The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (35 page)

“Hmm….” Mr. Bennet mulled this over, staring intently at his hands. “How many other people are aware of your scandalous behavior?”

Ignoring this jibe, Elizabeth replied, “William’s cousin and sister. And we told Jane and Mr. Bingley last night. Also, a couple people in France.”

“But what about Fenton?” Mr. Bennet asked. “He has no incentive to keep quiet about what he saw in the drawing room.”

Elizabeth was at a loss, conceiving of no way to work on such a man. But Darcy spoke: “I will pay Mr. Fenton a visit later. I think I can persuade him to remain discreet.” Elizabeth was not sure what kind of pressure Darcy would apply, but if he was confident of success, that was enough for her.

Finally her father appeared to be calming himself. “If it is possible to stem the gossip even temporarily…That would be well….”

Darcy took advantage of Mr. Bennet’s improved mood. Slowly he pulled out some papers from his coat pocket. “While I was in London, I had my solicitor draw up settlement papers for our marriage. They arrange a sum of money to be settled on Elizabeth and provide for her should I die without an heir. I do regret that circumstances would not allow you to approve them before the ceremony. Would you like to peruse them now?”

Elizabeth regarded Darcy with surprise; this was the first she had learned of a settlement, although they were a customary part of many marriages. Wordlessly, Mr. Bennet held out his hand with a resigned air. Darcy placed the papers in her father’s hand. They both watched his face as he inspected them – and as his belligerent expression turned to one of surprise. Finally he frowned at Darcy, “This is exceedingly generous. Are you certain you can spare the money for such a settlement?”

Elizabeth knew Darcy would be loath to discuss his financial affairs with anyone, but he was aware such a conversation might partially alleviate some of his father-in-law’s distress. “I know that all of Hertfordshire has been talking of my ten thousand pounds a year; I never felt it necessary to correct that impression. The truth is that my holdings amount to far more.” Elizabeth’s eyes opened wide at this news. They had never had cause to discuss his assets. As he continued to talk with Mr. Bennet, he gazed steadily at her. “The settlement will not cause any hardship and it is no less than Elizabeth deserves.” She seemed doomed to blush her way through the day, she thought, as she felt her cheeks grow warm once more.

Mr. Bennet put down the papers and sighed. “Very well, young man, I can see that your intentions toward my daughter are honorable and your affection for her is genuine. I only wish you could have conducted your affairs in a more orderly fashion.”

Elizabeth turned her attention back to her father and grinned impishly. “What else would you expect of me, Papa?”

Mr. Bennet shook his head at his second-oldest daughter. “I should have known that strict observance of propriety was beyond your capabilities, my dear, but I do believe you have a fair chance of happiness.”

“As do I, Papa.” She smiled sweetly at him.

“Very well, off with you lovebirds! I believe I need a glass of brandy and a book to recover from today’s events.” With that dismissal, Darcy and Elizabeth exited the room.

Elizabeth and Darcy retired to the empty drawing room. Darcy exhaled a long breath. “That was not as terrible as it could have been.” Elizabeth looked at him in disbelief; he quirked an eyebrow at her. “Well, he could have challenged me to a duel.” She laughed, but sobered immediately as soon as the door was closed.

“If you were not regretting marrying me before, you surely are now.” She said it with a smile on her face, but Darcy saw a flicker of concern in her eyes.

Darcy did not sink into a chair, but instead turned to Elizabeth and pressed her up against the door. “When will you start believing me? I have said this before:
nothing
could make me regret marrying you,” he said hoarsely. Placing a hand on either side of her head, he leaned in for a fervent kiss.

When he pulled back to gaze on her, her eyes were half drugged with passion and he was certain the expression on his face was much the same. “Can I come to you again tonight at Netherfield?” He whispered.

She nodded. “But I do not know how I will survive until then.”

Darcy shook his head ruefully. “I know. Perhaps we should sit down – on separate pieces of furniture.” Elizabeth gave a shaky laugh and seated herself in a chair while Darcy chose a slightly worn settee.

