Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love-kindle (39 page)

“Then I suppose it would be better if I do not mention you.”

Wickham’s smile was blinding. “Would you do that? Then we could continue our talks. It is almost like old times learning what has happened to all those I hold most dear from my childhood.” He moved to bend down and take both her hands in his. Looking deeply into her eyes, he swore, “I will never do anything to destroy your trust in me.”

~~~*~~~

Hawthorne Hall
The garden

Audrey Ashcroft leaned back into the soft cushions of the large tree swing and closed her eyes. The day was lovely and not too warm, and she was enjoying her stay with her old friend tremendously. She had escorted Georgiana to the art gallery early that morning and would not go back to fetch her until late that afternoon.

On the whole, her mind was fixed on Georgiana from daylight to dark. She was a firm believer in keeping a young person occupied with good pursuits and had taken that path with her sister’s child. Anne Darcy was so ill in her last days and Fitzwilliam so burdened with estate issues and his ridiculous marriage that Georgiana had essentially been left to her own devices a good bit of the time. When she had come to live with her niece and nephew, it had taken over six months to get the child headed in a productive direction, and Lady Ashcroft was not about to let her charge slip back into her former laissez-faire attitude. Nonetheless, these few hours with nothing to occupy her mind were a welcome respite, and for the first time in ages, she felt at ease doing absolutely nothing.

“What is making you smile so?”

Her hostess’ voice broke through her meditation, and Lady Ashcroft opened her eyes and smiled even more widely. “I was just thinking of how far Georgiana has come in the last two years.”

“You have done a fine job; anyone can see that. It is a shame you never had children of your own.” Pain crossed Audrey’s features and Violet regretted her choice of words. “I am sorry. Will you forgive an old lady for a slip of the tongue?”

Lady Ashcroft slid over and patted the place next to her on the swing. Violet Hawthorne sat down and reached to entwine her friend’s arm sympathetically as she continued her request for forgiveness.

“I find that I am constantly apologising lately. I have gotten used to speaking frankly, without thought of how it might affect others. I would never purposefully hurt you, and you know how much I thought of your dear husband.”

“I know,” Lady Ashcroft said softly.

“Your Joseph was the only man I would have left my husband for!”  As Audrey pretended to be shocked, she chuckled. “Not that he ever paid me, or other women, any notice. He was completely and utterly in love with you. That is how it should have been.”

They both sat silently for a moment, lost in memories.

“I do believe, however, that he had the most charming personality of any man of my acquaintance. My Horace was not one for being charming, though he was a good man. But Joseph—now he was the ideal man! He was captivating as well as handsome.”

“That he was.”

“You know that I think it a shame you never married again.”

A smile replaced Lady Ashcroft’s sad expression. “I should as you have told me often enough.”

“And that amiable Lord Landingham is in Ramsgate, and I know for a fact that he dotes on you. He is not short on looks either!”

“Violet,” Audrey warned, lowering of her voice. “You know how I feel about your match-making.”

“Well, I am just saying—”

“Let us change the subject.”

“Very well. Then may I request your help in a conspiracy?”

“And what conspiracy would that be?”

“The presence of my godson, Colonel Cochran, is not a coincidence.”

“Oh?”

“I had long suspected that he was in love with my niece, Alfreda. Only recently I learned that he asked to court her last year, and that horrid nephew of mine would not consent. Apparently, John threatened Alfreda if she informed me of the situation.”

“What do you intend to do?”

“I intend to put them in each other’s company at my birthday dinner. I want to give them a chance to meet again without John’s knowledge—to see if Alfreda still desires his suit. David has assured me that his feelings for my niece have not changed. Would you be willing to feign being unwell and ask Alfreda to accompany you into the garden for a breath of fresh air?  David will be waiting there.”

