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Posted on: 2010-10-30
WARNING THIS STORY IS ABOUT RAPE. IT IS NOT EXPLICIT, BUT IT IS VERY INTENSE.
Elizabeth Bennet was on the edge of her seat. Leaning out and holding tight to the rail of the theatre box, she was mesmerized by the stage below. An unconscious licking of her lips as if she was savouring something delicious was augmented by an array of emotions--smiles of delight, merry giggles, hearty laughs and occasionally even a slight pant of anticipation. Elizabeth had read Shakespeare's The Tempest numerous times and knew much of the dialogue. The invitation to attend issued by Sir Gareth and Lady Hughes, the latter being a school friend of her Aunt Gardiner, had thrilled Elizabeth.
The power of the bard's words was heightened for her while watching the action play out below. One moment, Elizabeth shivered in horror at the portrayal of Caliban, and the next instant, she was curiously drawn to him. Most of all, she identified with Miranda. The actress playing her was small and had long curls burnished with fiery copper highlights like Elizabeth's own hair.
As the play unfolded, Lizzy pondered her own father's similarity to Miranda's. There were few expectations of Elizabeth, but those Mr Bennet had, she felt duty bound to honour. Though often with a chuckle, he routinely admonished his daughters to remain chaste and try not to be too silly. The first time he had made his request, she had asked him to explain 'remaining chaste.' He had laughed and told her she would learn from her mother soon enough.
Like Prospero, her father explained little of his past--particularly the reasons behind the family's precarious economic situation in the event of his demise. He too owned a prodigious library, and encouraged Lizzy to learn things that many other young women did not, but he offered little help in applying the knowledge or how it helped in her quest to remain chaste and escape silliness. The memory of her father teaching her French while reading Perrault's fairy tales at five brought a smile. Le Petit Chaperon Rouge contained the essence of her understanding of remaining chaste. With a giggle she whispered, "Stay away from the big bad wolf."
Mrs Bennet's plan for all her daughters was to marry as soon as possible to guarantee both their economic security and as a protection against the loss of her girls' beautiful reputations until sanctified by the vows of matrimony. Lizzy's turn to feel her relentless pressure to come out in Meryton society and start the hunt for a husband had begun with her fifteenth birthday in December. In Hertfordshire, she had chafed at her mother's obsession; but as she watched the performance, she wondered whether there might be a Ferdinand for her. Was she being silly when she imagined feeling as intensely as Miranda did for another? From her experience, most marriages did not seem to be about such stuff as Shakespeare's dreams depicted. Perhaps, she might find someone who would love her with extreme fervour and free her from the mundane life of gossip, embroidery, and the four and twenty families that were Meryton society.
Elizabeth shook her head as she reflected on her nonsensical musings. The reality was that Mr Bennet, unlike Prospero, knew no magic, and Elizabeth was never going to become acquainted with or loved by a prince. As quickly as that thought came, it was replaced by other possibilities. If Tom had not died, Jane would have married a baronet. And, wasn't she right now in the box of Sir Gareth, who was also a baronet? Lizzy chuckled at how rapidly her mind leaped to imagine a fairy tale life.
There was no need to look to titles for happiness. Besides, they were few and far between in her little corner of Hertfordshire. Even though she would miss her long walks in the country, she could imagine a marriage like the Gardiners' with a house in town and access to London's cultural wealth. She would like being mother to lively, well-behaved, attractive, intelligent children. England was changing. A husband in trade with a prosperous business would definitely be tolerable and much more plausible. Her aunt and uncle seemed loving and content, unlike her own parents.
Her father's habit of locking himself in his library and taking little responsibility for his daughters' conduct or future did not bode well for them achieving a rewarding life. Even her education, though better than what her sisters received, was haphazard at best. Mr Bennet's pleasure came from his books, his port, his tobacco and his delight in making sly cynical comments about the foibles of his family and friends. Deriding Mrs Bennet and her nerves seemed to be one of his main sources of enjoyment. Yes, she was often exasperating, and Lizzy's frustration with her mother's nonsensical ways had brought her closer to her father. Still, enjoying demeaning another, hardly seemed fair. Her father had rewarded his daughter's affection by teaching her to read at three and play chess at four. Over the years they had spent hours together in those pursuits, and lately Lizzy had become Mr Bennet's eyes. As his sight diminished, she took on the role of reading to him. More and more, he had begun to rely on her to help him with his accounts and correspondence.
Her sister Mary had agreed to aid her father in her absence. Elizabeth wondered how the two were faring. She hoped Mr Bennet was being kind to her most serious sister and not torturing her with his sarcasm. A vision of the two of them bickering caused her to giggle. Mary was certain to find fault with many of his choices for reading material. With a slight shake of her head and a chuckle, she acknowledge that somehow her younger sister had managed to get through nearly fourteen years of life without a glimmer of a sense of humour.
From Mary's struggle with her father, her mind flitted to both sisters' chafing at their mother's constant goading. Mrs Bennet's one goal in life was to see all five of her daughters married. Sadly, this single-minded pursuit did not seem to give her much pleasure, as she was continuously complaining about her nerves. Ridiculing this anxiety brought about by the unmarried status of her daughters, even though most of them were too young to wed, was the primary source of Mr Bennet's entertainment.
The obsession with marriage had begun soon after her fifth daughter was born; and it only became more urgent after the death of their neighbour's son. The entire neighbourhood had been certain, Master Trent was destined to marry the beautiful Jane Bennet; and their union would provide security for her mother and sisters. At least once a day since Tom's death, Mrs. Bennet reminded her daughters of the need to make advantageous matches, and they had often heard their mother's admonition of their father, "How can you laugh at that which makes me weep?" Lizzy appreciated her father's humour, but as she became more knowledgeable about estate business and the terms of the entail, she concluded that her mother's concerns were real. She wished she could find a way to calm her mother's fears. Never one to wallow in anguish, she laughed and returned to imagining a wealthy Ferdinand who would sweep her away to an exciting brave new world while making certain her mother and sisters were secure.
Her older sister, Jane, was already out, and quite the most beautiful. She was fair-haired, blue-eyed, tall and statuesque with a serene countenance. Even with Jane's looks, entering into an advantageous marriage would not be easily accomplished. The Bennet girls were practically without dowries. They each had one fifth of Mrs. Bennet's original five thousand pounds. They were all attractive, but with such a small bridal offering, they were not even going to be the first choice for neighbourhood men in the marriage market. The local gentry usually needed an infusion of cash just like the larger estates to ensure prosperity. Young Thomas Trent would have been the exception; he and Jane had loved each other since they were practically infants. Nothing would have kept them apart except what did; he had died of a trifling cold at fifteen. Elizabeth fought the tears thinking of Tom and Jane always brought about. It was even more tragic than Romeo and Juliet.
Elizabeth turned her thoughts back to the stage. She was here in London enjoying The Tempest thanks to her aunt and uncle. Elizabeth had long been a favourite of the Gardiners, and they soon found a solution to the animosity that had been growing between mother and daughter that pleased both Mrs Bennet and Lizzy. Noticing Lizzy's distress with her mother's insistence she come out when they were at Longbourn for Christmas, they had intervened on her behalf. Lizzy had overheard her uncle commenting to his sister that unlike Jane at fifteen, Lizzy still looked like a child. He had then gone on to praise his niece for other qualities. "Despite her girlish appearance, she is by far the most intelligent of your daughters and the most resourceful at solving problems. Fanny, she has hardly been idle. She began helping Tom write letters about estate business at thirteen; and she often helps him resolve problems with the tenants." Her aunt had added, "Yes, Sister, Lizzy is a good girl--she will come round to entering society. Allow her to spend some time with us in London. Now that I have baby Susan, I could certainly use her help with Davy and Marianne. Her cousins adore her. And who knows, she might meet someone who will cause her to think better of the advantages of marriage."
So here she was sitting in Sir Gareth's box with her aunt and uncle enjoying the bard. Her Uncle Edward had exhibited impressive skill as he persuaded his older sister to agree to an extended visit to London for Elizabeth. He had also helped his niece gain her father's acquiescence into accepting Mary as a substitute while his favourite was gone. Lizzy had often played the role of diplomat in her family, and as her uncle had negotiated her respite from Longbourn, she wondered whether she had inherited the trait from him. It seemed to come so naturally. For years, Lizzy had used the humour she had learned from her father, not to demean, but to diffuse tensions within her family.
Since coming to London, Lizzy spent her days with seven year-old David and four year-old Marianne. She read to them and was very talented at doing the voices of the different characters. Witches were her specialty, and she even did a credible dragon. Marianne would bury her face in Lizzy's lap during the scary bits, but Davy refused to even flinch when his cousin let out a cackle. She made up exciting stories of knights and princesses that had both her cousins enthralled. As her father had with her, she was using Perrault to teach her cousins French. Both David and Marianne liked his Puss n Boots best, and Elizabeth was a master at capturing the tricky cat's personality. Despite his less than ethical actions, Davy and Marianne thought Puss clever and funny; and he certainly knew how to survive.
When the weather permitted, Elizabeth and the children went for walks in the park, played games and one day they were even able to build a snowman. On days when snow or rain forced them to stay inside, they made kites in anticipation of the spring. She was enjoying her break from Longbourn, but her family was rarely far from her mind.
Edmund Fitzwilliam, the Viscount Wolfbridge, eldest son of the Earl of Elderton and heir to the earldom, was in London for the winter. None of the rest of his family was in town, so in the interest of economy… ah yes, the ever present need to economize… he was staying at Darcy House with his cousins Fitzwilliam and Anne Darcy.
The theatre was not one of Lord Wolfbridge's favourite diversions, but it did afford him the chance to watch the spectators. As he looked out, a sight that set his blood tingling arrested him. He could not take his eyes off the young woman practically hanging out of his neighbour, Sir Gareth's box. She was oblivious to everyone else in the theatre except the players. This was not someone from the ton hoping to be seen and admired. Coyness was definitely absent from her demeanour, and she had a delicious unsophisticated look about her. Her gown was not the latest style, though the couple with her was dressed more fashionably. The other woman was too young to be her mother, and the thought that she was not with her parents sent a shiver through him. Perhaps she was with a preoccupied older brother and sister, or maybe a careless aunt and uncle were hosting their country niece. She would be vulnerable without the familiarity of her surroundings. Imagining her look of mortification if she knew he was watching gave him a rush of anticipation, and the thought of this child's look of panic with the dawning of his intentions sent chills of pleasure down his spine.
This one was very young and tiny, with a mass of curls in a very girlish style. Her figure was not at all womanly, and the modest cut of her gown told him she was not out. A face dominated by large, expressive eyes; the way children's are before they grow into their features… eyes so very appealing… how delightful it would be to see them helpless. It had been a long time since he had seen such an inviting creature.
Lord Wolfbridge was bored with London, but he did not want to return to Elderton. His father, the Earl, urged his firstborn incessantly to get married and produce an heir. Most importantly, he ordered him to find a young woman with a large dowry. Lord Elderton did not care what kind of connections had produced the wealth; he just insisted that she bring at least fifty thousand pounds. Their family was an ancient titled one and could stand the stench of money from trade as long as there was plenty of it. The Viscount had met a candidate for the position through his brother, Richard. Her name was Eleanor Harding, and his brother had seemed quite fond of her. If Richard liked her that meant she was not a harpy, caring about nothing but improving her family's connections. His brother preferred pleasant, amiable women who loved dancing and witty discourse. With that recommendation and her large dowry, Eleanor would do nicely as a wife for Lord Wolfbridge.
Edmund, at twenty-six, was resigned to please his father… that meant being set to pursue Miss Harding when she came to town in April. Richard was not as handsome as he was, and he was, after all, a second son. Besides he was off fighting Napoleon. Edmund was sure with his considerable charm, good looks and title, he would be successful. Until then, the little bird across the theatre could provide a delightful diversion.
As he watched her, he began to plan his pursuit. Sir Gareth's estate was next to Pemberley in Derbyshire, and it would be rude for the Darcys not to speak to their nearest neighbours. He just had to be present when the introductions were made. Mrs Darcy could be counted on to divert suspicions from his intentions. Once the introduction was made, it would be simple to encourage her to befriend this little country lass.
