave Darcy’s fingers a quick squeeze to announce she would respond to the woman’s query and for Darcy to trust her. Needless to say, Darcy long ago permitted Elizabeth Bennet his confidence. He returned Elizabeth’s silent gesture.

“Our joining is a short duration,” Elizabeth announced with the aplomb of a great actress.

“And as we do not move in the same circles, you would possess no knowledge of my private affairs, Madam,” Darcy quipped. He meant to establish his authority over his former employee.

Darcy watched as Mrs. Younge’s chin rose in defiance.

“Your business, Mr. Darcy. Speak quickly and then leave my house.”

Darcy flicked an invisible piece of lint from his sleeve.

“I thought you would know my task before you stepped into this room: I seek the whereabouts of Mr. Wickham.”

“Why would I hold knowledge of Mr. Wickham’s activities?” Mrs. Younge asked in indignation.

“Because my former associate has few friends he can continue to rely. I imagine both Mr. Wickham and I count you among Wickham’s close associates.”

“Then you will know regret, Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Younge denied in firm tones. “I hold no knowledge of Mr. Wickham’s location.”

A dark brow rose, and Darcy looked down his nose at the woman.

“Perhaps not, but you possess the means of learning Mr. Wickham’s direction.”

“And why would I aid you?” Mrs. Younge asked tautly. “You and I did not part upon the best of terms.”

Darcy glanced about the dingy room.

“It is quite evident you require funds, Madam.”

“Tell me why you seek Wickham,” the woman demanded, but there was a hint of a crack in her armor resting in Mrs. Younge’s tone.

Darcy stood and assisted Elizabeth to her feet.

“My business with Mr. Wickham is exactly that
:
M
y
business.” Darcy placed Elizabeth’s hand upon his arm. “Come, my dear. We must provide Mrs. Younge private time to consider her options.” To his adversary, he said, “I will call again on the morrow.”

“No!” Mrs. Younge said with a start. “That is too soon. Nine of the clock on the second day,” she bargained.

“I will not be pleased if you fail me,” Darcy  whispered in harsh warning, as he paused to tower over the woman. “And you know my nature when I am not pleased.”

“Do you believe Mrs. Younge will locate Mr. Wickham?” Elizabeth’s uncle asked as he poured Darcy a brandy. Darcy returned Elizabeth to the Gardiners’ home to encounter her uncle’s anxious impatience.

It amused Darcy to observe Elizabeth drop her eyes and chin in response to Mr. Gardiner’s chastisement.

“Lizzy, Edward Street is not a proper destination for a genteel bred lady,” Gardiner said in a stern voice. Darcy wondered how often Elizabeth felt remorse at her impetuosity: He was quite certain she was a precocious child. “At least you had the good sense to take a maid with you.”

Elizabeth shot a quick glance in Darcy’s direction.

“I cannot claim such foresight,” she admitted. “It was Mr. Darcy who commanded Gwenie to accompany us.”

With Elizabeth’s apology, her uncle excused his niece before ushering Darcy into his study, but Darcy admitted, if only to himself, he missed Elizabeth Bennet’s company. Although he knew her somewhere in the house, it was not enough: Now that they renewed their association, Darcy wished her within reach.

When they returned to the safety of his carriage, and he instructed Murray to place the Gardiner maid beside his coachman, Elizabeth hummed with excitement.

“You were brilliant!” she declared in enthusiastic tones. “I am greatly grieved I ever criticized your manners, Mr. Darcy. I was proud to know you would act to protect my…” Elizabeth quickly realized she came close to saying “my sister.” In correction, she said, “To protect my reputation.”

Darcy pretended not to notice Elizabeth’s blunder.

“You approve of my inflexibility?” he teased.

Elizabeth studied him before choosing her response.

“I can acknowledge an appreciation for a bit of pompous glory upon extreme occasions, Sir, but I prefer the Mr. Darcy I see before me at this moment.”

Darcy wished he held the right to catch her to him and kiss her senseless, but he would wait until this madness with Wickham came to an end, and then he would propose again and pray this time Elizabeth Bennet would agree.

“Mr. Darcy?” Her uncle’s voice brought Darcy from his musings. “Is there reason to believe Mrs. Younge will lead us on a merry chase?”

Darcy shook his head in denial.

“The woman and Mr. Wickham are cut from the same cloth. Neither holds an allegiance to anything beyond the coins clutched within his palm. I made a few private inquiries regarding Mrs. Younge before I called upon your household this morning. The woman has four boarders, none of whom fit a description of Mr. Wickham; however, I received a report of a gentleman possessing Mr. Wickham’s countenance calling upon Mrs. Younge three days prior.”

Gardiner’s eyebrow rose in admiration.

“My niece made a wise choice in seeking your assistance, Sir.”

A smile tugged at Darcy’s lips.

