Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love-kindle (72 page)

Audrey hugged Georgiana, placing a kiss on her forehead. “And you are just as dear to me.” Composing herself, she added, “Now, run along if you are determined to locate your brother. It is getting late, and I am sure that Cook has dinner almost prepared.”

As Georgiana walked away, Audrey’s thoughts returned to the man she loved with all her heart—Marshall Landingham. Could she abide by the advice she had given her niece?

Think of the bond you shared with him and how to establish your future relationship.

Could she accept that he had once loved Anne? Searching her heart, she could not make sense of all the emotions that swirled within it. Recognising the futility of knowing her own heart at this point, she felt she had no choice but to delay talking to Marshall until she did. Slowly, she made her way to her rooms, all the while wondering if she would ever be certain of anything again.

The partial letters that Landingham had purloined from Gisela’s house were still lying on her dresser. She had known that she would want to read them again when she was alone. And that is what she did.  

~~~*~~~

Grantham Townhouse

Mr. Boatwright made his way gingerly past the Mistress, meaning to place the letter that had just been delivered on her desk without waking her. As usual, Gisela Darcy had fallen asleep on the sofa in her study without bothering to return to her bedroom the night before. A half-empty bottle of brandy sat on the floor next to her.

After he placed the missive in plain sight, he turned to leave, stopping to take one last look at her to be sure that she was breathing. He shook his head, thinking to himself that she looked no better than most of the whores on the Mint.
18

He was tiptoeing out of the room when she sat up and called out. “What the devil are you doing?

“I… I was trying not to wake you, madam,” he answered, disappointed to have been caught.

Gisela placed her legs on the floor as she raised both arms towards the ceiling and stretched. “I was just taking a nap. Why were you in here?”

“There was a letter delivered this morning. I placed it on the desk.”

Gisela flew to the desk and picked up the letter. “Who is it from? Why did you not tell me immediately?”

“There is nothing to indicate who sent it, and last night you told me not to—”

“Quiet! I cannot think with all your babbling!”

Boatwright dropped his head and waited while she broke the seal and read the message she recognised as written by Wickham’s hand though it was unsigned.

Madam,

A stroke of good luck! Having my associate watch Darcy’s house has been profitable. He observed Elizabeth Bennet leave the residence in Darcy’s carriage and followed her. She is now residing on Gracechurch Street. I have moved the surveillance to this residence, which I understand belongs to her uncle, a man named Gardiner, who is in trade.

According to my contacts, the maid next door claims Miss Bennet is fond of walking in the park across the street very early in the morning. If this is true, it will make my job almost effortless. Should she walk out tomorrow morning, I shall have her at Stillwater before noon!

I suggest you leave town before Darcy finds out she is missing! I will see you again at the estate.

Finally she looked up at the butler. “Have you shipped those trunks that I had packed yesterday? The ones to Weymouth?”

“Yes, madam.”

“Good. Have my coach readied to leave at dawn. Oh, and have that new maid— what is her name?”

“Daisy?”

“Yes, have her pack the rest of my clothes. I shall be leaving tomorrow, but only the usual servants shall attend me—Grimsby, Grady, you know the others.”

Boatwright knew the ones she referred to—those that more closely resembled the riffraff that normally loitered outside his brother’s pub, without a farthing to buy a pint, than a proper servant. Why she wanted to surround herself with such people was beyond his imagination.

With that pronouncement, Gisela swept out of the room like she was the Queen and proceeded up the grand staircase, halting half-way to turn and call, “Mr. Boatwright!”

Since he had moved to the foyer to watch her leave, he quickly answered, “Madam?”

“I suggest that you and Mrs. Boatwright take that trip you were planning.” At his confused look, she added, “Some time ago you mentioned wanting to visit your son. I am going on a long trip and will not be back for several months… perhaps longer. Leave a note with your address, and I shall send for you upon my return.” Without another word from either party, she continued up the stairs and disappeared at the top.

The elderly man sighed and went in search of his wife. Perhaps they would do just that. He had managed to save enough to move to Yorkshire where his son lived, and he had had enough of Mrs. Darcy to last a lifetime. 