There was a long pause. “We have been enjoying very fine weather lately.” Elizabeth said with the disinterested air of hostess addressing an acquaintance. Darcy laughed at her tone and impudent smile.
What an impossible situation we find ourselves in!
“The roads will be in good condition.”

Darcy stood and started pacing. “That is just as well since I believe I must leave for London tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” Elizabeth was unable to mask her disappointment. “You have only been in Hertfordshire for a handful of days.”

“My love, it cannot be avoided. The investigator believes Wickham may have returned to London. I must be present in person to ‘encourage’ his marriage to Lydia.”

“Then I will come with you.” Elizabeth’s tone was matter of fact.

“That would be lovely, my dear, but you know you cannot. Your reputation would suffer from spending the night at the house with a supposedly unmarried man.”

“I shall not be visiting
you
,” she said in mock indignation. “I have a letter from Georgiana inviting me to stay at Darcy House whenever I like. There is nothing untoward in accepting her invitation.”

Darcy came to a halt directly before her chair; he meditated on her proposal for a moment. “Georgiana is staying with my Aunt and Uncle Fitzwilliam, but I could retrieve her for your visit. She would be pleased to see you and her companion, Mrs. Annesley, will be there as well. I suppose that would be acceptable to your parents. More importantly for my purposes, she would prove to be a very lenient chaperone.”

Elizabeth’s face clouded over. “Oh, but your aunt and uncle! They did not want you to be seen with me. Perhaps I could stay with my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Although they are already hosting Lydia….”

For a long moment, Darcy said nothing as he stared at the space over her left shoulder. “No,” he said abruptly. “I have played by my aunt’s rules long enough. It is not as if my visit to Hertfordshire is a secret. Eventually the members of the
ton
will learn where my interests lie.”

“Are you certain?” Darcy nodded curtly. She stood, throwing her arms around his neck, and kissed him. “No doubt this will be a visit to remember.”

It was all arranged very expeditiously. Mr. Bennet had no objection as long as the
appearance
of propriety was maintained. Elizabeth was certain that his concerns over the swift resolution of Lydia’s dilemma played a part in his acquiescence. Still oblivious to Darcy’s interest in Elizabeth, Mrs. Bennet seemed dubious about the plan until Elizabeth pointed out that Miss Darcy would undoubtedly know many wealthy and eligible men. This idea transported Mrs. Bennet into such raptures that she started thinking about how Kitty could accompany them until Elizabeth noted that her sister had not been included in Georgiana’s invitation.

Jane’s ankle had healed sufficiently so she could return to Longbourn after Elizabeth departed Netherfield. Darcy sent Georgiana an express advising her of the change in plans and made a very quiet visit to Mr. Fenton to ensure his silence – although Elizabeth never learned exactly what he said to the other man. The next day found them on the road to London, accompanied by a maid Bingley had spared from Netherfield to act as Elizabeth’s “chaperone.”

Mrs. Green, the housekeeper at Darcy House, was accustomed to the master’s comings and goings, so she was not surprised to see him appear in the front hall. However, at the sight of Elizabeth she seemed somewhat flummoxed. Without any words of explanation, Darcy said, “Mrs. Green, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She will be staying in the yellow room.”

Mrs. Green blinked rapidly in surprise. “The y-yellow room, sir?”

“As I directed. I would hope you can have it prepared by the time she retires. I also expect there will be absolutely no talk among the servants.” This was Darcy at his most imperious, and the housekeeper blanched.

“Y-yes, sir.”

Darcy escorted Elizabeth into the drawing room. “Why is the yellow room special?” She asked as they settled into the room’s elegant embroidered chairs.

“It has not been used since my mother’s death. It adjoins the master’s chambers.”

“They will believe you brought home a mistress! Why not spare the poor woman the shock and tell her the truth? I am certain she would keep her own counsel if she values her position.”

“Yes, but I am not certain all of the servants may be trusted. I will tell her in time.” Darcy said imperturbably.