“Despite her propensity for obstinacy, I never knew Miss Elizabeth to act without logic.”

“I see.” Mr. Gardiner studied Darcy for several elongated moments, and Darcy had the feeling the man took his measure. “I should tell you that, I too, received information of Mr. Wickham. One of my warehouse employees came to me recently via Mr. Bennet’s recommendation. Before making the trek to London, Tobias Dungle served in the Meryton militia. Upon my return to London, I sought him out to learn if Mr. Wickham ever spoke of his time in London. As Dungle is not the type to gamble away his hard earned savings, he was not part of Wickham’s inner circle, but he did hear Wickham speak of praying often at St. Clement’s. Dungle thought that fact odd for he did not consider Wickham a religious man.”

“Did you learn anything of Mr. Wickham in the parish?”

Gardiner shook his head in the negative.

“Nothing useful, but I spoke to the rector and several others at the church. I asked them to send word if a couple…” Gardiner paused in awkward embarrassment.

“I know you do not seek Mr. Wickham upon Miss Elizabeth’s behalf,” Darcy said in confidence.

Mr. Gardiner released an exasperated sigh of relief.

“I am glad to hear it: I am not one to perfect a lie, and it pleases me to realize you would assist our Lizzy even when she foolishly places her reputation upon the line. Tell me how long you have known the truth.”

Darcy chuckled in irony.

“Once my pride permitted my reason to return, I accepted the fact Miss Elizabeth would never succumb to a scoundrel like Mr. Wickham–more likely, she would ring Wickham’s bell for attempting a seduction. I suspect from my observations of your other nieces, either Miss Catherine or Miss Lydia accompanied Mr. Wickham to London.”

“Lydia,” Mr. Gardiner growled. “The foolish chit brought havoc to the Bennet household. What I do to right this wrong, I do for her sisters. If not for Jane and Elizabeth, I would allow Lydia to slip into oblivion. Mrs. Bennet permits her younger daughters too much latitude.” Another pause brought a second evaluation of Darcy’s personage. “May I inquire of your intentions toward our Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy? I cannot imagine a gentleman of your consequence interfering in a private matter without a personal inducement.”

Darcy sipped his brandy before answering.

“Once Miss Elizabeth’s duty to her family is resolved, I mean to propose to your niece.” Darcy paused before adding, “Again.”

“Again?” Mr. Gardiner’s surprise spoke of Elizabeth’s keeping secret the truth of their relationship. “You offered your hand to Lizzy, Mr. Darcy?”

“Twice.” Darcy regarded Mr. Gardiner with respect. “Of course, the second time was upon our recent journey to London. Making the spontaneous proposal was part of my ruse to prove Miss Elizabeth meant to protect her family at all cost. Needless to say, if she accepted, I would count myself blessed. Yet, as your niece assumes I believe Mr. Wickham ruined her, she had no choice but to refuse. Miss Elizabeth is well aware of my history with Mr. Wickham, and if she were truly subject to Wickham’s so-called charms, the possibility of her carrying his child would prevent me from claiming her to wife. What Miss Elizabeth forgets is Mr. Wickham is the beloved godson of my late father; therefore, I will never be truly free of him. All I can do is to shield the Darcy name by placing distance between my family and Mr. Wickham.”

“Yet, if we are successful in saving Lydia, it would make Mr. Wickham Elizabeth’s brother in marriage,” Gardiner cautioned.

Despite his best efforts, Darcy felt his features tightened. He weighed the negatives of having a connection to Mr. Wickham against the pleasure of having Elizabeth at his side: His love for Elizabeth Bennet easily won out. He reasoned that Wickham would always be a shadow in Darcy’s life. Therefore, it would be bacon brained for him to deny himself a contented life.

“Do we not all possess relatives we never see or only encounter once every decade or so?”

Gardiner chuckled with satisfaction.

“I can think of a few of mine I would avoid if possible.” Darcy thought immediately of Elizabeth’s mother: He imagined Gardiner’s sister brought the man more than one regret. “What of your first proposal, Mr. Darcy?”

“In Kent, I declared my regard for your niece, but Miss Elizabeth took me to task for my participation in separating Miss Bennet from Mr. Bingley, as well as the skewed history of our relationship, which Mr. Wickham provided her. In truth, her charges brought me to a better understanding of my nature, and I found her criticism apropos. I have since made pronounced changes in my dealings, including confessing my perfidy to Mr. Bingley. My friend returned to Netherfield and Miss Bennet.”

Gardiner regarded Darcy with mild amusement.

“Then you will be pleased to know that Lizzy recently described you as the one person she most trusted.”

* * *

A note from Mrs. Younge came late on the first day, and after Darcy confirmed the accuracy of the information, he dispatched a payment to the woman. He suspected Mrs. Younge did not want her particular friend to realize she betrayed him to Darcy. Keeping Darcy away from Edward Street would be to Mrs. Younge’s advantage for she catered to those on the fringe of disrespectability. Her boarders would not want a light shone on their activities.