Anne had always been very susceptible to his charm. In an unguarded moment, when she was about the age of the one across the way, she had told him she wished her mother was set on a marriage for her to him instead of Darcy. After her admission, he had thought briefly about such a union of convenience, but Fitzwilliam who was sorely lacking in social skills and had acquiesced to their Aunt Catherine's wishes after only one season in the marriage market. Anne was pleasingly tiny, but her smallness seemed the result of poor health; and not the child-like appearance he preferred. Also Anne might not have been as accepting of an indifferent marriage with Edmund as she was with Darcy--that could have been troublesome. The Viscount did not need the family discussing his peccadilloes at every gathering. Of course, his prig of a cousin was never going to commit any indiscretions. Fitzwilliam and Anne seemed to be moderately contented with each other; although joy did not seem to be a very important characteristic of their marriage.
Lord Wolfbridge looked to his cousin and noticed that his eyes had also often left the stage in favour of watching the young one across the way. He seemed alternately uncomfortable and fascinated by the vision, and Lord Wolfbridge was intrigued by the oddity of the occurrence. He doubted he had a rival, since very little besides duty and honour ever seemed to rouse passion in his cousin.
Darcy's attention was drawn to the young woman in Sir Gareth's box. Her enthusiasm was palpable, even across the darkened theatre. She would occasionally mouth Miranda's dialogue; and her face expressed an amazing array of emotions. She obviously knew The Tempest well. He smiled with remembrance of his first time seeing Shakespeare performed. He had been thirteen and was in this very theatre, this very box, with his parents. They had brought him to see Hamlet. He too had known much of the dialogue, and he had identified with the brooding Danish prince and his obsession to uphold the honour of his family; exposing the murder of his father by his uncle.
Darcy experienced something else when he looked at this young woman that he could not identify. Nothing similar had ever happened to him before. As he tried to find the words to express his feelings, he settled on kindred spirit. In addition, he was moved by her unaffected manner and her joy. Watching her brought about a desire to know her better, but he noticed his cousin also couldn't keep his gaze from her. Darcy was unnerved by what might be the basis of his interest. It was definitely not coming from an admiration for her love of Shakespeare, and he was appalled to think his feelings could stem from someplace akin to Edmund's. He was, after all, a married man, and any breach of propriety or commitment was abhorrent.
Sir Gareth was his Derbyshire neighbour. He wondered if he should talk to him of his fears for the young woman with regard his cousin. No, the idea of exposing his family's poor behaviour, and creating a possible scandal, was unacceptable. Surely the young woman had adequate supervision to protect her from rakes and their lascivious propositions, even if they were viscounts.
Darcy knew his cousin was by far the most handsome and charming of the eligible bachelors of the ton. As he looked out over the theatre he saw many a woman admiring his cousin from behind their fans. Edmund could woo and wed any woman he wanted, but instead he liked the sport of seducing. Darcy had heard a little of his conquests, but most recently he had seemed to favour young widows. Still, the way he was looking at this young woman made Darcy cringe.
Darcy, his two cousins and friend George Wickham had played together as boys. Edmund, the eldest of the four, had been the leader of their group. He was the one to decide what they would play. He looked over at his cousin as he remembered the selfish recklessness that Edmund had often displayed in their childhood games. Over the years, Darcy and Richard had become closer than even Edmund and his brother. Their personalities were much more compatible, even though to the outside they seemed to be opposites. Darcy was quiet and aloof, and many thought him arrogant. Richard was amiable, perhaps even jovial, with a similar charm to Edmund, but unlike his brother, he was very serious about honouring his obligations. It was that quality, more than any other that had created the bond between the two cousins. Richard was now a captain in the regulars, and Darcy was married and had taken on responsibility for managing both Pemberley and Rosings. The elder Darcy had seen and admired his younger nephew's strong sense of duty. When the time came, he chose to pass over Edmund and his brother-in-law, the Earl of Elderton, to appoint Richard to share guardianship of his young daughter with his son.
Darcy's mind wandered to the fourth in their boyhood quartet. His father had not been as discerning in his evaluation of George Wickham. As a favourite of his father, Mr. Darcy had paid for the education of his steward's son. Darcy had become disgusted by George's dissolute ways when they shared rooms at Oxford. Though he neither publicly confirmed nor denied rumours of his disapproval, when Wickham came to him shortly after his father's death, he paid him off for the living his father had promised. He had firsthand knowledge George should not be a clergyman. Edmund, on the other hand, considered Wickham a protégé, and they had spent time carousing together over the years. While at Oxford, they had shared a liking for pursuing young innocents, usually the easily charmed daughters of shopkeepers. Wickham's diminished consequence gave him more latitude while Edmund, being the son of the Earl of Elderton, had to be much more prudent; but he was in a better position to impress and bribe.
Darcy probably would have become estranged from Edmund as well, except than he was family. The heir to the great estate of Pemberley shared his uncle, the Earl's position that family harmony and unity was important to preserve. Concealing any whiff of friction had always been of the uppermost importance to the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families. Discussing his concerns with Sir Gareth was definitely not the prudent thing to do. His eyes returned to the young woman enjoying Shakespeare's most optimistic tale. Besides, this one appeared far too intelligent to fall for the charm of his cousin.
Anne felt a surge of jealousy when she noticed both her husband and her cousin were watching a young woman across the theatre. It did not surprise her that Edmund was watching. During her time spent with him this winter, she had observed that he preferred the very young. This one could not possibly be older than fifteen, and she could be even younger. She was not certain what her husband saw. He had never expressed much interest in any woman, including Anne, and avoided interaction with society ladies at all costs. He had been miserable the one Season he had attended, and at twenty he proposed to Anne, just to avoid having to attend a second time.
Just before his proposal, Darcy had created excitement among the mothers of the ton. He was seen as a most eligible bachelor… following in the footsteps of his older cousin. As a prize, Darcy was not titled like Edmund, but he was thought to be much wealthier. He had also been evaluated by the matchmaking mamas as much more reputable than Edmund, and consequently they decided he might be more respectful of their daughters… even if a trifle indifferent. The debutantes actually preferred the Viscount because he was much more charming and fun loving than his dour cousin. With their dark curly hair, tall athletic bodies and penetrating brown eyes, they were both very handsome; but Darcy only measured up to Edmund's looks when he smiled and his dimples were allowed to dazzle. Anne knew that was a rare sight… her husband had been interminably serious since his mother had died, and he had become even more so with his father's passing six months prior. Darcy had always been uncomfortable with all company outside of his family and close friends, and it was this aspect of his personality that perplexed Anne as she observed his fascination. Why was her husband expressing an interest in a totally unknown and probably unconnected young woman… a little girl really?
Anne could not really complain about their marriage. She had desperately needed to escape from under her mother's thumb. Pemberley was an enjoyable place to live, and Georgiana was a pleasant little girl. Her father-in-law had not said much about their marriage, but Anne had always suspected he did not approve. George Darcy had married her mother's sister, Lady Anne, because he was in love with her. He had pursued her until she agreed to wed. The new Mrs. Darcy had concluded that Mr. Darcy thought his son should also have married for affection rather than convenience.
Anne handled her responsibilities as mistress adequately, but was beginning to have doubts about her ability to bear children. An heir was seen by absolutely everyone--especially by her shrew of a mother--as a duty she needed to accomplish to earn the respect of her society. Anne did not enjoy her marital obligations; even though Fitzwilliam was gentle. What might have been pleasant was consumed by her fears of giving birth. She refused her husband more than she should if she was serious about her obligations. To her relief, Darcy did not pressure her. So much of his energy went into running Pemberley and Rosings and now being guardian to Georgiana. More than a year after his father had become ill, her husband still struggled to keep up with all his responsibilities, and she knew the grief he felt for his father weighed heavily.
Her best guess was that this girl awakened a feeling of nostalgia for his youth. Both of Darcy's parents had instilled a love of literature in their children. She often found Fitzwilliam and Georgiana in the library, and Darcy would be reading one of Shakespeare's plays to her. He was an excellent reader, and even acted out the different characters. Anne enjoyed hearing his performance as well and had to admit each one of his witches from Macbeth was different and more frightening than the last. She watched him observing the young woman mouthing Shakespeare's dialogue. Anne admitted to herself that they obviously shared a similar love for the bard.
Mrs Darcy was relieved they had come to London for the winter, and was pleased her cousin was staying with them. She enjoyed Edmund's company. He knew all the gossip of the ton and was adept at flattering and teasing her. She appreciated his availability to accompany her for visits to and from acquaintances. Anne had very little experience making or accepting calls, and Darcy mostly refused to participate in the social niceties. With Edmund by her side, she could even believe herself tolerably popular.
During the break between acts, the Darcy party went for some refreshment. They encountered Sir Gareth and Lady Hughes, the unknown couple from their box and Shakespeare's ardent fan. Edmund was pleased when his cousin spoke to his neighbours. "Sir Gareth, Lady Hughes, are you avoiding the end of our Derbyshire winter as Mrs Darcy and I are?"
Sir Gareth gestured to the couple and said, "May I introduce Mr and Mrs Edward Gardiner and their niece Miss Elizabeth Bennet. We are not avoiding the winter, but have travelled to town because Lady Hughes is Godmother to the Gardiners' new baby girl… the baptism was two days ago. Mrs. Gardiner is another from Derbyshire and went to school with Lady Hughes. Mr and Mrs Gardiner, these are our nearest neighbours in Derbyshire, Mr and Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley."
Everyone bowed and curtseyed appropriately, and Darcy said "It is a pleasure meeting you Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Miss Elizabeth. I would like to introduce you to my cousin, the Viscount Wolfbridge."
Edmund stepped forward and bowed, then gave all a spectacular smile. Elizabeth had never seen anyone as handsome as the Viscount. He was tall with an athletic build, laughing brown eyes and the straightest, whitest teeth she had ever seen. She immediately blushed. Mr Darcy looked a great deal like his cousin, but he seemed more severe, and his eyes were penetrating. His looks were also not enhanced by that brilliant smile.
Edmund was pleased he had been rewarded by the hoped-for blush; but felt he should not be too obvious in his admiration in front of the young woman's aunt and uncle.
Darcy began the conversation by asking Mrs. Gardiner where she was from in Derbyshire.
"I am from Lambton. My father owns several shops, a haberdashery, a gun shop and he buys wool from the estates in Derbyshire. He does the washing, carding and spinning and sells the yarn to knitting workshops in Manchester and several places in Scotland. I was privileged to meet your mother once when she came into the haberdashery. She was a beautiful and elegant woman."
"Thank you for your kind words. Lambton is not five miles from Pemberley. Is your father Mr Davies?"
"Yes, he is. Do you know him?"
"Not well, but I do sell wool to him occasionally; and your cousin, Dr Wilder, has recently become our family physician."
Mrs Gardiner was unable to discern whether Mr Darcy was cognizant of her Cousin Jamie and Aunt Sarah's history, so she said very little. "That is right; I do remember my father mentioning Cousin Jamie had become the physician for the Darcy family. I believe it was Sir Gareth who recommended him. I also remember him mentioning that your father passed away recently. Please let me offer my condolences."
"Thank you again for your kindness. Mr Gardiner, are you also from Derbyshire?"
"No, I am from Hertfordshire, but now have my business here in London."
"What is your business?"
I also supply yarn to those making textiles. I import linen, silk and cotton. I have just recently expanded my business, and have begun importing indigo from the Americas and spices from Asia.
Mr. Darcy continued making conversation with the Gardiners, and was impressed by their intelligence, taste and good manners. He finally turned his attention to the young woman who had captured his notice during the performance.
"Miss Elizabeth, is this the first time you have seen Shakespeare performed by a professional troupe?"
Elizabeth's face lit up and her eyes sparkled at his question. She breathlessly replied, "Yes, Mr Darcy, and this evening has so far been one of the most extraordinary experiences I have ever had." Her mouth broke into a lopsided grin as she gushed, "Of course, I have been in Hertfordshire my entire life, and have not done much; but I do so love Shakespeare, and The Tempest is one of my particular favourites. I was ecstatic when I heard that Sir Gareth and Lady Hughes had extended an invitation to my aunt and uncle and myself to join them in their box."
Darcy was amused by her exuberance and candour, and he was unable to help himself. He smiled at her, and his dimples were evident to all.
