Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love-kindle (26 page)

Lady Audrey reached to take Elizabeth’s hand and squeezed it. “It was a privilege to meet you, Elizabeth Bennet. I feared that my darling boy’s honour would prevent him from ever knowing the joy of true love. Just to know that for a short time he loved you and you returned that love—well, it restores my faith that if two people are meant to fall in love, they will.”

Elizabeth’s voice was rough with emotion as she whispered, “I… I do not have the luxury of choosing my future, and my family is determined I shall make a suitable match whilst I am in London.” She raised her tear-filled eyes to Lady Audrey. “I have four sisters, you see.” At the lady’s nod, she continued. “Will you tell Fitzwilliam that I understand and that I forgive him?”

“Will you not speak to—”

Elizabeth shook her head violently, “Explain to him why I cannot wait and ask him to let me go.” Then she ran down the gravel path in the direction of her aunt’s house.

As Audrey Ashcroft made her way to the waiting carriage tears slid down her own cheeks. Would it have been better not to have come—for Elizabeth never to have known?

No! At least she knows that he did not mean to deceive her—that he loves her. She deserves that much.

It was with a much heavier heart that she entered the carriage to return to Darcy House. Now she must face the man who loved this intrepid young woman.

~~~*~~~

The Gardiner’s residence fairly buzzed with excitement as Elizabeth returned to find Lord Wilkens’ carriage stopped in front. Elizabeth took a deep breath to steady herself as the front door was opened for her, and a very excited Madeline Gardiner immediately hastened her inside. Servants hurried from the kitchen to the parlour, trays of sweets and coffee carefully balanced in their hands.

“Is it not fortunate, Lizzy? Lord Wilkens is in the study with your uncle. No doubt he is here to ask permission to court you! Hurry now! Go to your room and change into your best gown. I should not want him seeing you in this old muslin. What would he think of his future wife should he see how worn this gown is?”

What indeed?

~~~*~~~

During the trip back to Grosvenor Square, Lady Audrey reflected on the woman who had stolen Fitzwilliam’s heart. She had actually looked forward to meeting the young lady and discovering what made her unlike any other woman of her nephew’s acquaintance. Not surprisingly, she had found more than one trait to admire in Miss Bennet.

Though she is not beautiful in the conventional sense, she is striking—with the most unusual dark eyes. More importantly, she practically glows with joie de vivre—something my nephew desperately lacks in his life.

She chuckled to herself.
She is intelligent enough to have realised that Richard and I were not there accidentally and was willing to confront us—something else I admire. In addition, it is obvious that she possesses a kind heart. Yes, I can understand why any man would be in danger of falling in love with her.

She took a deep breath to calm herself, the dull ache in her heart now almost unbearable. She had to appear composed if she was to be of any use to Fitzwilliam, but since she loved him like a mother, she grieved to envision the results recounting their conversation would produce.