“Miss Elizabeth.” The maid showed Darcy into the morning room when he called upon the Gardiner household.

She glanced up from her tea.

“Mr. Darcy.” For a brief second Elizabeth presented him the most welcoming smile Darcy ever experienced, and his heart leapt with hope. “You are earlier than I expected, Sir.” She gestured to a chair across from her. “Join me. Uncle called in at his warehouse, something about a late shipment. I fear you must be content with my company.” Gardiner’s servant poured Darcy a cup of tea. “The gentleman prefers milk, but no sugar,” Elizabeth instructed, and he thought it ironic Miss Elizabeth took note of his preferences. “Did you hear from Mrs. Younge?’

Darcy shot a quick glance to Gardiner’s waiting servants, and Elizabeth perceptively excused them. When they were alone, he explained, “Mrs. Younge supplied the directions to a tavern with let rooms above in St. Clement’s parish.”

“Then Tobias Dungle had the right of it.”

“Yes, your uncle would likely have learned something of Mr. Wickham without my assistance,” Darcy allowed.

Elizabeth ignored Darcy’s graciousness.

“But not with such speed of purpose,” she countered. “How may my family thank you?’

Darcy shook off her suggestion.

“There is no need.” Across the breakfast table was not the setting he wished to renew his proposal. “I mean to call upon Mr. Wickham this morning. Your uncle gave me permission to negotiate in behalf of your family.”

A shudder of what appeared to be dread shook Elizabeth’s shoulders
.
Would this be the moment she would admit her perfidy?

“You will act with honor, will you not, Mr. Darcy? I could not bear it if you and Mr. Wickham came to blows.”

Tears misted her eyes, and Darcy could not stifle the question rising to his lips.

“Do you fear for my well being or that of Mr. Wickham?”

A single tear escaped before Elizabeth wiped it away.

“It would grieve me if this matter brought either of you to harm.” Her diplomacy gave Darcy no comfort. He wanted Elizabeth to claim affection for him.

Darcy stood to announce his departure.

“I mean to call upon Mr. Wickham. As you hold a vested interest in what transpires, I thought you should accompany me. I would not wish to come to an understanding of which you did not approve.”

Elizabeth’s eyebrow rose in challenge.

“You thought of my company without my harassing you into serving as my escort?”

“Allow me credit, Woman, for making the effort,” Darcy teased.

Elizabeth placed her serviette upon the table.

“I am proud of your progress, Sir.” Her easy taunt almost made Darcy forget Elizabeth must soon speak of her purposeful deception. That conversation would determine whether they would travel into the future, hand-in-hand, or separate forever.

* * *

He waited another twenty minutes for her return, but Darcy knew the minute Elizabeth appeared upon the Gardiners’ staircase, she arrived at a decision. He wished he read Elizabeth better while they were still in Kent, but something changed since her appearance at Pemberley. He recalled his illustrious father speaking of the late Lady Anne Darcy and George Darcy’s connection to his wife. It was a week after he and his father stood in a cold rain to watch Lady Anne laid to rest.

“Your mother,” his father said wistfully, “was the only one who ever could anticipate my response before I spoke the words. And likewise, I with her. Lady Anne and I were often of one mind.”

At twelve years of age, Darcy could not fathom of what his father spoke, but the way George Darcy spoke of his late wife made the silent exchange of ideas an intangible prize awarded only to a few. Was it possible he and Elizabeth Bennet would know such understanding?

“Gwenie, Mr. Darcy and I have a matter of import to discuss before we depart. We shall only be a few minutes,” Elizabeth announced when Darcy rose to greet her.

“Yes, Miss.”

Without a word to him, Elizabeth strode into the nearby sitting room. Darcy followed, closing the door behind him before moving to intercept Elizabeth. Therefore, when she turned from what was likely anxious pacing, she walked into his embrace.

“Mr. D…” she blustered, but Elizabeth permitted Darcy to wrap his arms about her. “This is not what I planned.” She sighed in resignation before burying her nose in his cravat.

“I know,” Darcy whispered into her hair. Catching the bonnet she carried, he tossed it upon a table. Darcy stroked Elizabeth’s back and simply enjoyed the way she fit snuggly under his chin.

“It is best you tell me what brings you such distress.” Darcy meant to lift her chin with his fingers, but Elizabeth shook off his tenderness.

“I cannot.” Elizabeth’s voice caught on a stifled sob. “It will ruin everything.”

Darcy leaned closer, the heat and scent of her fueling his desire.

“What will be ruined?” he encouraged.

“This!” she insisted. Elizabeth clutched at his lapels, nestling closer to him. “You and I.”