Elizabeth now thought he was as handsome as his cousin. She blushed again and looked down at her feet for a few seconds, but then brashly decided to continue the discussion to see if she could persuade him to show her those dimples again. "I hope to see more of Shakespeare performed in the future, but my most fervent dream is to see Moliere's Le Misanthrope performed at the Comédie Française in Paris. However, with the situation between France and England, I doubt I will get my wish anytime soon."
Darcy fulfilled her hopes as he smiled again and said, "What does one so young know about misanthropy and hypocrisy?"
"My father is a great studier of human folly, and enjoys mocking other's failings. I have enjoyed his barbs over the years, and was struck when I first read Le Misanthrope with the similarity between his and Moliere's humour. The irony is that my father is a bit of a misanthrope, and now and then I even see a bit of that trait in myself. That is what I like about the theatre. It helps us all to become more aware while indulging in an entertaining evening with friends--and not to slight my mother's legacy--it gives us an excuse to dress up."
It had been such a long time since Darcy had engaged in such stimulating and refreshing conversation. He wanted to challenge this young woman. In an almost conspiratorial voice he asked, "Do you feel comfortable with Moliere's satirizing the hypocrisies of the French aristocracy, considering the results of the French revolution?"
Elizabeth responded in kind. She moved quite close to Darcy and spoke directly to him as the others conversed around them, "In truth, he poked fun at both the bourgeoisie and the aristocracy. You are unfair to blame him for the Jacobins." She glanced toward the Viscount as she said with a giggle, "I have no family members who are part of the aristocracy, so I am free to be much more egalitarian in my outlook, and hopefully still keep my head about me. Besides, the corruptness of the society created critics, even within the Ancien Régime; or how do we explain Laclos or the duc d'Orléans?"
Darcy's mouth dropped in amazement, "You have read Les Liaisons Dangereuses? How old are you?"
Elizabeth eyes danced mischievously as she grinned and whispered, "I just turned fifteen, and please be discreet. I would not like my aunt and uncle overhearing that I read one of the forbidden books my father keeps on the top shelf of his library. Besides the threat to my morals from the risqué contents, I almost broke my neck climbing. How delightful that would have been for the gossips in my village. Can you not hear them chattering on about the young woman who died in pursuit of improper and lascivious reading material?"
Darcy threw back his head and laughed at this young woman's delightful impertinence.
Edmund and Anne looked at each other, and neither could believe that the dour Darcy had not only treated a stranger to one of his rare smiles, but then proceeded to laugh out loud. Anne could not even remember the last time Darcy had smiled at her like that.
The time had come for the two parties to return to their boxes.
Elizabeth Bennet was flushed with excitement as she reviewed the recent interactions with Lord Wolfbridge and the Darcys. She was proud of her ability to converse easily with such important personages. The Viscount and Mr. Darcy were very handsome; and she hoped her Ferdinand could look like them. She thought about how tall they were… and oh, those broad shoulders, narrow waists and slim hips. Luckily it was dark in the box; because she was certain she had turned bright red at the thought of their bodies. Elizabeth had watched them as they walked away, and sighed at the elegance of both men. Oh my, she should not be thinking about this; it was highly improper. Elizabeth concentrated instead on Lord Wolfbridge's laughing eyes and brilliant teeth, and Mr. Darcy's dimples. These great men made her feel special.
Lord Wolfbridge smiled lasciviously in the darkness. What an innocent. She admitted she had been nowhere beyond Hertfordshire. He liked her impertinence and could enjoy matching wits with this one. Was she knowledgeable enough to pick up on any innuendos he might throw into the conversation? He knew if she did, he would get to see her blush; but he needed to be careful. He did not want to scare her off. Who was this Laclos fellow she and Darcy were laughing about? He would have to find out. He was not totally fluent in French, but was fairly certain the title translated to Dangerous Liaisons. That sounded like something he would enjoy. And he probably should brush up on his acquaintance with Shakespeare. Ah, there she was leaning out of the box again. What delightful sport she could offer.
Fitzwilliam Darcy was confused and more than a little concerned about what had just happened. He had never been so drawn to a total stranger. She had the most beautiful eyes. They were green with flecks of gold, and they sparkled as though they reflected an inner light. He could barely remember any other feature but an impression of glorious hair competing with the shimmering candlelight. A quote from Shakespeare pushed aside his anxiety. "O! She doth teach the torches to burn bright." Why was he fixated on this child? She was a little girl--a very intelligent, literate and witty one, but a child none-the-less. Suddenly, he remembered her lopsided grin when she admitted she had climbed to the top shelf of her father's library to retrieve Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Though a disturbing admission, it was part of her charm. She was so refreshing… with no disguise of any sort. However, it was altogether wrong that she stirred some forgotten longing in him. He was married and much older. Besides, it was entirely too forward for a young woman to speak of such a topic with a stranger... not to mention a man. He sighed as he looked in her direction and saw she was, once again, mesmerized by the stage. The prudent thing to do was to forget her immediately after tonight. But, what harm would it do to indulge himself here in the dark to watching her reactions for the duration of the performance? Maybe vicariously he could gain just a bit of her unspoiled joy. He laughed once again at her impertinent words. She was the opposite of a misanthrope, and it had been so long since he had derived such intense pleasure from anything.
Anne Darcy was intrigued by this young woman who had enthralled both her husband and her cousin. She seemed so at ease in conversation for one so young. Maybe they could become friends. The only females she related to with any intimacy were her mother, her aunt and Georgiana. Her companion when she was growing up, Mrs Jenkinson, had been a very quiet sort of woman, and not lively like Miss Elizabeth. Perhaps if she pursued an acquaintance, some of this young woman's ease in social situations would rub off on Anne. Miss Elizabeth seemed to have almost no connections except for Sir Gareth and Lady Hughes; but perhaps through confidences shared, Anne could understand how to gain assurance and élan. As Mrs Darcy, she garnered respect among the highest circles, but always there was an anxious feeling that everyone knew that hers was a marriage of convenience… and even worse they could observe Fitzwilliam's indifference. If she projected a more assured image, perhaps she could quash the gossip and gain esteem in her own right--and then he might be moved to smile at her in public.
Posted on: 2010-11-03
Within days of the meeting at the theatre, Lady Hughes, Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth had been invited to tea by Mrs Darcy. Lady Hughes picked up her friends at Gracechurch Street and they arrived at Grosvenor Square a short time later.
Darcy House was an imposing structure. Elizabeth was in awe the minute they walked into the entrance hall. It was larger than the drawing room at Longbourn and had a beautiful hexagonal table in the center with the most unusual arrangement of flowers. Lizzy had never seen such flowers...they looked tropical, exotic and more than a bit unreal.
Once past the entrance hall table, Lizzy noted the grand staircase and a series of three beautiful landscapes on the first landing. From there the staircase split with stairs going up both sides. Lizzy would have loved to view the paintings close up.
Above her head was the most beautiful chandelier she had ever seen. She was sure it held at least a hundred candles, and thought it must be amazing to behold the light reflecting off the lead crystal tear drops. Her impression, despite the grandeur, was of an understated elegance highlighting the few extraordinary elements of the room.
The footman took the women's outerwear, and the three women were shown into another magnificent space. It was almost entirely glass, and the winter sun was harnessed to sparkling brilliance. Running almost the length of the house, the front of the room had furniture arranged as in a drawing room and the rear filled with all sorts of trees and flowers. The fragrance wafting from the plants was intoxicating and inspired envy in Elizabeth for this remarkable room.
With her eyes even larger than normal, she gushed her praises of the house to her hostess. "Mrs Darcy, I have never seen anything like this room. How lucky you are." Elizabeth gestured all around. "With this as a retreat, you would never have to suffer the doldrums of winter."
"Yes, Mr Darcy's mother, my aunt, had this built, and a similar one at Pemberley when he was just a boy. They are very special places to him, and I quite like them as well. The house I grew up in seemed perpetually dark to me. It was a very grand house with beautiful grounds, but it did not have any place like this where you could make the most of even the tiniest vestige of sun."
Elizabeth continued to bubble over with enthusiasm. "My sister Jane loves flowers. She would be in heaven if we had a room like this. You will have to tell me about all the types of flowers, especially the ones that smell delicious. Jane and I make sachets and toilet waters as gifts." Elizabeth noticed that Lord Wolfbridge was in the room and was introducing her aunt to an older couple. Lady Hughes seemed to know them.
The Viscount joined her and his cousin. To Elizabeth his smile seemed to be competing with the sun's rays today. He took her hand and her heart beat a little faster at his touch. "Miss Bennet, I am delighted to see you again. How fortuitous it was to meet one so refreshingly lively the other night at the theatre. You are looking quite charming this morning. The light in this room brings out the best in you."
Mrs. Darcy soon left her and Lord Wolfbridge alone to attend to her other guests. The man with the laughing eyes and beautiful teeth had her feeling quite at ease within minutes despite his elevated status. Though their conversation was only about it being a cold day, and on the probability of an early spring, he impressed Elizabeth with the belief that even the commonest, dullest, most threadbare topic could be rendered interesting by him.
After a few minutes, he took her arm and directed her to the older couple she had seen him introduce to her aunt. "Miss Bennet, these are my parents, Lord and Lady Elderton. Elizabeth curtsied. Lord Wolfbridge continued, "Father, Mother I would like to present you to Mrs. Gardiner's niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
Elizabeth saw that Lord Wolfbridge had inherited his looks from his father... including those brilliant teeth. His mother was a pleasant looking woman who smiled sweetly at Elizabeth. She said, "What a pretty young girl you are. Your hair and eyes are quite unique."
Elizabeth gave the Countess her signature grin and said, "You are very kind Lady Elderton. I rarely get compliments when I am home. My older sister, Jane, is the beauty of the family. She is tall, fair-haired and serene, with exquisite features and quite the perfect figure. None of the rest of the Bennet sisters get noticed when she is around. I would have left home sooner if I had known that once out of her presence, I would receive such praise."
Lord Wolfbridge and Lord and Lady Elderton smiled at her humour. They talked for a few moments about the plants, but soon Anne came to bring her aunt back to the other ladies. Elizabeth was now left alone to fascinate a viscount and an earl. She imagined how envious the inhabitants of Meryton would be when she treated them to her re-enactment of this encounter.
Lord Elderton said, "I asked your aunt if your family is related to Charles Gardiner. There is talk of his being elected a representative peer from Ireland. I understand he is a prominent member of the Protestant Ascendancy and has extensive estates in Ireland. Your aunt said she had never heard of their being any connection to any Gardiners in Ireland, even though she herself had relatives with estates in Ireland. Have you ever heard your mother or your grandfather mention Irish relatives?"
Elizabeth grinned at the Earl and said, "No, my Lord, I have never heard of any such connection. My grandfather was but a country lawyer, and he died when I was ten. I am sure had he known of such an important relative, he would have mentioned it to my mother, my aunt or my uncle...and if there had been a connection, my mother and my aunt would have told everyone in Hertfordshire about it."
Lord Elderton smiled back, but inwardly considered her impertinence a bit disdainful of the aristocracy. He had expected her to fawn over a possible connection to the peerage...even if it was through Ireland.
Lord Wolfbridge turned to the Earl and said, "Father, Miss Bennet is a Jacobin. Darcy got her to confess she is always on the hunt for the heads of the aristocracy. You must be careful around her or she may try to take yours."
Lord Elderton got a very odd smile on his face. It was beautiful like his son's, but somehow seemed a little off kilter. He had decided he would get back at this disrespectful little chit. He smiled at Elizabeth and then turned to his son and said, "As you know Edmund, it depends which head she is after. One I will guard with my life, but the other I could be persuaded to let her borrow."
Elizabeth had no idea what he was talking about with his comment about two heads. She thought maybe he meant the heads of the father and the son. She was afraid they would think her slow witted if she let on she did not understand, so she smiled sweetly and said, "Your son is teasing me, Lord Elderton. I am neither a Jacobin nor a Girondist. The confusion, I am sure, comes about because I am widely known for preferring mountains to flat land. Oakham Mount in Hertfordshire is my most favourite place.* Rest assured sir, I am not out after either of your heads."
Lord Wolfbridge and Lord Elderton gave each other knowing looks and laughed heartily.