I pray this does not push him over the edge of reason
. 

~~~*~~~

Darcy House
William’s Study

“You say you left Aunt Audrey with Elizabeth an hour ago? What could be keeping her?”

“Calm down, Cousin! She is sure to return soon.”

William continued to pace back and forth across the room, running his hands through his hair as he was wont to do when he was upset. Propped against his cousin’s desk, Richard could barely keep from chuckling aloud.

“You are not helping, Richard!”

Just then the door opened and their aunt entered. She motioned for the butler to leave and turned to close the door behind her. When she faced them, her expression told William all he needed to know, and he sank down in the nearest chair. His entire countenance changed as the truth sank into his heart—Elizabeth would not be his.

Lady Audrey walked over to her nephew, placing a hand on his hair to smooth it as she exchanged a meaningful glance with Richard. “Do not despair, Fitzwilliam. She knows the truth, and given time to think about it, she may change her mind.”

“She cannot forgive me.”

“She
does
forgive you. She told me as much.”

“Then why?” William asked. Noticing his aunt glance to Richard, he assured her, “Speak freely. I have no secrets from Richard.”

“She asked me to tell you that she understands and that she forgives you. She also said that she does not have the luxury of choosing her future. Her family has made it clear they expect her to make a match while she is in Town. She cannot wait for you.”

His head dropped into his hands. “I cannot let her go.”

“You may not have a choice. If they find a suitable—”

“Suitable? That cad Wilkens is suitable?”

“Fitzwilliam, you must calm down. You cannot force her to wait for you. I felt strongly that she should know how you feel about her, and that was my intent in going to her. Now that she knows, she must decide what her course will be.”

“It would have been better had I never seen her again—had I never contacted her.” 

Richard exclaimed, “You cannot believe that! She needed to know your heart. And once she sees that you are determined to divorce, she will change her mind. You will go through with a divorce, will you not?”

“I have determined that I will divorce Gisela, but with Elizabeth’s dismissal, there is no pressure to begin quickly. I shall wait until Georgiana has returned to Pemberley from Ramsgate and I have explained everything to her. After she knows the truth about her father, I will begin.”

“Why wait? If you start now, it could give Elizabeth hope. She might change her mind.”

William raised both hands in surrender. “I know you mean well, Richard, but do not give me false hope. It is probably for the best. Gisela would have ruined Elizabeth had she learned that I love her.”  He stood up. “If you do not mind, I am going to my room. I need a little solitude.” 

He walked over to place a kiss on his aunt’s forehead. “Thank you for all you have done.” Then looking to Richard, “For all the both of you have done. I do not deserve such loyalty. Now, if you will please excuse me.”

With those words he walked toward the door, turning to give them a wan smile before quitting the room. Richard hurried to the open door to watch his cousin go down the hall, each footstep appearing to take more effort than the last.

“Is there no hope? Does she not care enough to wait for his divorce?”

“I do not think she feels she has any choice in the matter.”

“Are you certain that she ever loved him?”

“That is the one thing of which I have no doubt.” 

~~~*~~~

Kent
Rosings
A Study

Appearing every inch the refined gentleman in his new attire, Wickham drank the expensive brandy he had purloined from Lady Catherine’s liquor cabinet minutes before as he inspected the room she used as a study. Admiring the splendid blue papered walls, cream and blue oriental carpets, fine furniture and priceless paintings with envy, he had just begun to calculate the value of a delicate china figurine with gold trim that sat atop the mantle when he was startled by the sound of a slamming door. As he spun around, the Mistress of Rosings walked past him wordlessly, settling herself in a large chair behind the enormous desk. She sat motionless and silent, studying him.

Waiting for me to speak as usual! Why must I always play the subservient fool?

Taking the seat in front of the desk, he reluctantly obliged. “Pray, what is the reason for this summons? I was set to return to Ramsgate when your letter arrived. Coming here has caused me to fall behind schedule.”

“I sustain you! Thus, I determine your priorities!” she hissed, opening the middle drawer of the desk as she spoke. Withdrawing a missive, she waved it about as though she expected Wickham to know what it contained.  “Apparently I was mistaken to put any trust in Gisela’s abilities. First, she failed to produce an heir which would have compelled Fitzwilliam to stay with her, and despite her assurance that their marital difficulties would keep him occupied, that proves not to be the case!”

Wickham swirled the amber liquid in his glass before slowing taking a swallow.
The old bat is getting addled!
He finally replied condescendingly, “I have no idea to what your ladyship refers.”

Despite her agitation, Lady Catherine kept her explanation brief. “My solicitor, Mr. Ferguson, had informed me that Fitzwilliam has hired a retired colleague of his to investigate our joint venture. This man he hired, Lowell, has already called on Ferguson to peruse the accounts and indicated he is going to inventory the mills. He was persuaded to undertake the inventory first, thus granting time for Ferguson to complete the quarterly report. I do not wish for him to see any of the records nor will I permit him to ask questions concerning my affairs.”

Lady Catherine’s eyes hardened, appearing even darker than their usual steely grey. “Is there someone of your acquaintance that can put an end to this?”

It took only a moment for Wickham to realise what she was asking and what it could mean for him. “For the right amount of money, anything is possible. What kind of end do you envision?”