~~~*~~~

Gracechurch Street
Gardiner Residence

Elizabeth could not breathe. The air in the bedroom she shared with Jane was stifling due to the humidity and the fact that the window had not been opened because of the rain. She felt she simply must have some fresh air, and the only solution, in her opinion, was to go for a walk. Glancing out the window, she noted that the entire world still seemed cloaked in a drab grey, though it had to be nearly dawn. It was obvious that the sun would not break through the clouds today. 

Nevertheless, she was determined that the lack of sunshine would not keep her from the park. At least within its borders she felt liberated, and she had not felt such freedom since she had been placed under John Wilkens’ power by her uncle. Shivering involuntarily at the thought of that horrible man, Elizabeth forced herself to think instead of the one who made her smile.

Fitzwilliam did say that he would be in the park no matter how early I walk out.

Donning her white muslin gown, she pulled on a dark green spencer, a pair of tan kidskin gloves and her short, brown walking boots. She stopped to examine Jane’s bonnet which lay on the dresser exactly where she had discarded it yesterday. Having no idea where her own had disappeared, Elizabeth thought that it would likely come in handy since it was raining and she had no parasol. With one last glance at her sleeping sister, she placed the purloined item on her head and stole out of the bedroom and down the stairs.

Taking for granted that Mr. James, the elderly footman, would not yet be awake to accompany her, she wondered if she could be so fortunate as not to encounter any servants as she made her escape, especially Mrs. Doane. Elizabeth had no use for that nosy woman, never doubting that the housekeeper would awaken the entire house if she discovered her intentions. Fully aware that there would be a price to pay should her family awaken to find her missing, she decided she must take the chance. She had no reason to believe that her father would let her go out alone, and she simply had to see Fitzwilliam once more…
and not with Papa looking over my shoulder.

As she approached the front door, the muffled sound of something being dropped on the thick carpet in the dining room drew her attention. It was followed by an incomprehensible oath sworn by Mrs. Doane. Stiffening, Elizabeth stood absolutely still until she was sure that that woman would not materialise right before her eyes. Then saying a silent prayer of thanksgiving as all became quiet once more, she slipped out of the door completely undetected.

A sombre and breathless calm accompanied the misting rain, and for a brief moment, she stood motionless, profoundly affected by the dreariness. How she wished for a sunny day to raise her spirits! Nevertheless, as she took a deep breath, Elizabeth realised that at least the air smelled cleaner, and that made the dampness a bit more bearable. Beginning to walk in the drizzle, she was also thankful that she had decided in favour of borrowing Jane’s bonnet, an item that she normally avoided because it obstructed her view. Smiling to herself, she remembered how Fitzwilliam had begged her not to wear one.

Your face is too beautiful to hide beneath anything, especially a wide brimmed bonnet. I want to see your eyes, nay, your entire face, whenever we are together.

Though she did not think herself beautiful in the least, the remembrance of his entreaty made her heart swell. She could not hold back a smile as her footsteps became lighter, and she almost skipped as she increased her pace towards the park.

Finally having crossed the lane, she reached the gate that led to the trail that she always enjoyed exploring, and as she traversed the familiar territory, her shoulders began to relax. All at once, the misting rain came to a complete stop, so she untied the ribbons that held the bonnet, removed it entirely and began to swing it by the gaily coloured streamers.

Occupied by more pleasant thoughts, she was totally unaware that someone waited only yards ahead, just off the pathway. His clothes were dark, and he blended into the trees, which also conspired to hide his presence. His hat was pulled down over his face which made him look ominous and a sense of foreboding possessed her when she eventually spied him.

“Elizabeth?”

It was not until she realised that the voice belonged to William, that her heart began to beat again. Bringing her hands to her chest, she exclaimed with relief, “Fitzwilliam, you frightened me half to death!”

“Forgive me, my love. I confess I have been propped against that oak for the last hour. I must have closed my eyes for a moment and did not realise that you had come until you were upon me.”