“I do believe you are enjoying shocking the servants!” She said with a laugh. “You wish them to believe you might do something as out of character as bringing home a mistress.”

Darcy shook his head, but did not deny the charge. “I cannot endure having you here at
our
house and not having you occupy the mistress’s chamber. Anywhere else would be too far away from me.”

Elizabeth considered for a moment. “I am not certain this is how I would care to begin my tenure as the mistress of the house since the servants do not know me. Perhaps I should stay in another room.”

Darcy’s eyes flashed fire. “Absolutely not! We have compromised much for the sake of secrecy; I am tired of the sacrifices.” Then he sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “I will make the circumstances clear to a few key servants who I can trust. The others must remain confused for the time being.”

After a moment he smiled provocatively at her. “Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked archly.

“It has just occurred to me that you are too far away and my lap is very empty.” He gave her a crooked grin.

When the maid brought them refreshments, she said nothing, but upon her return to the kitchen she reported in scandalized tones that the Bennet woman was on the master’s lap with the top buttons of her dress undone – and the master had on neither his coat nor his cravat! Mrs. Green goggled a little at this news, but soon recovered and informed the maid frostily that there was to be no talk about it.

Georgiana returned home later that afternoon, thrilled to spend more time with her new sister. Elizabeth was no less pleased and they soon settled in Georgiana’s sitting room. Darcy was happy to have his two favorite women for dinner and anticipated many pleasant evenings with the three of them at Pemberley. That first night at Darcy House gave him even more reason to look forward to their nights.

Less pleasant was Elizabeth’s obligatory visit to the Gardiners’ house the following morning. Lydia was unrepentant about the anguish she had occasioned her family and insensible to the damage she had done to her reputation. Elizabeth marveled at the naiveté with which her sister expressed her confidence that Wickham would return to her.

“But, he will still expect me to be at the Three Crowns.” She explained to Elizabeth peevishly. “I don’t see why I had to come away from the inn. He may have difficulty finding me.” Elizabeth reminded her sister that she had needed to leave the inn because she had no means of paying for her room. She also tried to instill a sense of gratitude toward the Gardiners, but Lydia was immune to such hints, only complaining about not being allowed to return to Longbourn. Elizabeth left with the knowledge that her sister was as silly as always and her unwarranted faith in Wickham was unshakable.

Elizabeth did, however, have a more pleasant visit with her Aunt Gardiner and, as they walked in the park, she revealed the secret of their marriage. Her father had agreed that her aunt should know and could be trusted to share it with no one but her uncle. Mrs. Gardiner expressed surprise at the marriage itself, but no shock at all about the depth of Darcy’s affection for Elizabeth. His love for their niece had been quite evident to the Gardiners even before he risked life and limb to rescue her from France.

When Elizabeth returned to Darcy House she learned that they had been invited to Darcy’s aunt and uncle’s house for dinner that evening. Darcy regarded the small family party as an opportunity for his new wife to get to know his family – even if most of them did not know they were already related. Elizabeth was a little apprehensive, but Darcy assured her that she would be brilliant as always.

He felt a great sense of contentment as he escorted his two favorite women to the carriage that evening. It was such a relief to be with Georgiana and act like a married couple. He handed Georgiana into the coach while resting his hand on the small of Elizabeth’s back, but once Georgiana was in, Darcy could not resist the temptation to pull his wife against the side of the coach for a long, lingering kiss. Fortunately, the street was deserted. The coachman raised his eyebrows, but wisely said nothing. Darcy handed Elizabeth in, climbed in himself and they were away.

None of the party noticed a man lingering in the shadow of a tree near a house some way up the street. Although it was growing dark, he had seen everything very clearly.
Oho!
Thought George Wickham.
Darcy nurtures a passion for Elizabeth Bennet!
Most likely Darcy would only make her his mistress, but he
was
very proper, so there was the possibility they were planning marriage. Rules of polite society considered kisses between the affianced acceptable – and Darcy was so very honorable.