“Follow him from one place to another until the time is convenient for him to have an accident. He is to begin the inventory with Wexford Mill. It would be a simple matter for him to disappear after he leaves that area as the terrain lends itself to highwaymen. Afterward, there should be no one left to tell the tale. Do you understand?”

“Let me see if I fully comprehend. I am to find someone to kill the solicitor Darcy has hired, and once he has done the deed, I am to kill him?”

“Precisely! This cannot be traced back to me.”

“I shall do it for three thousand pounds.”

Lady Catherine glowered at him. “Must I remind you that it has cost me a great deal to parade you about Ramsgate as a gentleman? Even the clothes on your back came from my coffers. Why should I pay you so large a sum?”

“With your vast fortune, I cannot imagine you will miss a few pounds!” Wickham stood up defiantly now. “It is one thing to spy, lie and steal for you but quite another entirely to commit murder. That means the gallows if I am caught!”

She studied him contemptuously. “Very well, then! But, unlike the fiasco with Gisela, I expect results! If you fail me on this, nothing else will matter. If my nephew were to ever learn—” She halted.  “Let me just say that isolating Georgiana at Ramsgate will be a lot more difficult if Lowell is not stopped very soon. If Fitzwilliam becomes suspicious, he will return to Pemberley, taking her with him. Your plans for a marriage will be finished before they have started! Just take care of that solicitor, and if any facts surface after you are wed to my niece, I feel sure that your charm will carry the day. By then, you should be able to convince Georgiana of whatever you wish.”

Wickham smiled at the faith she had in his abilities. “I have several acquaintances that can handle such a job.”

“Excellent! As soon as the matter is resolved, let me know. Once Lowell is dead, Ferguson will pilfer from his office whatever information he might have there, under the pretence of helping settle his affairs. After all, they are fellow solicitors and in the same building.”

“He would not object to being a party to murder?”

“Ferguson has a long history with the de Bourghs. He will turn a blind eye as long as he has nothing to do with the man’s death. I pay him well to leave his conscience at home.”

“And what will prevent Darcy from hiring another solicitor?”

“By then, Georgiana’s hasty marriage and resulting
delicate condition
will be more important than what is now occupying his mind.”

Wickham raised his glass in a salute. “I see your point.”

~~~*~~~

London
The Trousdale Townhouse
A Dinner Party

The billiards room billowed with cigar smoke, so much so that John Wilkens had to stop just inside the entrance to get his bearings. The sounds of wooden balls striking one another, along with the drone of constant chatter, almost drowned out his host’s acerbic greeting.

“Wilkens, you finally came out of hiding!  I was beginning to think you were too busy with the ladies to accept any of my invitations. How many have you declined? Three? Or is it four? And then when you do consent to show, you seem content to remain with the ladies instead of commiserating with those of us in this sanctuary.” With those words Frederick Trousdale, the Earl of Dryden, swept his arm towards the other men in the room, a good many of whom overheard the entire conversation and chuckled.

Barely acknowledging those circling the various billiard tables, Wilkens managed to return a weak smile at his host. Dryden was an acquaintance of his late father, as were several others in attendance. None were his friends, but as customary, he pretended otherwise. After all, in their society each must play his part.

“Neither statement is true, I assure you. I have simply been exceedingly occupied with business since I arrived in Town. And while I admit to enjoying the entertainment in the music room, I am here now, am I not?”

“Indeed you are! And just who is that lass on your arm? The one you seem so protective of—Miss Bennet, if I remember the name correctly.”  The Earl raised inquisitive brows, his expression one of bemused anticipation.  “She is a pretty little thing. I will give you that, though I have never heard of the family. Is she someone of import or just a passing
liaison
?”

He was lying, Wilkens knew, as his wife had no doubt passed along the latest gossip while they had enjoyed dinner. So he was well aware that the young woman he was escorting was a country squire’s daughter with nothing to recommend her. Wilkens bristled at Dryden’s inference. He had no doubt that the entire
ton
had been amused by his humiliation at the hands of the three debutants he had previously pursued. And Dryden clearly saw Miss Bennet for what she was— a poor substitute for a member of their sphere. Nevertheless, Wilkens felt obligated to defend his choice in order to save face.