Elizabeth blushed and felt they were laughing at her and not with her. She knew she had not understood their humour, but she was just as sure they did not get her bon mot. Her confidence in being able to charm peers had vanished with the exchange. She quickly excused herself and went to find Anne to ask for a tour of the conservatory. Learning about flowers seemed a safe occupation. Anne was not that knowledgeable about the types of flowers, but promised someday she would have Mr. Darcy show her around. She did know that the flowers Lizzy thought were so beautiful and exotic were called orchids.
Over the next month, Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner were invited to tea at Darcy House four times. Mrs Gardiner invited Mrs Darcy three times to reciprocate. Mrs Darcy was very gracious and came to Gracechurch Street as though it was nothing unusual. She met David and Marianne and thought them delightful children and said Susan was the prettiest baby she had ever seen.
Elizabeth and her aunt both thought they were developing a true and close friendship with Mrs Darcy. Elizabeth was hoping the acquaintance could continue once she returned to Hertfordshire, and Mrs Gardiner was keenly aware that a connection with the Darcy family could be advantageous for her husband's businesses.
They were never invited for dinner, nor was Mr Darcy ever present at tea. The Earl and the Countess were present on one other occasion and the Viscount on two. Elizabeth still thought Lord Wolfbridge the most handsome man she had ever met, and her pride at seeming to please him had been restored. Sometimes she would think about him romantically in private--these imaginings had clearly been inspired by her forbidden reading. Her reflections on the Viscount sometimes caused her to think she did not truly understand what he was about. He seemed to enjoy laughing at her wit, but he also seemed to take pleasure in her blushes. It was those peculiar questions he asked when no one else was close enough to hear that brought colour to her cheeks. She knew she was not of his sphere and did not believe she was in danger of becoming infatuated, but she did think highly of herself when he would sometimes be attentive.
* The Jacobins were sometimes known as the mountain because they sat on the highest benches of the Legislative Assembly. La Montagne was a political grouping within the Jacobin Club led by uncompromising men of action such as Marat, Danton, David and Robespierre.
Elizabeth and her Aunt Gardiner had been invited to Darcy House for tea on March 15th. The day of the engagement, Lizzy awoke thinking about Julius Caesar and the significance of the Ides of March. Was it truly a day that forewarns disaster, or was it just the stuff of theatrical allusion. She tended not to believe in superstition, but then again, she had her own history with which to contend.
A year ago on this date, she had gotten her courses for the first time. She had known to expect it because of her late night talks with Jane, but she was shocked by her mother's reaction. Mrs. Bennet was elated that Lizzy could very soon become a candidate for matrimony--since she could now bear children. This was the beginning of her conflict with her mother. Elizabeth would have liked some compassionate explanation of this life transition. She endured severe pain both the first time and several other times during the past year. Jane never had pain as intense as Lizzy's, but after her initial interaction with her mother, she had decided to suffer in silence. Since arriving in London, she had been able to talk to her aunt about such things, and she was mollified that her experiences were not unusual. The former Madeline Davies had attended a school for young ladies in Derbyshire and was much more knowledgeable about such things than her mother.
At breakfast, her aunt informed her that the baby was croupy and teething. She felt it unwise to leave her, but encouraged Lizzy to visit Mrs Darcy anyway. A note was sent to explain Mrs Gardiner's absence and inform that Miss Elizabeth would still be available to attend if that was acceptable. The reply offered to have one of the Darcy carriages come to collect her. Mrs Gardiner was confident Lizzy would be well taken care of.
Elizabeth dressed carefully. She wore her yellow frock with the embroidered violets and lily of the valley around the neckline. The design was by Kitty, and Jane had executed the embroidery. Even though Kitty was only eleven, she was developing into a talented artist. Since Anne was picking her up in a Darcy carriage, Elizabeth decided to wear her new kid slippers. She looked at herself in the full length mirror and was pleased with her reflection.
Spring was still a week away, but the day was sunny and had the promise of the fine weather to come. Elizabeth felt her ensemble reflected that promise. She assumed they would take tea in the solarium and was quite looking forward to feeling the sun on her back as was wont to happen in that extraordinary room.
Anne had given the Gardiners some lemons and oranges, and Elizabeth had told her aunt she would give some of Jane's sachets and toilet water to reciprocate. Jane's sachets were a gift that all their friends enjoyed receiving. The sachets were dried blossoms enclosed in small squares of handkerchief linen. Jane would embroider the flower of the scent on the sachet and tie the bundle with the appropriate slip of ribbon. The two most prized by recipients were lavender and rose. Jane had seriously occupied herself with this endeavour after Tom died, and it had grown steadily over the years. The products were much prized in both Hertfordshire and Cheapside as gifts.
Anne often complained of feeling anxious, so Lizzie prepared a basket of some of the lavender sachets, lavender toilet water and a special chamomile tea blend. It tasted quite pleasant, as Jane had added bits of dried apple and cinnamon. Lizzy told Anne how Jane had created the tea for their mother. Throughout their acquaintance, Lizzy had entertained Anne with her descriptions of her mother's nerves and how they would come and go with spectacular speed depending on what was happening. The tea was quite helpful to calm her, but the best thing to dispel her mother's flutterings was a visit from her Aunt Phillips with delicious gossip.
Anne and Elizabeth enjoyed comparing their mothers' idiosyncrasies. They had been with each other quite often in the past month, but had to remain circumspect in their discussions of their mothers when in company. Today they could be much more open out of the hearing of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Once alone together in the carriage, Anne told Elizabeth she could call her by her given name and asked if she could do the same. Elizabeth readily agreed. She felt Anne was already a close friend. She both envied her and felt sorry for her. She had great wealth and an incredibly handsome husband. On the other hand, her husband seemed a bit indifferent, and Anne lacked confidence in her ability to win friends. Elizabeth was quite looking forward to corresponding with Mrs Darcy once she returned home.
Their discussion rapidly got on to their favourite topic...whose mother was the most distressing. Lizzy knew her mother was just mildly obsessed with marrying off her daughters while Anne's mother had felt the need to control every aspect of her daughter's life. She even interfered with what she ate and what she could learn. Anne's mother had decided she was not healthy enough to learn to play the pianoforte, never let her attend the Season in London and only allowed her to socialize with her family. Elizabeth was not sure love was the motive for Anne's mother's behaviour. Somehow it just seemed she had a need to be in charge and cared not for her daughter's happiness. Listening to her new friend's complaints, Elizabeth realized her mother's preoccupation with marrying off her daughters had at its core love and wanting to protect them from a life of reduced circumstances.
Elizabeth suddenly felt a surge of homesickness and wished she could hug and kiss her whole family. She realized that despite their financially precarious situation they were lucky girls to be so loved by both their parents and each other.
When they arrived at Darcy house, they did not go to the solarium, but instead went upstairs to a sitting room in the family quarters. For the first time, she was able to observe the three landscapes up close. Anne was knowledgeable about the artists.
"My husband inherited a love of art from his mother. She started a collection, and he continues to add to it. These are three recent additions. The one on the left of the country town is by Constable and the one on the right is by a man named Turner, it is Oxford from the prospect of a hill overlooking the city. The larger, middle painting of the approaching storm is by another man named Turner."
Anne laughed at some reflection before she continued. "The Darcy's are a family of collectors. My father-in-law collected first edition books and Fitzwilliam also enjoys adding to his collection. Even Fitzwilliam's sister collects dolls. I have not yet decided what I should collect. Do you have any suggestions?"
"My father collects insects--particularly beetles--and books. He has a few first editions, but he is more interested in reading the books than preserving them. Thankfully he is very generous in letting his children share. Papa uses his beetles to illustrate his favourite theological point. When someone asks him what he knows about God. He always answers that the only thing he is positive about is that God seems to be quite fond of beetles since he made so many of them.* He then proceeds to tell them he is attempting to capture every species in order to ensure his entrance into Heaven. Most people do not know what to make of his cynical reply. My sister Mary thinks his remark borders on the sacrilegious. She is very devout and collects sermons."
Elizabeth got a nostalgic look on her face as she continued, "My childhood friend Tom, aided by my sister Jane, collected butterflies and moths before he died. I guess I collect voices. I try to learn to imitate unusual voices I hear, and then I use them when I tell stories to children. I am particularly good at scary voices. My youngest sisters collect ribbons. I am sure you have realized by now that our collections are suited to people with limited funds. You have many more options than we."
Anne laughed at her lively friend. "If you ever meet my mother, you will be able to collect a prime specimen with her frightening voice. Lately I have been thinking I might help Mr. Darcy with his collections. You already know he collects orchids, and I might like helping him with that."
Elizabeth looked at the painting of the approaching storm one more time. The way the artist used light made the storm both beautiful and menacing at the same time. She shivered with a feeling of something akin to impending doom as she looked at the painting. She wondered if it was a premonition that it was going to rain.
Anne and Elizabeth were served tea and chatted for a while. Anne was encouraging Elizabeth to accompany her the following week on a shopping expedition; thinking Elizabeth should buy a few gowns before she returned home.
"Elizabeth, you must see this new gown I had made. I think the style will suit you well. I am just going to take your wonderful presents to my room, and I will return shortly with the gown. You will see what I am talking about...the fabric is luscious, and the cut of the gown is most flattering for those of us not so buxom. I will only be gone a short time."
Elizabeth thought it odd Anne left by the door to the hall, but assumed maybe the sitting room was not one that was exclusively hers. Elizabeth wandered around the room while she waited for Anne to return. She noticed a pile of books on a table and decided to indulge her curiosity and see what the Darcys were reading. She noticed one was Les Liaison Dangereuses. She heard the door to the hall open and close. Turning around with a smile in expectation of being rejoined by Anne, instead she saw Lord Wolfbridge. Though the Viscount favoured her with one of his brilliant smiles, his eyes had that peculiar look she had noticed during the exchange with his father regarding heads and the French Revolution. That day she had not understood the two men's meaning but had worried their words were improper. She had forced herself to forget the incident and had never raised her concerns with her aunt and uncle in the interest of being allowed to continue an acquaintance with a family of such prestige and consequence. Still, his presence in this room was very wrong. She remembered as she stared at Lord Wolfbridge's amused expression, the other times he had asked her questions about whether her father had often had occasion to punish her. Those odd queries had also been conveniently dismissed as just the teasing of a man who she had charmed with her impertinent wit. Dread was threatening to undo her, as Lizzy fervently prayed Mrs. Darcy would return and save her from the impropriety of being alone in a room with Lord Wolfbridge. That would allow her not to offend this great man.
His Lordship flashed his smile and said, "Miss Bennet, what a pleasure to see you. You are certainly very spring-like today. I hope you will be warm enough going home. The weather has taken a turn for the worse. It has gotten quite windy outside, and it looks like a storm is moving in."
"You need not worry about me, Lord Wolfbridge. I have worn my cloak. I am experienced enough to know how changeable the weather is this time of year."
"Oh yes, old enough...but you must promise me, Miss Bennet, that you will not get any older. You are quite perfect as you are."
Elizabeth knew she could no longer wait for Mrs. Darcy and must do something about the impropriety of her current situation. Still smiling at the Viscount she said, "Lord Wolfbridge, I think I must be leaving." She cautiously, and she hoped casually, walked toward the hall door. Lord Wolfbridge looked at her as though she were daft. However, he did not try to stop her. As she approached the door, he seemed to be holding his breath, waiting for a desired reaction. React she did when she turned the knob and realized the door was locked. The look of panic on her face was worth the wait for Lord Wolfbridge.
Elizabeth was unsure what to do next. She could feel her eyes welling up but refused to cry. He seemed to like her distress, and she was sure tears would make him even happier. He obviously wanted something from her, but she could not figure out what that was. Was this the way men seduced women? If it was, why did he seem to enjoy seeing her suffer? She would have thought the object would be to charm her into forgetting what he was about... reading poetry... telling her of the beauty of her eyes... asking for a lock of her hair. Instead, Lord Wolfbridge just kept smiling at her with those teeth she had thought so beautiful. How silly she had been to think a viscount found her someone worthy of knowing.
"Your lordship, why are you here?'
"I want you."
"What do you mean, you want me? Surely you do not mean you desire marriage."