While he was expressing his regret, Elizabeth bent down to retrieve the bonnet she had dropped in her surprise, and the ring that she wore inside her décolletage fell from its hiding place. As was her habit, she toyed with it as she rose to face him. The signet was a great source of comfort when they were apart, and she meant to tell him so. However, upon seeing how his expression had changed to one of alarm, all that she wished to say escaped her.

“What in heaven’s name are you doing in this park before daylight? And where is your escort? You led me to believe that a footman always accompanied you on your walks. You do realise that Wickham is still free and could be in London this very minute?!”

Elizabeth bristled, slipping the ring back into its hiding place.  Indignantly she replied, “It is raining so there will be no daylight this morning. And since it is very early, there was no footman about, and I was not about to awaken one.”

William stepped forward to take her in his arms, holding her a little too tightly. He was relieved when she did not resist. He missed her ardently, so much so that he was almost ill whenever he thought of not seeing her whenever he wished. And since she was no longer staying with him, her safety was a constant worry as well. Nevertheless, the minute she became irritated, he regretted his words. He had no wish to disagree with her today of all days, as this could likely be their last meeting for some time.

Eager to calm the situation, he murmured in her ear, “Please forgive me if I spoke too harshly. It is only because I love you so dearly that I implore you to be careful. I cannot sleep now that you are no longer under my roof. How can I possibly survive if something happened to you? Surely, you realise that that is the reason for my censure?”

Elizabeth relaxed in his arms. “Forgive my fit of pique. I recognize that you are upset because you are worried for my wellbeing. It is only…” She sighed heavily. “I confess that my mother’s attacks have left me sensitive to criticism, any criticism, whether justified or not.”

“Was she very unforgiving?”

Elizabeth nodded against his chest, and he kissed the top of her head and rested his cheek there.

“I promise to work as zealously as possible to obtain a divorce, and just as soon as I have opportunity, I shall travel to Netherfield so that we can be together.”

Elizabeth sought his face. “Do you suppose Papa will let us see one another once you are in Meryton?”

“I pray that he will. Else we shall have to meet clandestinely. But be forewarned, I shall not be gainsaid on this matter. I cannot live without seeing you.” He steadied her chin with one finger, and all the love he felt in his heart now shone in his eyes. “I love you, Elizabeth Bennet. You are precious to me— a light in the darkness of my soul.”

She had sworn not to cry, but at this sweet avowal, tears rolled down her cheeks. “I love you just as fiercely.”

Relaxing into him, her hands slid inside his coat to his back, while his hands pressed her hips to his. A delicious throng of sensations ensued, and his desire for her became more evident as she sunk her fingertips into his skin, saying softly, “Never stop loving me.”

Instantly their lips were joined, the bond becoming more urgent as the kiss intensified. It was as though both sought the strength to survive the coming separation in that one kiss. Freed from traditional fetters, their hands found forbidden places and desire crushed William’s vaulted self-control. It was only when his horse whinnied, startling them both, that the spell was broken. 

Opening his eyes and finding no one else in sight, he feathered less fervent kisses down Elizabeth’s face and throat before laying his head atop hers. With a half-breathless murmur of amazement and incredulity he whispered, “Do you know how much I adore you, my darling? I fear I have not the words to express it.”

Her face was buried in the crook of his neck and she placed a gentle kiss there. “In my opinion, you express yourself faultlessly.”

Lost once more in a satisfying embrace, it was some time before William walked Elizabeth back to the gate where she had entered the park. Pleased that they had encountered no one, as they reached the wrought-iron gate he leaned in for one last chaste kiss. Then, he stood guard as Elizabeth made her way back to the entrance of her uncle’s residence. At the doorstep, she smiled and waved, then entered the house.

For what seemed like an eternity, William did not budge but kept his eyes fixed on the door. Finally, convinced that she was safe, he turned and made his way back to the tree where he had tied his horse. And by the time he was nearing Grosvenor Square, he had come to a conclusion. He would assign several of his servants to keep Elizabeth under surveillance without telling her. Knowing the woman he loved, she would not be pleased, and most likely Mr. Bennet would take offense if he learned of it. But, at least it would give him some peace of mind.