Falling for Elizabeth Bennet Page 19

  Richard replies, “Georgie, also decided to retire. I believe that my little cousin was just as worried about her new sister as you were. It was surprising how quickly Georgie came to care about Lizzy. It is good to see. They will be good for one another.”

  Darcy sighs. “Yes, it is good to see. Thank you, Richard.” Turning to Wickham, Darcy asks, “Wickham, with your permission, I would like to have Richard speak with your colonel here in London to see if you can stay here. I believe that I am going to need your assistance until Miss Bingley is taken care of, and you are the one who can testify to the conditions that Elizabeth was found in.”

  Wickham looks from Darcy to Richard and says, “Darcy, I can return to camp. I do not wish to intrude. I am sure that Colonel Fitzwilliam can locate me if I am needed.”

  Richard replies, “Wickham, I know your colonel well. It would be best to stay here with Darcy, and besides, the food and drink is much better here. Darcy, if you can spare me now, I will leave and go and speak with Wickham’s colonel now and give the general an update regarding Mrs. Darcy—I mean Miss Bennet.”

  Darcy replies, “Thank you, Richard. I appreciate your help.”

  With that Richard departs. Darcy stands, turns to Wickham, inviting him, “Why do we not retire to my study? I would like to have a more private conversation with you.”

  Wickham rises and says, “Of course, Darcy.”

  Once Wickham is seated in Darcy’s study, he turns to Wickham and asks, “May I pour you a drink?”

  Wickham replies, “Thank you, but no.”

  Darcy sits behind his desk. “George, first of all, thank you for finding Elizabeth. I was at the end of my tether, trying to find her. She is my world.”

  Wickham shrugs. “Darcy, you and Richard are giving me far more credit than I deserve. I overheard a conversation and acted on that information. I did no more than that.”

  Darcy leans forward. “George, you did far more than that, but I will not argue the point with you. I am curious though. How did you come to be in the militia?”

  Wickham takes a deep breath. “Darcy, as you know, when we were at Cambridge together, I started running with a wild crowd. I would drink and gamble and run up debts, debts that you covered for me. I saw that I had lost your friendship and respect just as I lost Fitzwilliam’s. I also wasted the gift your father gave me so that I could have a decent life, and instead, I threw it all away just for a game of chance.”

  Darcy quietly asks, “George, what made you change your habits? I have noticed since you have been here that you only drink tea or coffee.”

  Wickham replies, “I try not to drink anything but coffee or tea. Only on rare occasions do I have a drink anymore. I let that take over my life, and that helped lead me to my ruin. As to what made me change, one night I won a huge pot of money, and for once, I was sober at the time. I looked around the table and saw the despair in one of the men’s faces as he was trying to win back what he had previously lost and was trying to feed his family and thought this would be the quickest way. I realized that gambling could hurt people—badly. I waited until my so-called friends had left to get more drinks, and I handed him his money back and told him not to gamble anymore. I know that your father meant well by leaving me the living at Kympton, but I was not meant for the church, and studying law just did not sound like something I would enjoy. So the only honorable thing that I could find was to join the militia as I did not know any trade. I used the pot of money to pay off all the outstanding debts that I had. I wanted to join the regulars but did not have the funds to do so, so I joined the militia. I know that I used to tease you about being proper and good all the time, but now I understand the value of that. In fact, I am trying to be as good of a person as you are. I would like to think that in time your father would have been proud of me. I hope to one day pay you and Fitzwilliam back for the debts you both covered, and perhaps one day I will earn your friendship again.”

  Darcy is silent for a moment and then quietly asks, “George, if you were able to do anything you wanted to in life, what would you do?”

  Wickham replies, “Darcy, even with all the options that are out there, I would still elect to get a commission in the regulars. I feel bound to serve. I need to atone for my past, and defending England from Napoleon is one way that I can start.”

  Darcy stands and starts pacing back and forth. Finally, he turns and says, “George, thank you for the safe return of my wife. That means more than you know. George, as I am sure you have figured out, Elizabeth has falling sickness. I am going to ask you to keep this information to yourself. If this information were to get out, the ton would reject her, and I do not want that for Elizabeth.”