His laughter filled the room. "Oh silly girl, of course not. My situation in life, my title, my connections are entirely too substantial to consider wedding someone like you. As I entered, I witnessed your snooping to learn what books I am reading. Upon your recommendation, I am enjoying Les Liaisons Dangereuses." Waving his finger in mock admonishment, he continued, "You are a very naughty girl, Miss Elizabeth." She heard him cluck disapprovingly and shake his head, "... to have read such a book. Having just finished the part where the vicomte visits young Cecile in her bedchamber, I became inspired to act out such a scene with you when I found you here alone, I am a viscount like Valmont and you are a little girl in need of training and possibly even a bit of punishment." He smiled lasciviously and finished his speech with, "I am just the man to provide that for you."
Elizabeth shuddered. "Please do not compromise me. I have four sisters and a scandal would be disastrous for their prospects. Please, I beg you, let me leave. I will never tell anyone what you just said. Please, I am but fifteen. Please, Lord Wolfbridge, I just want to go home. Please, I am afraid." Lizzy realized immediately she had said the wrong thing. She saw the look of pleasure that crossed his... could she have really thought him so handsome.
The Viscount came over to her and put his hand around her upper arm. His hand was huge compared to her arm. She smelled port on his breath. With practically no effort, he pulled her toward the connecting door. The door led to a bedchamber that smelled of pipe smoke.
Elizabeth realized Anne had not taken her to her own, but instead to Lord Wolfbridge's sitting room. Anne had said she was her friend. She realized in that instant her situation was hopeless. He was more than twice her size... perhaps even three times. She was afraid to try to fight him... she was afraid to scream. The Darcys' servants would come and find her alone with him in his bedchamber. None would believe Anne's role, and all would think she had agreed to be here with him. She was still fighting back tears when she came to a decision. If she went along with him, perhaps an opportunity to escape might present itself.
Lord Wolfbridge calmly sat down in a chair and proceeded to light his pipe and sip his port. "Now, little girl, I think it is time for you to disrobe. I want to see just how deliciously girlish you are."
Elizabeth was horrified at his suggestion. Suddenly she realized there was an avenue of escape she had not explored. She ran to the hall door and turned the handle...it too was locked. Her breathing became erratic and her knees felt weak. She feared she was about to collapse.
A horrifying thought streaked through her foggy mind. For the first time, she became aware of what would happen if he ripped her gown. Now that she was convinced there was no escape, she quickly changed her tactics. Her new priority became making sure no one learned of her violation. Her goal was to leave this place without the Darcys' staff noticing anything untoward. In addition, she also wanted to keep from having to explain a ruined frock to her aunt, and that meant keeping him from forcibly removing it.
Before acquiescing, she tried one last ploy. "Please sir, I do not want to remove my clothes. My body is not pleasing. My mother complains that I have not become womanly yet, and she fears no man will want me."
"What do mothers know? Oh no, little one, I like you this way. You are most pleasing to me. I think I might enjoy disrobing you myself." With that he walked over to her.
Elizabeth wished he would stop smiling and showing those teeth. Instead of thinking it the most beautiful smile she had even seen... all that came to mind was the big bad wolf. She pushed the image from her mind and said, "I will help with the buttons." The dress wrapped in front with buttons on the side. She quickly unbuttoned her gown, pulled it over her head, carefully placed it on another chair and stood before him shivering in her chemise.
He had gone back to his chair, port and pipe. With a leer, he said, "Do you want me to help you with the rest?"
She hung her head and nodded, no. She proceeded to remove the rest of her clothing. She saw the look he gave her and heard the words he spoke to describe her when she was naked. She realized nothing she had ever read prepared her for this humiliation. She closed her eyes and began thinking about anything but her here and now. She thought of dawn on Oakham Mount. She thought of Jane... oh, how she wished she were at Longbourn with Jane.
"The time has come, Elizabeth, "Lord Wolfbridge said, "to move on to other things."
The impropriety of his using her first name registered and she choked back an hysterical laugh. What a ridiculous thing to think of at a time like this. She would allow him to call her anything... or say anything about her if she could just stop him from doing what he was about to do.
The minute he put his hand around her arm again and started dragging her, Elizabeth receded once more into memories of her life in Hertfordshire. She thought of her childhood...Tom, Jane, Charlotte and Becky...walking the fields ...making flower wreaths...Tom teaching her to climb trees while Jane, Charlotte and Becky looked on in horror because they were sure she would fall. She remembered their teasing because she was afraid of horses.
When he was finished with her, she was unaware of exactly what he had done. Her eyes had remained closed throughout her ordeal and she had desperately tried to stay focused on pleasant images. She had felt pain occasionally and let out involuntary cries and moans. Somehow she had been conscious the sounds she made were pleasing to him.
After it was over, she lay perfectly still for quite some time. Upon hearing the sound of the door opening and closing, she realized he was gone. Finally she screwed up her courage and walked to the door to the hall and tried the handle. It was unlocked. With disgust, she realized she smelled of him. There were blood stains on the bed linens, and she could also see blood and something sticky on her thighs. Her desire to search for water to wash was overridden by the fear he or Anne would return. Instead she quickly dressed and tried as best she could to tidy her hair.
Downstairs, she asked for her cloak and was surprised the footman also gave her the basket in which she had brought Anne's gifts. Once again, she was struck by the complicity of Mrs. Darcy. What kind of people were they? They were as depraved as the French aristocracy--if not more so. Neither cared whether they ruined her life or her sisters' lives... and probably assumed when they were thrown out in the hedgerows and couldn't afford to buy bread, they could always eat cake.
She managed to leave the house with no one seeing her except the footman. She would walk home and never tell another living soul what had happened to her--and if she was lucky--never see anyone from this most despicable family again. Her most fervent wish at the moment was that when the Viscount read the end of Laclos' story, he would feel fear. Elizabeth knew there was no young man who would ever avenge her, but maybe some other young woman would have a loved one who would kill him.
*Mr. Bennet's humour is inspired by a very famous remark by the scientist J.B.S. Haldane.
Mr. Darcy was just arriving home when he saw a diminutive figure in a red cloak coming down the steps of his townhouse. There was mist in the air, and the tiny woman pulled the hood of her cloak over her head. It was the young woman from the theatre, but he could not remember her name. As she passed him, she seemed to be quite agitated. She kept mumbling to herself what sounded like, "beware the Ides of March". She did not acknowledge him, even though he was standing beside his carriage. She began walking away from the house, and he noticed her shoulders would slump and then straighten as though a war was going on in her body between despair and determination. He ran to catch up with her... he could not remember her surname but finally remembered her first name. "Miss Elizabeth, where are you going?"
She did not look at him, but in a voice that was barely audible said, "Home".
"Is a carriage coming to pick you up?"
"No"
"Where is home?"
"Cheapside"
"You plan to walk from here all the way to Cheapside?"
"Yes"
"The wind is very blustery and it is beginning to rain."
"I have a cloak."
"But you are not wearing boots, only slippers."
"I am an excellent walker. I will be fine."
"Do you know the way?"
"I have made the trip numerous times, and I remember most of the directions."
"Miss Elizabeth, it is dangerous for you to walk by yourself. Where are your aunt and uncle?"
"My uncle is at his warehouse working, and my aunt had to stay home with baby Susan. Mr. Darcy, please leave me alone. I do not want to talk... I just want to go home."
"Let me take you home in my carriage."
For the first time she looked at him and glared, "No"
"Why not?"
"Because I do not want to...Why will you not leave me alone?"
"You are too young to be out unaccompanied in London."
The young woman slumped once again and said in a profoundly defeated voice, "You are right. I am too young and too silly. I should never have left Longbourn. But please, I want to be alone."
Mr. Darcy followed behind the young woman who looked very much like Little Red Riding Hood. She was even carrying a basket. For a tiny thing, she could walk very fast. He caught up to her and asked once again, "Please let me take you in the carriage. I am very worried about you. At least let me walk with you." He attempted to take her arm.
Her response was loud and fearful, "Mr. Darcy, do not touch me!" She paused and looked around to see whether she had drawn attention to them. She seemed to realize she must offer some explanation. "I am very dirty, and I fear I must reek." She turned and looked at him. Her face seemed haunted and consumed with sadness... and perhaps a touch of madness. He could see tears pooling in her eyes, but there was some inner fortitude that stopped them from rolling down her cheeks. When he met her, she had seemed to have a joyful inner light that gleamed out through her eyes. It was gone.
What did she mean she was dirty? She looked clean enough, but there was, indeed, a peculiar odour about her. He remembered when he had met her at the theatre, she had smelled of lavender. He could not quite place what she smelled of today. He thought he smelled tobacco smoke. Had she been smoking? That would be very improper... a young woman of fifteen. He dropped back and decided to walk behind her and motioned his driver to follow him.
For the next hour, they made a strange procession...A demented Little Red Riding Hood, trailed by a very tall, elegant man in black, holding on to his hat to keep it from blowing away, followed by a fancy carriage with the Darcy crest. For most of the time she appeared to be having a conversation with herself. Her arms would periodically gesture erratically or she would smack her head. Oftentimes she hugged herself as if she was cold. He was very concerned that something terrible had happened to her. However, he had little to go on as to her character. He had only spent a small amount of time with her that night at the theatre.
He knew Anne had developed a friendship with her, but she had not told him much about the young woman. He had determined his interest in her that night had been improper and had tried to erase her from his memory. Maybe she was unstable, and Anne had not been in her company long enough to perceive her true nature. She definitely was entirely too forward for her own good. What kind of family allows a young girl to travel about London unchaperoned. He would never allow his sister such liberties.
Miss Elizabeth looked back several times to determine whether he was still following her. Finally as they were getting quite close to Cheapside, she whirled around.
When he caught up to her, she spoke, "I have changed my mind. I will take a ride for the rest of the way. It is only about five blocks. I left Gracechurch Street in one of the Darcy carriages... I should arrive back in one so as not to arouse suspicion."
He had no idea what she was talking about, but decided to accommodate her. He motioned to the driver and opened the door to the carriage.
Darcy attempted to take her hand to help, but she quickly pulled it away from him. "I am perfectly able to get in without your help." She scrambled into the carriage, holding on to the door and pulling herself up and through the opening. The manoeuvre was decidedly unladylike, but she seemed determined to have no contact with him.
"Mr. Darcy, please stay here. I do not want my aunt to think I was alone with you in the carriage. It is only a few blocks. Your driver will be back very soon to pick you up and take you home. It is very kind of you to allow me to ride in your carriage for this last short distance."
Once again he thought her behaviour odd. She had walked from Grosvenor Square to Cheapside without any qualms... well not quite without qualms as she had seemed agitated the entire way. Now, after walking miles, she was concerned about raising suspicion by being alone in a carriage with him. Did she not think her aunt and uncle would wonder at the condition of her slippers? She had been limping for some time now, and he was sure she had worn blisters. Maybe Anne could shed some light on why she seemed so erratic today. More and more he was convinced she was an unstable young woman, and it was probably the result of inheriting bad characteristics combined with improper supervision. She admitted she read forbidden books with subject matter not appropriate for an unmarried lady of any age. He would be horrified if Georgiana did such a thing. If Miss Elizabeth behaved like this in the future, something dire was certain to befall her.
He struggled to remember why he had been so intrigued when they first met. His occasional musings on their interaction at the theatre had been met with an effort to banish such thoughts during the previous month. This incident should hopefully wipe out his unsuitable fascination with her.
Posted on: 2010-11-06
Elizabeth arrived at her aunt and uncle's house and steeled herself to allow the footman to help her down. Her need to hide her disgrace required her to act as before. His touch was disgusting, but she must not arouse suspicion. Standing erect, with her head held high, she entered the house and was quickly gratified to learn her aunt was not downstairs. She was probably in the nursery tending to the baby.
Elizabeth asked Mrs. Jones, the housekeeper, if she could have a bath arranged for her. Once undressed, she put her gown and underclothes aside to be laundered, knowing she would never wear any of them again. Still, discarding them would draw attention. The blood she had noticed before had stained her pantaloons. Would it be noticed, and would she be questioned about it? Helplessness was threatening to overpower her… if only she could talk with someone. Elizabeth desperately wanted her sister.
