Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love-kindle (20 page)

“And he believes novels are frivolous?”

“He most certainly does! But you recognise that many people do, not just my brother.” She laughed. “But now and again I will purchase one when I stay with Penelope. She hides them for me.”

“Then he must be one of those who is in favour of reading books that improve one’s mind.”

“For men perhaps, but he does not see the need for young ladies to read extensively for any reason. He says that since we are to be wives and mothers, we do not need to educate ourselves beyond that goal. He favours women who occupy themselves by playing the pianoforte, painting screens and embroidering cushions—that sort of thing.”

One brow rose as Elizabeth’s lips formed a straight line. “Do you agree with him?”

Alfreda looked taken aback. “While I may disagree with a few things, he is my brother as well as my protector, and I assume that he only has my best interests at heart.”

“I see. What else does he consider frivolous?”

Alfreda looked as though she was studying the question, and Elizabeth grew more unnerved as seconds passed without an answer.

“I am sorry. It is none of—”

“Comedies, most poetry, the theatre, fireworks, croquet—in fact, most games, besides billiards and whist, though he only plays cards at his club,” she added as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Let me guess. He approves of billiards and whist because men enjoy them,” Elizabeth added.

Not detecting her vexation, Alfreda nodded and, almost as an afterthought, added enthusiastically, “He does not much favour dancing either, although he will participate in order to please
certain
ladies.” The latter was said with a knowing smile. “And I am quite sure that the right woman could get him to agree to participate in some other activities—like croquet—if they were clever.”

Elizabeth must have appeared taken aback because Alfreda began to ramble on after seeing her expression.  “It is simply that such things do not enrich our minds or our coffers. Practicality is my brother’s middle name!”

The small smile that appeared when she was done speaking did nothing to relieve Elizabeth’s anxiety.

And this is the man I am being persuaded to marry!

Alfreda reached to take her hands. “Oh, Elizabeth, you must understand! My aunt says that John never had a childhood—he was never carefree like other young men.”

“Tell me about him then,” Elizabeth urged, hoping to understand what inspired such sisterly devotion.

Our mother died years ago.” Alfreda’s face took on a glow as she stared into the distance. “She was so very kind and good, everything a mother should be. And she doted on John.” She smiled. “And on me, I confess.

“Father was more distant—always away on business. Whenever he was not meeting with the House of Lords, the local landowners would seek him out for advice. There just never seemed to be enough time for it all.” Her smile faded and she met Elizabeth’s eyes. “I am not being totally truthful. Quite by accident, I learned that even while mother was alive, father had a mistress in Town. And when he was not waxing eloquent to impress his fellow lords, he was with her. We were last on his list of priorities.”

“And what does your brother think of men having mistresses once they are married?”

“I have never heard him say specifically, but I once overheard him talking to a close friend, and he was unhappy that a ‘woman of the street’ had done something or other. I could not make out exactly what had happened, but it appeared that he was not happy that she had approached him. So, I concluded that Brother did not approve of them. And I think I would know if he had one.”

“Well, I would never approve of my husband having a mistress,” Elizabeth declared, though it was not John Wilkens face that appeared in her mind.

“Father’s unavailability was especially hurtful to John, I believe—being the heir. One would think a man would have things to teach his son, his successor, rather than spend all his time with such a woman.” She sighed. “And then all of a sudden, Father took ill and came home to die. He was bedridden for only a short time before he passed on, and John had to step in and handle his business affairs and all the responsibility that that entailed. Unfortunately, being thrown into the role of Master of Gatesbridge without adequate preparation caused him to become even more serious. That is why I have prayed that a lively, kind-hearted woman would come into his life—and mine. One who could influence him and soften his character.”

Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, but decided she must speak. “Why is he even interested in me? I am certainly not of your level of society.”

“Do not say that! You are a gentleman’s daughter, Elizabeth. And while you may not have our wealth or connections, you certainly conduct yourself as any gentlewoman would.”