  Wickham replies, “Darcy, I will guard Miss Elizabeth’s secret. I know that you do not trust me yet, but I would not harm an innocent. Society is hard enough as it is. I am happy for you, Darcy. I would not have thought that you would have picked Miss Elizabeth as your lady wife, but I can see she is good for you. You are very lucky, Darcy.”

  Darcy replies, “Yes, I know. Elizabeth encouraged me to speak with you. I will be honest. At first, I was not sure what I should say. I am glad I listened to her. I am glad to have heard your story.”

  There is a knock at the door, and when bidden, Abbot opens the door and says, “Pardon me, sir. Mrs. Darcy is awake and asking for you.”

  Darcy turns to Wickham. “Please excuse me, George. I need to see Elizabeth. Please make yourself at home. I will see you in the morning.”

  When Darcy enters his wife’s bedchambers, Elizabeth is sitting on the chaise lounge by the window. Darcy kisses her cheek and asks, “How are you this evening, Mrs. Darcy?”

  Elizabeth giggles. “I am well, Fitzwilliam. Amy is bringing us a tea tray.”

  Darcy sits down next to Elizabeth. “I took your advice and spoke to Wickham. You were right. He has changed.”

  Amy knocks on the door and enters with the tea tray. Once Amy is gone, Darcy relates the story that Wickham has just shared with him. When he is finished, Elizabeth asks, “Fitzwilliam, what are you going to do?”

  Darcy looks at her with a raised brow.

  Elizabeth laughs. “Fitzwilliam, I know you plan to do something even if you do not yet realize it. If you had not thought to do anything, I would encourage you to do so.”

  Darcy chuckles. “I do have some ideas, but I need to speak with Richard first.”

  Elizabeth sighs. “Fitzwilliam, you need to decide what story we are going to tell Georgie. We were able to withhold the story today, but I do not believe we will be able to do so tomorrow. I believe that she is old enough to be told the whole story. The only thing that I would withhold from Georgie is the name of the person responsible. I would also bring that piece of lace that you found in Fitz’s mouth when we tell Georgie the story. Maybe Georgie can help us with it.”

  The next morning, after everyone has broken their fast, Elizabeth and Georgiana are in the music room, playing the pianoforte, and the men are in Darcy’s study, discussing the situation. Darcy sits down with Richard and Wickham in his study. Once seated, Richard looks at Darcy. “How is Lizzy doing?”

  Darcy replies, “Richard, she is doing well, eating and resting every few hours, but during the night, she is very restless. She is only able to relax if she sleeps in my arms. Please forgive me. I know this is not a subject to normally speak of, but it is how things are. When we join the ladies in the music room, Elizabeth is going to tell Georgie what happened. Elizabeth feels that Georgie is old enough to be told the truth. The only thing that we are not sharing is who is responsible. Elizabeth also wants me to bring the scrap of lace that was in Fitz’s mouth. She seems to think that the piece may help us somehow.”

  Richard and Wickham look at each other, and Wickham responds, “I would be interested in knowing how a piece of lace could be helpful.”

  Richard asks, “Darcy, has Lizzy had any spells or other problems?”

  Darcy sighs. “I have not been able to ask Elizabe
th everything about what she has endured. I admit I am afraid to ask her.”

  Richard leans forward. “Darcy, you must ask her. You cannot let this fester.”

  Darcy nods. “I will ask her. I promise. Let us go join the ladies.”

  When Darcy enters the music room, Elizabeth and Georgiana are playing a silly duet and laughing at themselves. When they are done, Darcy claps and says, “Well done, ladies. Please have a seat. Georgie, Elizabeth is going to tell you what happened to her.”

  Darcy is pleased when Elizabeth chooses to sit next to him. Darcy silently holds Elizabeth’s hand as he listens to her relate her story to Georgiana. When Elizabeth has finished telling her story, Georgiana asks, “Lizzy, are you well? Have you had any spells or worse?”

  Darcy feels Elizabeth tense, and he squeezes her hand, and she relaxes, “No, Georgie. I have not had any spells. I was fortunate in that the person who had me taken also paid to make sure I was not harmed, so aside from not eating or bathing too regularly, I am well.”

  Darcy relaxes as Georgiana asks some of the questions that he had wanted to ask and was glad to hear Elizabeth’s replies. Darcy looks at Georgiana and says, “Georgie, this piece of lace was found in Fitz’s mouth when we discovered that Elizabeth was missing. She believes that this might help us find out who had her taken.”