No, even Jane should be spared knowledge of her humiliation. The most prudent plan was to hide the incident from everyone. She had learned her lesson and had only to conceive a plausible excuse for refusing to be out when she returned home. Lord Wolfbridge's despicable actions had forced the realization she was not mature enough to understand the motives of men… and maybe never would be. What arrogance to think that her extensive reading made her knowledgeable about the human condition. In the future, she would also stick to the company she knew from real interaction.
The biblical verse Mary was so fond of quoting to her sisters 'Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall' stole into her mind, and she finally allowed her tears to fall as she became consumed with guilt for her sin. She had been so filled with conceit at her ability to charm a viscount. She was certain she was the silliest of all her father's daughters.
Elizabeth braced herself--it was time to go downstairs and face her aunt and uncle. She was glad their fears for Susan's welfare were their main concern today. It should make it easier to divert attention from herself. Her face was schooled with the appropriate look of worry as she listened to the account of the baby's prognosis, but she could not concentrate, and hoped her inattentiveness was not noticed behind her mask.
Dinner was uneventful, but afterwards, her aunt asked her about her visit with Mrs. Darcy. Elizabeth had prepared a response before coming down. "I am sorry, Aunt, but I had a quarrel with Mrs. Darcy, and she will likely not invite us for tea again. I sent a note to apologize for my behaviour, but I doubt she will forgive me. She found me too familiar in criticizing her mother. Though we have gossiped about our mothers in the past, it was clear she thought I overstepped the bounds of propriety and was entirely too disrespectful with my remarks about someone so much above me."
Mrs. Gardiner thought Elizabeth's explanation rang false. Knowing what she knew of Lizzy's hostess, it seemed unbelievable that she would have been annoyed by something her niece said. The animosity Mrs. Darcy felt for her mother had barely been suppressed during her conversations with the young woman.
Elizabeth continued her rambling explanation. "My feelings of inadequacy about being out have been proven correct. I have not mastered how to speak to those outside my narrow society." Elizabeth saw her aunt's face and knew she was not entirely successful. Elizabeth felt tears welling again with her falsehood, but hoped her aunt would think she was distraught about her lack of social graces.
Mrs. Gardiner scrutinized her niece intensely, but was unsure what she was seeing. Something was wrong… Elizabeth was not telling the truth. She saw the pooling tears, and decided not to probe her niece tonight. There would be time before she went back to Hertfordshire for heart-to-heart talks. Elizabeth was so young, she thought, recalling the anguish of her youth. Had Elizabeth become enamoured of Lord Wolfbridge or even Mr. Darcy? Infatuations were something all young girls went through.
Fitzwilliam Darcy arrived back at Darcy House and immediately searched out his wife. He found her in her sitting room, instructing her maid to put some sachets into her drawers. He could smell lavender. Anne looked shocked when he asked about Miss Elizabeth. She stammered as she replied, "Our time together was pleasant, but I started feeling unwell, and the visit was cut short. How did you know about her call?"
"I saw her leaving the house. She was distraught about something, acting very agitated, and she walked almost the entire way to Cheapside--in slippers--in the rain and wind. She seemed very unstable and was gesturing quite wildly the whole way. I offered her a ride home in the carriage, but she refused. She seemed particularly averse to being touched, and I smelled tobacco smoke. Were the two of you smoking?"
The whole time Fitzwilliam was speaking, Anne became paler and paler. She was caught, and had to figure out how to recover from this disaster. "Of course we weren't smoking. You must be mistaken about what you smelled. She gave me some lavender sachets and toilet water. Your mother always smelled of lavender." She forced a little smile. "I think I shall like smelling like her. I miss my aunt. It is hard to imagine she was my mother's sister. She was always so cheerful and loving, always laughing a great deal. Miss Elizabeth also gave me some special chamomile tea. She thinks the lavender and the tea will help me feel calmer."
Fitzwilliam was aware Anne was babbling and attempting to divert the conversation away from Miss Elizabeth's state of mind. He decided he should drop the accusation of smoking and ignore her remarks about his mother in the interest of pressing the issue of why Miss Elizabeth was acting so irrationally. "Is there anything that happened that could have upset her?"
Anne gripped the back of a chair, hoping her trembling was not noticeable. She tried to think of something to say to him that would end his queries. She stammered several beginnings, and stopped and coughed once or twice before finally settling on, "I think… I believe… I have noticed for a while that she had become enamoured with Edmund, and I might have said a little too strongly that there could never be anything between them. She did seem quite unhappy with the news and became very quiet. I thought her behaviour rather strange, as she is usually so lively. I was feeling unwell and excused myself for a few moments to leave her alone with her disappointment. When I returned later, she was gone."
After listening to Anne's explanation, Darcy decided it was plausible. He had thought Miss Elizabeth too sensible to fall for his cousin's suave glibness, but then again, she was very young. She had confessed something about being silly. Importance, power and wealth were always very attractive to those from the lower circles, even if they came in the package of an intelligent, joyful, little girl on the brink of womanhood.
Anne Darcy noticed that her husband seemed to momentarily accept her story. She resolved to confront Edmund… if for no other reason than to ensure their stories were in agreement. She would try to accomplish a meeting before Fitzwilliam decided to ask him if he had been home and talked with Miss Elizabeth. The first thing she needed was to be alone and away from her husband's scrutiny. If she was to conceal her part in allowing Edmund to be alone with Elizabeth from Fitzwilliam, she needed time to think.
"I am still feeling unwell. It is my intention to rest and have a tray sent up for dinner. Miss Elizabeth is very young; she will get over her infatuation soon. Please excuse me, I will see you tomorrow."
Mrs. Jones asked to speak with Mrs. Gardiner before she retired. She explained that Molly had shown Mrs. Jones a bloodstain on Miss Elizabeth's pantaloons. The maid had been afraid the young lady she served had been injured, but was unsure whether she should mention what she saw. Molly was only fourteen, and she did not notice the other substance that was on the underclothes, but Mrs. Jones did.
When Mrs. Gardiner was shown what her housekeeper had seen, she collapsed into a chair. She finally found her voice and said, "Mrs. Jones, please do not mention what Molly found to anyone else on the staff. Perhaps you could remove the stains before you give them over to be laundered. I am not sure what it means, and I want to ask my niece about this without causing any undue suspicion."
Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Gardiner were very close. She and her husband had served Mr. Davies since before his daughter was born. Mr. Jones had died just before Miss Madeline Davies married, and it was decided that Mrs. Jones would go with her to her new home in London. "Rest assured… no one will know what we found. Miss Elizabeth is a good, respectful young woman. I promise you complete discretion."
Together they decided that Mrs. Jones would tell young Molly that occasionally there would be spotting between cycles of courses. Molly would be cautioned not to mention her findings to Miss Elizabeth because it would mortify her employer's niece.
Mrs. Gardiner asked Mrs. Jones, "Did Miss Elizabeth send a note to Darcy House?"
"No, she did not. There is one other odd thing about her clothes. Her brand new kid slippers are practically worn through the soles. It appears she has walked a considerable distance in them."
"That is odd, as I know today is the first time she wore them." Mrs. Gardiner did not have the heart to mention these findings to her husband that evening. She needed to have another conversation with Elizabeth about what happened at Darcy House. Men always wanted to insist on revenge or marriage when women were compromised. There was no one to avenge Elizabeth except her husband. Elizabeth's father could barely see, and she had no brothers. The Gardiners' children needed their father.
Elizabeth was such a good, sensible girl. She would get to the bottom of what had happened before she involved anyone else in the family.
Elizabeth Bennet finally gave up trying to sleep just before dawn. She sat on the ledge of the window and stared out at the last of the night sky. If she were in Hertfordshire, she would go walking. Hopefully the weather would be pleasant today, and would allow a visit to the park with David and Marianne. Avoiding her aunt and additional questions was uppermost in her mind. Hopefully her explanation last night would end the interest in what happened at Darcy house. She was seized by fear that Mrs. Darcy might invite them to tea again despite what she had told her aunt. Would she be so cruel as to try to continue their friendship?
When it was light, Elizabeth wrote to her sisters and parents. Despite the extravagance, each one of them would receive their own page. She made sure her words were cheerful, even though she felt anything but. Once her letters were complete, it was still half an hour before anyone would be down for breakfast. Lizzy sat at her dressing table, looking at herself in the mirror, and continued her thoughts from the night before. The loss of her chastity weighed heavily on her heart, but she was also troubled by feelings she could not describe. Lord Wolfbridge had robbed her of a sense of security. Before she had felt joyful anticipation with so many of the things life had to offer, now she was consumed by a foreboding that horror lay around every bend,
How would she ever persuade her mother she could not marry? Embracing her uncle or even her father filled her with dread. The idea of a man wholly unconnected to her touching her other than getting in and out of carriages was repugnant. How did women bear the marital bed? Submitting to those attentions seemed a very high price to pay for prestige and security. She was certain she could never again go through what she endured yesterday.
Ways to end her torment crept into a corner of her mind. Her family would rally, and her shame would die with her. After indulging in speculation whether she could find the courage to bury a knife in her heart or obtain enough poison to induce a sleep from which she would not wake, she chastised herself for such dark thoughts. She spent the remainder of the time before breakfast practicing false cheerfulness. As she observed her efforts in the glass her greatest hope was that with time she would conquer this despair.
For some unknown reason, her thoughts drifted to Mr. Darcy. He had never been present any of the times she had met with Mrs. Darcy. Was he privy to her entrapment? Was he licentious like his cousin, and as she had come to believe… his uncle? He had seemed genuinely concerned about her yesterday. Had he walked the whole way to Cheapside to protect her; or to ensure his depraved family was not exposed?
Lord Wolfbridge slept late. Once fully awake, he remembered his conquest of yesterday. He had decided to act immediately once he learned from Anne she would be visiting alone. He knew from his conversations with Miss Elizabeth that she would be going back to the country soon. Charm had always been his bait in the past, but this time he was forced to pounce on his prey. There had been something exhilarating about that tactic, but she had not reacted precisely as he had hoped. Yes, her fear had been great in the beginning, but he had wanted her to struggle--and she did not. There were a few times she had cried and moaned… at least that little bit was delicious.
Now he had to deal with Anne… what a nuisance she was. She was as intimidated by Darcy as she had been by her mother. Her confrontation last evening had demanded he tell her what had happened. His assurances that he had just talked with Miss Bennet did not alleviate Anne's anxiety. It was fear of her priggish husband's disapproval that seemed to be driving her persistence. Most importantly, she worried Darcy would learn she had permitted him to be alone with the young woman. The dread in his cousin's eyes as she disclosed that Darcy had observed how distraught Miss Elizabeth had been led Edmund to understand her true concerns. Anne had rambled on accusing him of tricking her, and asked why her young friend would act so strangely if they only talked. Because of years of practice, he was able to quickly find a plausible lie. He told his cousin how unhappy Miss Elizabeth had become when he told her there could be no future for her with him. Before she left him, Anne had begged him not to tell Darcy that he was in the house yesterday. It had been an easy concession. The last thing he needed was his cousin pestering him about whether anything untoward had happened between him and Miss Bennet.
As he dressed for the day, he turned his thoughts to how to find some little girl he could have as a mistress once he was married? He laughed at his ridiculous quest. A little girl mistress was as likely as pigs learning to fly. There were some very young courtesans he had heard about who were schooled in the art of pretending to be a frightened maiden time after time... that was just not the same. He would just have to keep his hunting practices alive and well after he married. His father had accomplished a whole series of seductions since he had married… of course he was not interested in little girls. The Earl enjoyed tall, golden-haired, statuesque beauties. His fatherl had wasted so much money over the years on his dalliances… now he expected Edmund to economize. On the other hand, at least he did not have to waste time with an occupation like Richard. Miss Harding's dowry would give him some much needed cash to play with.
Just then, he had a delightful thought… he would go to White's and entertain his cronies with the story of the little country girl who helped with her buttons. That was the best part of yesterday. He remembered watching the wheels turn in her simple brain as she tried to figure out how to save her gown. The silly little chit had said she was worried about her sisters' reputations.
He was lucky it was March. He had a tremendous desire for oysters.
Fitzwilliam Darcy had slept very poorly. If he was in Derbyshire, he could go riding and exhaust himself. Dreams reminiscent of his encounter yesterday had disturbed his sleep. It was his house, and thus he was responsible for the well being of the guests. She was still a child, and he fretted that Anne had not told him the whole story. The fear he saw in his wife's eyes told him she knew something more about the incident. However, to continue pursuing the truth would only create unpleasantness.