“Might not Mr. Wilkens follow us into the garden?”

“John always arrives late. He uses business issues as an excuse, but it is likely only his mistress that occupies his time. I have already made my intentions clear to have Alfreda here early, with or without his escort. If all goes as planned, John will arrive later and not realise that David is here until after he and Alfreda have talked. Also, I have enlisted Lord Landingham’s cooperation in keeping my nephew occupied once he does appear.”

“Marshall—I mean, Lord Landingham is going to attend your party?”

“Yes, and you may call him Marshall in my presence, dear. I know that you and he are very good friends.”

Audrey coloured, but did not deny the assertion.

“Now, are you willing to help me with this subterfuge?”

“Of course. I will do whatever I can to help you and Miss Wilkens. I just pray her brother does not discover your plan and cause a scene.”

“I will try to handle this discreetly, but make no mistake, if necessary, I will bring the full weight of Hawthorne Hall against my nephew. I happen to know that he gambles to such an extent that he desperately needs the inheritance he is to receive when I die. Between drink, gambling, and the whores that are his mistresses, he is a little more than a pauper. He is already indebted to me for a substantial loan. I even suspect he has spent Alfreda’s dowry, and that is why he has not allowed her to marry.”

Lady Ashcroft gasped. “What a horrible man! And he aspires to marry a friend of mine, Elizabeth Bennet.”

“Yes, Miss Bennet. I heard that she accompanied Alfreda to Gatesbridge and will attend my party. Other than that, I know only the gossip that surrounds her.”

“Gossip?”

“That she is gentlewoman with no dowry and no connections and that is why my nephew thinks she will consent to marriage.   However, I would caution any woman not to marry that braggart. I have even seriously considered not leaving him a farthing. The only reason I do not disinherit him is fear that he will blame Alfreda and confront her. She could never stand up to him if I am gone.”

At Audrey’s puzzled expression, she added, “My estate is not entailed, and I may leave it to whomever I wish. In fact, do not tell a soul, but I have changed my will. I have bequeathed fifty thousand pounds to Alfreda, and she will inherit a small estate near London. John is to get Hawthorne Hall and the rest of my fortune. So you see why I would like to see her married to David before I die. He believes that Alfreda will inherit only a small dowry, so he is no fortune hunter. I have no doubt he would protect her and keep John from gaining control of her inheritance.”

“Since Wilkens is floundering in debt, I would fear for my life if I were you. Especially should he learn of the change in your will.”

“I am certain my early demise would suit him immensely. I have fiercely loyal servants who guard my life, as well as two retired Bow-Street Runners hired for extra protection—bodyguards, if you will. They are rarely seen or heard even by my long-time servants.  For instance, if you will look to the roof, you will see a man next to the chimney with a rifle.” Audrey scanned the roof, finally setting eyes on the man when the sun glinted off the barrel of his weapon. His dark clothing blended in perfectly with the colour of the roof.  “And near the end of the terrace is a guard in the shrubs along the wall.” 

Finding the other man, Lady Ashcroft exclaimed, “Amazing. I would never have seen either of them.”

Violet Hawthorne laughed aloud. “That is the point of protection, is it not?”

“Still, it is a shame to have to be wary of your own kin.”

“I am not the first or the last to have that problem.  Just look at our monarchs. It has existed throughout history.”

“In any event, I am relieved to know that you are safe. Now, I shall have to see if I can remove Miss Bennet from Wilkens’ clutches. From your description, I fear that he may not let her leave as easily as she arrived. And I do want to warn her of his dissolute ways.”

“I think that is a wise decision. After all, she is not yet engaged to him, as far as I know.”

“Thank goodness for that. Now, let us make our plans to put the lovers together and to warn Miss Bennet.”