  Darcy watches in surprise as Georgiana starts bouncing on her chair.

  Darcy says, “Georgie, quit bouncing on the chair. What is wrong with you?”

  Georgiana replies, “Brother, Elizabeth is right. The lace might help us find out who hurt Lizzy.”

  The men all look at Georgiana. Darcy finally asks, “Georgie, how can a piece of lace possibly help us find out who hurt Elizabeth?”

  Georgiana replies, “Brother, the lace is of a high quality. Some ladies in society are so particular about fashion that they will buy up all of a certain fabric or lace so that no one else can copy their style.”

  Elizabeth turns to Darcy. “Perhaps we should visit my aunt and uncle. They may be able to help us. My uncle’s export-and-import business has given him many contacts that may be helpful.”

  Darcy raises Elizabeth’s hand and gives it a kiss and says, “Ladies, thank you for your ideas. We will look into this.” Darcy stands and holds out his arm. “Elizabeth, would you please join me in the library?”

  Elizabeth stands and, putting her hand on his arm, replies, “Of course, Fitzwilliam. Please excuse us, everyone.”

  Darcy leads Elizabeth to a sofa in his study and has her sit down. He sits next to Elizabeth for a moment before he stands and starts pacing. Darcy sits back down, gently picks up Elizabeth’s hand, and asks, “Sweetheart, I know you said that you were not hurt, but I need to know—did anyone . . .” Darcy struggles to find the words.

  Elizabeth squeezes Darcy’s hand and says, “Fitzwilliam, you may ask me any question—even if it is embarrassing for us both.”

  Darcy sighs. “Love, did anyone hurt you physically? I mean in an intimate way.” Darcy watches as Elizabeth blushes in embarrassment and says, “Fitzwilliam, no one hurt me in that manner. The only injuries that I suffered were the marks on my wrists from the rope. When I had a cellmate, I was only shoved—that did not leave any marks. I believe that while what Miss Bingley did was horrible and she was jealous of the attention you paid to me, she also paid a great deal of money to ensure that no real harm came to me. I was just to be removed from your sight.”

  Darcy releases the breath he did not realize he was holding. He leans forward and asks, “Sweetheart, have you had any spells or any other health issues?”

  Elizabeth leans forward and kisses Darcy on the cheek and says, “No, Husband. I am not aware of having had any spells—I have had no signs like I have in the past.”

  Darcy stands and pulls Elizabeth into his arms, saying, “Elizabeth, I am so sorry that this has happened to you. I will never be able to erase what you endured.”

  Elizabeth tightens her arms around him and tips her head back, looking up at him, saying, “Husband, it is in the past. Remember to think of the past as only to give you pleasure. I love you, Fitzwilliam.”

  With that, Elizabeth places her head on his chest, and together, they are content to hold each other.

  Chapter 20

  During the course of the next few days, Darcy watches over Elizabeth to make sure she continues to rest and regain her strength. The dancing lessons continue as well. Darcy has secretly been teaching Elizabeth a scandalous new dance—the waltz. Elizabeth really enjoys this dance because it is a simple dance and looks so elegant as she has watched Darcy dance the waltz with Georgiana. Darcy enjoys the waltz as it allows him to hold Elizabeth in his arms. As a surprise, Darcy has invited the Gardiners to visit to check on Elizabeth and to see if they would be able to help Darcy. Lost in thought Darcy starts when Abbot announces the Gardiners.

  Darcy stands. “Abbot, please show them to the drawing room and ask Mrs. Darcy to join me here.”

  A few minutes later, Elizabeth enters Darcy’s study and says, “Fitzwilliam, Abbot said you wanted to see me.”

  Darcy smiles. “Sweetheart, your aunt and uncle are here to see us, and I thought we could greet them together.” Darcy watches as Elizabeth smiles and her eyes sparkle.

  “Come, Fitzwilliam. Let us go visit our family.”

  Darcy and Elizabeth enter the drawing room together, and he watches as Mrs. Gardiner rushes over to hug Elizabeth. Darcy crosses the room and shakes Mr. Gardiner’s hand. “Welcome to Darcy House. I am glad you could come.”

  Mr. Gardiner replies, “Mr. Darcy, thank you for letting us know that Lizzy was found safe. We thank you for the letter and for letting us see Lizzy. We were so worried about her.”