How sad such an intelligent and witty young woman should be so unstable. Her aunt and uncle had allowed her to come to his house without a chaperone. He wondered whether her parents had been as lax with her. Anne had hinted Miss Elizabeth had become enamoured with his cousin and implied the realization he was too much above her in consequence had caused her to become disheartened. The question that bothered him was who had told her there could be nothing between them. Anne had insisted Edmund was not home yesterday.
If he could not gallop, he could at least walk. He found himself tracing the path of their journey to Cheapside. His intention was not to visit her, but he was drawn to the vicinity. If only he could feel assured she was well.
He saw a small park on a residential street called Gracechurch. It was lined with pleasant houses… not grand like those around Grosvenor Square, but well maintained and quite large. The day was pleasant, though still a little breezy, and he sat on a bench to rest before walking home. About ten minutes later, he saw a young woman enter the park with two children… a boy and a girl. They were entering from the opposite side and did not notice him. It was Miss Elizabeth. She was without a bonnet, and only had a shawl over her frock… no red cloak today. They had a kite. She showed the boy how to run to let the wind catch the sail and then let out the string as it began to soar. He smiled when he saw they had made the kite look like Puss n Boots. The little girl clung to Miss Elizabeth's skirt and watched with fascination. Once the boy had the kite flying, he offered to let the little girl fly it for a while. She clapped her hands with excitement before taking the string and doing a very credible job for one so small.
Miss Elizabeth seemed somewhat subdued. Still, she seemed determined the children in her care would enjoy themselves. It was obvious to Darcy the little boy and girl loved her. He was momentarily overcome with a desire to have his own children… to make and fly kites with them. Sadness came over him as he watched the trio.
On the way back to Grosvenor Square, he decided to stop in at White's. Maybe he would meet up with some acquaintances. He suddenly felt the need to be distracted.
Anne Darcy had been unwell most of the night, and decided she would stay in her room today. She wanted to avoid being questioned by Fitzwilliam, because she was now certain Edmund had hurt Elizabeth. She could see the truth in his eyes when she had confronted him last evening. It was not guilt she saw, but some kind of smug satisfaction that she did not understand. Somehow she knew enough to realize something had happened that had pleased Edmund and caused Elizabeth to become distraught.
It was only yesterday they had given each other permission to use their first names. She knew instinctually she would have to give up her friendship with Elizabeth. She started to cry… she had never had a young woman for a friend. She was such a sweet, supportive person, and Anne knew it would be hard to find anyone like her among her acquaintances within the ton. Anne suspected she had begun to accept her as part of her inner circle that included her sisters and her friends, Charlotte and Becky. She had mentioned corresponding…now that would never happen.
She was petrified Fitzwilliam would find out she had left Miss Elizabeth alone in Edmund's sitting room. She knew the honourable thing to do was to confess her guilt and tell her husband what she suspected their cousin had done…but she was not sure what he had done. He was a viscount, and an honourable and respected member of the best society. She could not believe he would violate a fifteen year-old girl.
He had related events of yesterday that luckily coincided with what she had told Fitzwilliam. He had told Miss Elizabeth how much he admired her, but as he was talking, she misunderstood and became overly excited and embraced him. He pushed her away and told her there could be no future between them. She collapsed, and he had given her some water and tried to console her. When she appeared to have herself under control, he suggested she leave.
Anne had asked, "Cousin, did you order a carriage for her?"
Edmund smirked at the question and answered, "I did not think it necessary. I assumed she had come in one of her own."
Anne could not believe how callously uncaring Edmund was. She wanted to be out of his presence, so she concluded their interview and returned to her room to ponder what had happened to Elizabeth. Edmund said she had embraced him…that would explain the smell of smoke. He positively reeked of it…that and the port on his breath. She had never noticed this before. His teeth, smile and flattery had always dazzled her, but now she was struck by the fact that for such a charming, handsome man... it seemed to escape his notice, that the importance of one's odour played a significant role in how one was perceived.
She hoped Fitzwilliam would not be able to put the smell of tobacco together with Edmund. If he did, she would have to admit it was possible Edmund had been home and might have been in Miss Elizabeth's presence for a few moments.
Anne had tossed and turned all night…she had been tortured by the loss of Elizabeth's friendship and feelings of guilt. Their friendship had been giving her confidence, and she had looked forward to their trip to the modiste the coming week. Now they would never shop for gowns together. Elizabeth would go home and have her sisters and her friends. Anne, on the other hand, would be left with an indifferent husband, a sister who was still a little girl and a disreputable cousin who reeked of tobacco smoke and port.
Anne thought about Elizabeth's cousins. Mrs. Gardiner had let her hold the baby. Even though she was petrified of giving birth, she had to admit it was pleasant cuddling baby Susan. She had looked up at her with big blue eyes, broken into a smile and gurgled. Perhaps it was time to become serious about producing an heir. She would not be like her mother. Her child would know he was cherished. She felt certain her baby would be a boy, and he would love her in a way that no other person ever had. His love for her would be as Fitzwilliam had loved Lady Anne. She wanted to spend the rest of her life loving him and encouraging him to learn and have all kinds of experiences. Yes, she would protect him, but she would not smother him. Her son would grow to be a great man who controlled two estates.
If Anne encouraged Fitzwilliam to come to her more often, maybe he would forget about trying to find out what happened to Miss Elizabeth. With this thought in mind, she finally drifted off to sleep.
Mrs. Gardiner said nothing to her husband in the beginning. She had so little evidence of something happening that day at Darcy House. Not wanting to force a confrontation with the Darcys or Lord Wolfbridge if it was not necessary was uppermost in her mind. Elizabeth was definitely not herself, but it seemed the most prudent course of action was to wait and observe. In those first weeks, she asked numerous times if anything was wrong, and each time the answer was the same. Elizabeth assured her aunt she was fine and evaded the truth by saying perhaps she was just a bit homesick.
Elizabeth played with the children as usual, but Mrs. Gardiner was certain she was simply going through the motions. Even Marianne noticed and asked her mother what was wrong with Cousin Lizzy. She told her mother that when she told them a story, she did not use any voices.
About three weeks after the day Lizzy went to Darcy House alone, she tried to eat breakfast, and almost immediately had to excuse herself. Her aunt went to her and found her lying on her bed with a cold compress on her head.
"Aunt Gardiner, I feel quite sick this morning as well as being fatigued. Would you mind if I stayed in my room for a while?"
"Do not worry, Lizzy, Molly and I can manage the children. Get a good rest, and we will see you later in the day."
During the next three weeks, Mrs. Gardiner observed that Lizzy was both nauseous in the morning and excessively tired on an almost daily basis. Elizabeth assumed it was part of the sadness and guilt she felt at allowing herself to be violated. She should have fought. Honourable women fight when they are about to be compromised. She was certain she had read that in novels.
Mrs. Gardiner asked Mrs. Jones to inquire of Molly when was the last time Miss Elizabeth had her courses. Mrs Jones told Molly she needed to make sure she had the proper supplies on hand. Luckily Molly did not seem to find the question unusual, and readily answered that it was two months ago. Mrs. Gardiner knew the situation had reached a point where she had to inform her husband about what she feared had happened to their beloved niece.
She told him in the privacy of his office after dinner. He asked numerous questions about the circumstances, which of course Mrs. Gardiner had no knowledge of, other than the stains on her clothing, the despair she exhibited and the very recent physical symptoms. Mr. Gardiner was devastated at first, and then ranted at the nameless person who had hurt his niece. He despaired over telling his sister and brother. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner felt certain Lizzy had been violated, but both instinctually knew she had not been to blame.
Once calm, Mr. Gardiner began thinking of next steps. He knew the Darcy and Fitzwilliam families were formidable opponents if it came to a confrontation. He decided to have an acquaintance make some discreet inquiries to see if a young woman was being gossiped about by the servants at Darcy House or in any of the clubs about town. They agreed they would wait for the results of the queries and perhaps more definitive evidence of a baby before confronting her.
Another two weeks and the first results of the inquiries had been favourable for avoiding a scandal. There was no gossip at Darcy House, but the physical evidence definitely kept building to support her being with child. The morning sickness and fatigue had not abated, and Lizzy's spirits were still depressed.
Despite her distress, she continued to entertain her cousins. She could not deny them the pleasure of the park. April showers had given way to the beauty that was May. Marianne had become proficient enough to fly the Puss n Boots kite by herself. Lizzy and David launched the second kite they had made… a spectacular red dragon, spewing fire from his mouth and possessing a magnificent tail with a spike on the end. They had affixed scales all over the dragon that flapped in the breeze. They named the Dragon, Llewellyn, after their Grandfather Davies. Davy and Marianne told her he was a very kindly man, but looked quite frightening with eyebrows that grew in every direction and silver hair as bushy as a lion's mane. He did not spew fire, but his voice boomed.
While keeping her cousins occupied with kite flying, Lizzy was allowed to rest on a bench. Several times in the distance, she thought she saw a tall man across the park. The thought of being watched by someone who could be Lord Wolfbridge made her heart race, and her breathing become laboured. Whenever she would look again, the man would be gone.
Two and a half months after Elizabeth's visit to Darcy House, Mr. And Mrs. Gardiner asked Elizabeth to join them in Mr. Gardiner's study. Elizabeth was hoping they would talk about her returning to Longbourn. For some reason, it had been delayed several times in the past six weeks. Being wrapped in her sister's arms would surely ease her pain.
"Elizabeth, what happened to you the last time you visited Mrs. Darcy?" Mrs. Gardiner tried to keep from looking accusatory.
Elizabeth had become adept at keeping a placid countenance over the last two and a half months. She said, "I do not know what you mean. Nothing happened except the quarrel I told you about."
"You are not telling the truth. I know something happened to you."
"How do you know that?"
"Because I fear you are with child."
Lizzy looked uncomprehendingly. "That is impossible. I am not married."
"Elizabeth, you do not have to be married to have a child."
"Aunt, cannot we talk about this alone? I do not want to talk about this with my uncle here."
Mr. Gardiner gave her a stern look. "Elizabeth, I need to be here so we can find a solution for your dilemma."
Elizabeth looked nervously at her uncle. "But I do not have a dilemma, and I am uncomfortable talking about such things with you present. I think it is improper. I have never talked about these things with anyone but Aunt Gardiner and Jane... and a very little bit with Mama."
Mr. Gardiner continued to look at his niece with an unyielding gaze. "I am not leaving, Lizzy. Your aunt and I both need to find out what has happened."
The standoff between the two lasted several minutes, and finally Lizzy spoke in a tremulous voice. "How is it possible to have a baby if you are not married? I thought first you become a woman when you get your courses, and then you are ready the way Mama said. Then when you are married and come together in the marriage bed, you are able to make a baby."
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner looked at each other in the stark realization of the naivety of their favourite niece. Mrs. Gardiner said, "People who are not married can do the same things married couples do."
"Yes, but God would not bless it and give them a child."
"Unfortunately, making a child does not require God's blessing."
Elizabeth looked stunned for a few seconds, and the Gardiners watched as her certainty disintegrated. She collapsed on the floor sobbing. They watched in horror as she began rocking back and forth and pounding her head against her uncle's desk. Mr. Gardiner got on the floor and pulled her to him in an embrace. She struggled to push him away. She pounded her fists against his back, and shouted "let me go" but her uncle steadfastly refused to remove his arms. He was determined to keep her from hurting herself. She continued to fight him, but he was in the end stronger, and she finally settled and sobbed quietly.
After about ten minutes, she pulled back from her uncle and stood up. She spoke quietly as she paced--more to herself than her aunt and uncle. "How could God abandon me and my family? I have been good. I have always honoured my parents… I have not stolen nor murdered. I did have private thoughts that Lord Wolfbridge and Mr. Darcy were handsome, but I do not think I lusted. I know… it is because I was proud… oh so very, very proud, and I should have fought… God must have wanted me to fight. If I had fought, God would have protected me. I was just a prideful girl and had no faith in him. My only thoughts were how to hide my humiliation." Lizzy started another chorus of keening and rocking. When she calmed a second time, her next words were punctuated by hiccups and sniffling. "I have ruined my family. How will Mama and my sisters survive when Papa dies? No one will want to marry any of them now that I am a disgrace."