“But your brother’s every glance seems to be one of disdain.”

“You do not know him as I do! He is certainly intrigued by you, but he is not disdainful, I assure you.”

“And I have to add that I firmly believe that no woman can change a man who is not willing to change. Only a man truly in love would try to improve in order to please a woman.”

“My brother is capable of such devotion, I assure you.” She looked sincere though her words fell flat. Seeing that Elizabeth was not going to say anything more, Alfreda stood and smoothed her skirts self-consciously. “Why do we not forget about John for the night and have a cup of tea while we play cards?”

Studying the look on Alfreda Wilkens face, Elizabeth was sure that she was not being completely honest regarding her brother’s character, but when all was said and done, she had no way of knowing what she might be hiding. Thus, she stood and followed her to the small card table set up in the adjoining room. As they took their places, a maid brought in a tray with tea and cakes without being beckoned, and they began their game of cards.

~~~*~~~

Night had fallen, and having tired of Piquet and another card game, she and Elizabeth had changed into their nightclothes to be more comfortable. Alfreda searched the bag she had brought into the room for the novel they were to read. Suddenly, both hands framed her face as she addressed Elizabeth, “I forgot!”

“Forgot?”

“I hid the novel when brother came home from his club unexpectedly. I was showing it to Aunt Penelope in the library when I heard his voice, I slipped it in between two books on a shelf. I know exactly where it is.”

Quickly she began to don her robe. “Stay right here and I shall slip downstairs and retrieve the book!”

Elizabeth went with her to the door. “What if your brother sees you and questions why you are in the halls at this late hour? He may discover the book.”

“John left after dinner to go to his club. I do not expect him to return until after midnight. He never does.”

With that said, Alfreda slipped into the almost pitch-black hall. As the door did not latch properly, Elizabeth went to close it, but stopped at the sound of voices.  She stepped back to blow out the candles on a nearby table, then peered through the opening.  Barely able to make them out, she could see Alfreda, several doors down, speaking with a man. A footman? No! She would recognise John Wilkens’ voice anywhere!

It seemed from the tone of their voices that their conversation had escalated to arguing, though she could not make out what was being said. She grew alarmed and her chest tightened. Were they arguing about her? Deciding to take action, Elizabeth slipped into the dark hallway unobserved and slowly inched in the opposite direction, back towards the room that she had been assigned. Holding her breath lest they notice her, she managed to find the door knob and breathed a sigh of relief to find it still unlocked. Slipping inside, she turned the key, locking herself within.

Her heart beat frantically, and she let go of the breath she had been holding as she turned and slumped back against the door. She was not aware of how long she stood that way, but eventually she heard footsteps just outside, followed by soft knocking at her door. At Alfreda’s voice, she opened it just enough to see that it was indeed her and that she held a candle. Elizabeth did not see her brother, but she had the feeling he might be listening. “Elizabeth? I was frantic when I could not find you. I thought you were going to wait in my bedroom until I returned so that we might share the book.”

“I… I am sorry. You had not been gone long, when I almost fell asleep in my chair. I decided it more prudent just to go to bed.”

“Would you not reconsider and come to my room?”

“I would rather not. I hope you do not mind, but I truly need to sleep.”

Alfreda was silent for a long time, and though she smiled when she finally spoke, it was not heartfelt. “I understand. I shall see you in the morning.”

Elizabeth closed the door and locked it again. She hated to disappoint her friend, but there was something about the way that John Wilkens looked at her during dinner that made her uncomfortable. Sighing, she checked the lock once again then fumbled her way to the bed. After she had crawled under the covers, it was not long until she was unaware of anything as she drifted off to dream of a man with dark curly hair and light blue eyes. 