  Darcy watches as Elizabeth crosses over to kiss her uncle on the cheek and gives him a quick hug before returning to Darcy’s side. Darcy turns to Mrs. Gardiner. “Mrs. Gardiner, my apologies for not having you visit sooner. I wanted to make sure Elizabeth was well rested from her ordeal.”

  Mrs. Gardiner replies, “Mr. Darcy, you do not need to say anything. We can see how devoted you are to our niece.”

  Darcy turns to Mr. Gardiner and says, “Sir, I wonder if while we are having tea we could tell you Elizabeth’s story and ask for your assistance.”

  Mr. Gardiner replies, “Mr. Darcy, I was hoping you would be willing to tell us Lizzy’s story, and if I am able to help in any way, I would be glad to.”

  Darcy glances down at Elizabeth and then looks to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and says, “Let us have our tea, and I will explain.”

  After everyone has been served and is seated, Darcy says, “Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner, before I go over Elizabeth’s story, I would like to ask you to address me as either Darcy or William. You are now family, and I would like for you to be less formal with me. It was because of your generosity in coming to Pemberley that allowed Elizabeth to come to love me.” Darcy watches as Elizabeth shakes her head.

  Mr. Gardiner replies, “William, I would be honored to do so. Please feel free to call me Gardiner, Edward, or Uncle as Lizzy does.”

  Mrs. Gardiner has tears in her eyes as she says, “William, I cannot tell you what it mean to be able to call you that. I never thought that anyone from my family would marry into yours. Please feel free to call me Margaret or Aunt. Please be sure to invite your sister and cousin to call us the same. You have just acquired a much larger family. My children will love having you and the colonel to torture.”

  Darcy and Elizabeth laugh. Once the laughter is over, Darcy tells the Gardiners Elizabeth’s story and where she was found and who was responsible. Once done, Darcy turns to Mr. Gardiner and says, “Sir, Elizabeth believes you might be able to give us more proof that Miss Bingley is responsible and you have the connections to help.”

  Darcy withdraws the piece of lace and hands it to Mr. Gardiner, saying, “This piece of lace was found in Fitz’s mouth when she first discovered by Jane. My sister believes that the lady owning the lace might have
bought up all the lace so that her style could not be replicated. Although who would want to replicate Miss Bingley’s style, I do not know.”

  Mrs. Gardiner smiles. “William, your sister is correct. While I agree about Miss Bingley’s style, it is possible that she did do something like that. Miss Bingley can be quite vain about her looks from what I have heard.” Turning toward her husband, Mrs. Gardiner says, “Edward, do you know anyone who specializes in lace?”

  Mr. Gardiner looks from his wife to his new nephew, answering, “William, I do know someone who can help. I will contact her and her husband tomorrow. It may take a few days to have an answer for you, but I will let you know as soon as I hear back from them.”

  Darcy replies, “I thank you, Uncle. I appreciate it, and I know that Elizabeth does as well. I know that you have other engagements today, but I hope that one day this week you will join us for dinner. There will be a few of us. Aside from my sister and cousin, I also have Captain Wickham here as well. We agreed that he should stay to help present evidence should it be needed.”

  The Gardiners are happy to agree and make arrangements to have dinner later in the week.

  About three days later, Darcy and Elizabeth are in Darcy’s study. Darcy is catching up on correspondence, and Elizabeth is reading a book. There is a knock at the door, and Abbot enters and tells Darcy that Mr. Gardiner is here to see him. Darcy stands as Mr. Gardiner enters and says, “Welcome, sir. I hope you are well. May I get you something to drink?”

  Mr. Gardiner replies, “Thank you, William. I am well. I will pass on the offer though. I wanted to apologize for the delay, but I have good information for you. Using the piece of lace that you let me borrow, I was able to trace the lace to a single modiste who had indeed only used it on one client. The client had insisted on buying up all the lace. The client was Miss Bingley.”

  Darcy sighs. Mr. Gardiner asks, “What are you going to do next, William?”

  Darcy replies, “Uncle, I am going to discuss this with my cousin, but Elizabeth and I have discussed this, and we have decided to travel to Hertfordshire two days after a ball that my Aunt Eleanor is hosting for us next Monday. We are slowly introducing Elizabeth into society, and my aunt wanted to have a ball in our honor even if no one knows we are married.”