~~~*~~~

Gatesbridge Manor

As Elizabeth and Alfreda circled the garden, they said very little, each satisfied with the beautiful weather and time away from the master of the estate. Wilkens had hardly been in residence since the first day, staying in Town instead of at Gatesbridge. Alfreda made excuses for him, saying he was occupied with an important business matter that he hoped to resolve before long. This, of course, was no hardship for Elizabeth as she was glad to be free of his company. Finally reaching the end of the gravel walk that led back to the manor, Alfreda broke the silence.

“Would you prefer to go inside or shall we sit on the terrace to have our tea and biscuits?”

“It is such a beautiful day that I would prefer to stay outdoors.”

“Then it is settled.”

As they took the steps to the terrace, a newly-hired young maid stepped from the French doors that led into the drawing room, a letter in her hand. She executed a perfect curtsy before beaming at her mistress.

“Excuse me, madam, but this letter was just delivered for Miss Bennet.”

Suddenly Mrs. Cuthbert appeared behind her, an expression of displeasure on her face. “What are you doing?”

“I… I was just delivering this letter to Miss—”

Grabbing the letter from the maid, Mrs. Cuthbert declared with much indignation, “You should not have assumed that was your responsibility. Go about your duties, and the next time, ask me before you presume anything.”

Thoroughly chastised, the girl dropped another quick curtsy and fled in the direction from which she had come, visibly shaking. Meanwhile, Elizabeth had already stepped forward, holding out her hand, as she had been expecting a letter from Jane. Nevertheless, as she waited with palm extended, the housekeeper hesitated. Finally, Mrs. Cuthbert relented. Taken aback at the servant’s manner, Elizabeth would not express any gratitude.

Aware that both ladies were eyeing her circumspectly and that Alfreda had already taken a seat, Mrs. Cuthbert changed the subject.  “Shall I serve your tea and biscuits on the terrace?”

“Yes, please.”

The old housekeeper disappeared as quickly as she had materialized, and Elizabeth looked to Alfreda. If her hostess noted the woman’s attitude, she said nothing and Elizabeth’s joy at having heard from Jane far outweighed her concerns over the belligerent servant. Thus, she slid a finger under the seal and unfolded the letter.

Already reading, her face aglow, Elizabeth began explaining to her friend. “This letter has been forwarded from the Holmes residence. I suppose Jane had not gotten my letter telling her I was accompanying you to Ramsgate when she posted this.”

“What news of Hertfordshire?”

Elizabeth sat down as though her legs had gone weak, her face never leaving the paper though her expression brightened. “My sister is engaged to marry a wonderful man with sufficient means to take very good care of her. Is that not astonishing news?” She glanced up to note that Alfreda was no longer smiling. “Is there something the matter?”

Alfreda was having trouble hiding her disappointment. It was not lost on her that if one of the other Bennet sisters married well, then perhaps Elizabeth would not feel obligated to marry her brother in order to further her family. She was unable to form a reply, so Elizabeth continued.

“My sister is truly a good person, and the man she is marrying is her match in every way—kind, considerate, good-natured. I am exceedingly happy for her.”

Alfreda could not control her shaky voice. “When are they to marry?”

“Jane writes that it will be the first part of September.” Elizabeth whirled around in a circle, her arms extended as she celebrated. “Oh happy day! I could not be more thrilled.”

“May I ask you something personal?”

Elizabeth came to an abrupt halt, the sound of Alfreda’s voice an indication of her despondency. She nodded, fearing what was to come.

“You are not happy with my brother, are you?”

Elizabeth’s eyes sought her shoes as her head swung right to left. “No, I am not.”

“I see.” Alfreda stood and walked to the edge of the terrace to stare into the distance. “I can understand why, and I do not fault you. Honestly, I do not. I suppose I was just so hopeful that I would finally have a sister.” She turned to examine Elizabeth. “And you are so kind and so full of life. It would have been so nice to be your sister.”

Astonished at her friend’s openness, Elizabeth walked over to take Alfreda’s hands. “We shall always be friends.”

“I pray that we shall. But, let me caution you. Do not inform Brother of your decision until we are once again in London, and you are in the bosom of your family. I fear he will not take it well.”

Elizabeth nodded even as Alfreda spoke, so she continued. “I am afraid that you may not understand the seriousness of this. He will be very angry. He has courted several women in recent months, all of whom have broken ties with him. To be honest, I know that he presumed, because of your circumstances, that you would not dare refuse him. I fear what he will do if he suspects you do not want to continue the courtship.”

“Then I will take you advice and not mention it until we are back in London.”

Alfreda sighed as though relieved. “Let us talk of it no more and strive to enjoy our short time together. We shall have a marvellous time at my aunt’s party tomorrow. I just know that you will love Aunt Violet, as you remind me a lot of her.”

“How so?”