~~~*~~~

The Dining Room
The Next Morning

Joining the household the next morning to break her fast was very awkward for Elizabeth. She could not lift her eyes without meeting those of Lord Wilkens, who sat directly across from her, his mien was completely devoid of any expression. Shifting her gaze to Alfreda who sat next to him was no improvement. Whenever their eyes met, Alfreda would lower hers and surreptitiously glance at her brother as though seeking his approval.

After short but polite greetings, neither of the three made an effort to converse, which mattered little, as their hostess carried on enough conversation for the entire table. Elizabeth noted that Lord Holmes continued to eat silently, watching his wife with a besotted expression on his face.

It seemed to Elizabeth that Lady Holmes appeared most satisfied and winked conspiratorially at her whenever she looked in her direction. She attributed that to the fact that her hostess and her Aunt Gardiner thought they had achieved a triumph in introducing her to Lord Wilkens.

Does she actually think I would favour the idea of marrying THAT man?

Her thoughts were interrupted by that very lady. “Miss Elizabeth, are you having an enjoyable time with Alfreda? She was so excited about having you as her guest.”

“I...I am enjoying myself immensely,” Elizabeth lied. In truth, while she might have enjoyed staying with Alfreda, she had been on guard since she stepped inside the house. Her eyes darted to the man who inspired her suspicions. She noted that he was now sporting a frown.

Timidly Alfreda spoke. “After we are finished, I thought you and I might go to my sitting room and visit. We did not have sufficient time last night due to your fatigue. So I thought…”

Her voice trailed off and her smile faded as her brother shifted in his chair. Seeing her hesitation Elizabeth declared, “I would love to. I am sorry that we did not get to finish our talk last night.”

At that moment, John Wilkens stood and announced that he had a meeting to attend. He bid everyone a good day and exited the room. The atmosphere lightened immediately, and for the first time that morning, Alfreda’s smile was genuine. 

~~~*~~~

London
Darcy House
Before the ball

Richard could not have been more pleased. Not only had William agreed to attend the ball, but he was wearing the newest addition to his wardrobe—a cream-coloured waistcoat with intricate, multi-coloured embroidery. It was something he had suggested his cousin purchase when he had accompanied him to John Weston’s
6
on Bond Street. William was well-known among the
ton
for his tendency to wear clothes that he thought would garner him little attention, though it never worked. The truth be known, he would never be overlooked no matter his attire. However, Richard was determined that tonight he impress a certain miss. Attired in the waistcoat, elegantly cut dark-blue coat and matching breeches, William cut a fine figure indeed! Not that Fitzwilliam Darcy needed such enhancements to attract women, but Richard was well aware which woman his cousin would accidently encounter at the ball.

“Come along, Cousin!” Richard prodded. “I do not want to be late again!”

Standing uncomfortably motionless whilst his valet, Martin, finished tying his cravat, William sighed audibly. Finally after the servant had inserted a diamond stickpin into the finished masterpiece, slipped George Darcy’s watch in the pocket of his master’s waistcoat and handed him his signet ring, William lost his patience.

“I told you that I do not wish to accompany you tonight or any night, Richard! Why do you not go without me?”

“Because, my reluctant cousin, you need to be resurrected into society, if only for Georgiana’s sake. She is fourteen and will be old enough for her presentation before you turn around!”

William scowled. “DO NOT remind me! It is bad enough as it is. I find myself staring down men wherever we go—even in the park when we are out for our afternoon walks. She may have the body of a woman, but she is still only a girl! Can they not wait until she is ready—say perhaps when she is one and twenty?”

“One and twenty? Do not be absurd! Georgiana will debut at eighteen like all fashionable ladies, according to Mother,
and
you know how adamant Mother can be when it comes to the dictates of society.”

William’s celebrated stubbornness emerged. “Your mother is not my sister’s guardian. I am! And she will not be out in society until I say she is out! Besides, Aunt Audrey agrees with me that Georgiana should not be pressed and should wait until she feels comfortable with the idea.”

Richard chuckled. “Then my cousin will never come out! She is comfortable only when she is at Pemberley amongst woods and glens.”