"Elizabeth, I know you are distraught, but you must tell us what happened." Her uncle guided her to a chair. "Would you like some water?" She nodded, and he poured her a glass from the carafe. "Niece, did Mr. Darcy do this to you?" Mr. Gardiner asked. She looked uncomprehendingly at him with big round eyes still laden with tears.
His wife was annoyed with his assumption. "Husband, why do you assume it was Mr. Darcy? Why do you not question Lord Wolfbridge's honour?"
"Because Lord Wolfbridge will one day be a peer, and he will play a role in shaping the policies of our nation. More importantly, Mr. Darcy paid a great deal of attention to Elizabeth that night at the theatre."
"Yes, but Mr. Darcy has not been seen by either Elizabeth or myself since that night, and Lord Wolfbridge has. I am also not as certain as you that his rank makes him honourable."
Elizabeth drank the water while her aunt and uncle sparred. When she had finished, she put down the glass and began her narrative. She told the story beginning with Mrs. Darcy coming to pick her up, and finished the story by telling of her walk from Grosvenor Square to Cheapside with Mr. Darcy following her.
Her aunt and uncle were momentarily speechless. Her aunt spoke first. "Mrs. Darcy left you alone so you were accessible to Lord Wolfbridge? How despicable."
Lizzy whispered, "Aunt, Uncle, I need to lie down. I must think about what this means. After I rest, we will talk again.
After hours considering her dilemma, Lizzy finally slept. She awoke the next morning with a tear soaked pillow and a resolution for her future. She hoped she could persuade her aunt and uncle to go along with her plan.
Posted on: 2010-11-10
"Aunt, Uncle, please do not make me marry Lord Wolfbridge. The very idea is repulsive to me, not to mention what might happen to the baby. Since you revealed to me your suspicions, my every waking moment has been spent thinking of what is best for our family--but most importantly I have worried about this child's future." Elizabeth decided her aunt was the more receptive. She captured her eyes, patted her stomach and pleaded, "This babe needs a chance for happiness, regardless of the foolishness of its mother or the cruelty of its father."
Her uncle reacted to her words with vehemence. "Elizabeth you did nothing wrong."
His forcefulness was unexpected but appreciated. She moved her gaze to her uncle and matched his vehemence. Lizzy practically spat out her words. "Oh yes Uncle, I did. Papa asked me not to be silly, and I acted in a most nonsensical manner. I was flattered by the attention I was receiving from such prestigious persons, and my pride knew no bounds. But you are correct on one matter--I am not guilty of impropriety. Mrs. Darcy delivered me to her cousin like a lamb to the slaughter."
Elizabeth paused for effect. "Lord Wolfbridge should not be given access to this child. One thing I forgot to tell you yesterday was that he wanted me because I look like a little girl." When she saw her uncle's eyes match hers in anger, she exhaled and silently prayed her words were working.
Mrs. Gardiner shuddered at her statement. Lizzie softened and gave her aunt a sad smile. "Even at fifteen, I know that is wrong. I did not understand his teasing me about whether Papa often had to punish me for being naughty. In my need to be liked by such an important man, I was wooed into believing his attention meant I was special--even if he asked odd questions. Though I must live with the shame of that foolishness, I will never forgive or forget his depravity." Lizzy could not contain a brittle burst of laughter. "Despite the unchristian nature of such sentiment, I would kill him if I thought I could escape the gallows."
After that statement, Elizabeth quickly bowed her head. Her uncle was certain if he could see her face, it would be streaked with tears. His wife was now openly crying, and he could feel his own emotions threatening to overwhelm him. She was right--Lord Wolfbridge was depraved. He had taken a beautiful, lively, young girl, and tried to destroy her spirit all in the interest of enjoying some dissolute sport. What kind of cruel monster was he? The next moment, Lizzy lifted her head, and he was startled to see determination rather than tears. Though it was not what he expected, Mr. Gardiner was pleased to see her look of resolve. She would never be the same joyful being from before; but the look in her eyes was not of one broken in defeat.
Elizabeth continued, "I am aware my own happiness has been significantly curtailed, but this child must be given a chance. My hope is that there is a place I can go for my confinement and hide my disgrace... even from my parents. Please help with a solution that would protect the good name of our family from scandal while not banishing me forever from the comfort of my loving home."
Mrs. Gardiner shot a furtive glance at her husband before she started speaking. "Elizabeth, your uncle and I have also given considerable thought to your dilemma. In the beginning, we both felt the most prudent thing to do was to aid your father in persuading Lord Wolfbridge to marry you. However, your point about concern for this child is valid. Besides, we both concluded he would most likely refuse, and the attempt to make him do the honourable thing would risk your circumstances becoming known to society. If that happened, his family would weather the storm of scandal and disapproval, but ours would probably not. Those from the highest circles are always forgiven their indiscretions… particularly if the compromised is of lower status. Besides, the burden of blame always falls to the woman... and in this case a mere child of a woman."
Mr. Gardiner was still smarting with Elizabeth's revelations and scowled as he said, "I had an acquaintance, Mr. Thatcher, make some inquiries. I wanted to find out whether Lord Wolfbridge had mentioned compromising a young woman to anyone. He did talk about the incident at White's, but did not mention your name. None of the staff at Darcy House has been heard gossiping about his being alone with a young woman. If your father and I confront him to make him wed you, we definitely run the risk of your violation becoming public."
Elizabeth sighed, and her shoulders slumped. Her plan was not going exactly as she hoped. They were still debating the merits of a marriage to the Viscount. In desperation she spoke to Mr. Gardiner. "Uncle, I beg you not to tell my father of my silliness and humiliation. Being married to Lord Wolfbridge would force me into... " her voice was choked with stifled sobs. "I would not be able to bear having him touch me. If he ever did, I would... " Leaving her morbid thought dangling, she whispered, "There must be some other course of action."
Mrs. Gardiner knew they had frightened her with talk of marriage. She must pull her niece out of this despair. She smiled consolingly and said, "Elizabeth, your uncle and I also discussed a plan to raise the baby as our own. You, Susan and I will go to Derbyshire to my family. My Cousin Jamie is a physician and his housekeeper is a midwife. They can deliver the baby. He and my Aunt Wilder have a small and loyal staff with no near neighbours. They are very adept at keeping secrets. My father, aunt and cousin will all be very sympathetic to your plight." She laughed nervously and added, "… particularly when they learn the circumstances of your violation."
Mrs. Gardiner's demeanour became more serious as she continued. "The plan we discussed is that before we leave, we will disclose to family, staff and friends that I am with child, and that you are needed to help me through what is proving to be a difficult confinement. Once I am in Derbyshire, we will communicate that my cousin thinks it unwise for me to travel, and you and I must remain in Derbyshire until I give birth. Your uncle and I thoroughly discussed the dangers of others learning of your predicament. Though it pains us to hide the situation from your parents, we agree with you that it is safer to withhold the truth from them."
Animation and determination returned to Lizzy's countenance. "Oh Aunt, Uncle, you are truly wonderful to protect me. Your plan is perfect and so very generous." Elizabeth again patted her stomach, and her uncle noticed a flicker of light had returned to her eyes as she spoke. "With remarkable parents as you, this baby will thrive."
Elizabeth hugged her aunt and hesitated only a few seconds before she embraced her uncle. She took her uncle's hands and chose the moment to make an appeal she had been considering. "I do have one other request... it is actually more of a need I am unable to shake. It is dangerous and would mean revealing to others I am with child." She saw Mr. Gardiner stiffen at her words. "Uncle, hear me out before you disapprove. Lord Wolfbridge and Mrs. Darcy should be made to feel some anguish for what they have done to me. My desire to seek justice is not the prudent course; but, alas, my heart demands vengeance. If you would allow me to confront those despicable people, I could force them to pay for my silence--enough to help provide the baby with an education if it is a boy or a small dowry if it is a girl. I also wish to gain enough that you could invest some so Mama will be provided for when Papa dies." She ignored the shocked look on her aunt and uncle's faces and continued as though her request was entirely reasonable. "Do you believe it would be too much to ask for three thousand pounds each from Lord Wolfbridge and the Darcys?"
Mr. Gardiner put his arm around his niece. "Lizzy, it is not worth the risk of your violation being exposed. My business is thriving. Your aunt and I can afford to raise this child, and I am prepared to help my sister when the time comes."
"Uncle, you have always been kind and generous. Your way is to always look forward and plan for any eventuality… unlike my father. I love Papa, and I am glad he has taught me so many things, but I hope to emulate you as I grow to adulthood--protective, loving, devoted to my family. I promise my abominable pride, which got us into this dilemma, is now under good regulation. From this day forward, I will be proud of what I accomplish, and not who I know. Let me do this one thing for my babe and my Mama. If I am successful, I know you could make the six thousand pounds grow."
After days of listening to numerous variations of her argument, the Gardiners conceded to Elizabeth's wish. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner even began to share her need for revenge. It seemed a more useful emotion than wallowing in the guilt they had felt as they first evaluated the incident.
Her aunt could not shake her own feelings of responsibility for the tragedy. Her remorse often became anger as she remembered the particular facts of the entrapment. She too had been flattered by Mrs. Darcy's interest, and it was she who made the decision to allow a fifteen-year-old child under her care to go alone to Darcy House. Her example had encouraged Lizzy to be deceived by persons placed so high in society.
Mr. Gardiner remembered his older sister caring for him as a young boy. As the oldest, she had taken very seriously her responsibilities toward her younger siblings. She never let his hand go and had even carried him when necessary. Their mother had told her to keep her baby brother from harm's way, and she had carried out her mission as vigilantly as she currently attempted to marry off her daughters. He had failed Fanny as well as his niece. The possible advantages to his business from the connections had taken precedence over his duty to protect his sister's child from a predator. The notion that those with titles and inherited wealth must be honourable frequently caused him to laugh at his opportunistic denial. The papers were filled with their outrageous scandals. Poor Lizzy chastised herself for her pride, but he was a man of the world who had acted like a naive schoolboy. The couple even began recalling numerous warning signs they should have heeded as they remembered their dealings with the perpetrators of this crime against their beloved Elizabeth.
Mr. Thatcher made additional discreet inquiries to find out useful information about both the Darcys and Lord Wolfbridge. Finally, Mr. Gardiner felt they were prepared and sent a note to Darcy House requesting a meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and Lord Wolfbridge. He thought about using his solicitor to make the request, but Lizzy felt strongly that no lawyers be involved to ensure secrecy. Within two days, Mr. Darcy agreed to the meeting for the following Tuesday.
As with the fateful day of her humiliation, Elizabeth dressed carefully for her trip to Darcy House. Then she had been a youthful harbinger of spring filled with joyful expectations for a day spent in her new friend's beautiful solarium. This morning she chose to wear the fashionable new gown her uncle had encouraged her to have made; she suspected in hopes of raising her spirits. It was made from such unique material that she had decided to forgo all but the barest ornamentation. Her mother would not have approved, but Elizabeth had felt it wrong to gild the lily and detract from the novel beauty of the cloth. She also felt the absence of fol-de-rols promoted a more sedate image that was in keeping with her mission.
Elizabeth smiled at the mirror. The reflection that returned her greeting was a young woman in a beautiful dress of glistening verdant silk. Turning from side to side to admire her new frock, she observed how the movement made the colour and design of the fabric appear as water cascading to the tops of her slippers. Her attention was next drawn to the bodice of the gown, and Lizzy noticed how the dressmaker had draped it in such a way to modestly accent her newly acquired bosom. Suddenly she wrinkled her nose in remembered disgust and wondered whether that feature might bring a twinge of disappointment to Lord Wolfbridge. Returning to more pleasant thoughts, she marvelled again at how very unique the material was, and if her circumstances had been different, she would have revelled to return from London wearing something so novel and elegant. The silk appeared to have a wavy weave, but her uncle told her it was actually a ribbing and rolling process that created the rippling pattern. Mr. Gardiner had come across the fabric--clandestinely imported from France and called moiré--at one of his friend's warehouses and brought bolts home in rose and green.
Elizabeth had chosen the green because it matched the colour of her eyes and enhanced the flaming highlights of her hair. Molly had helped her put up her unruly curls in a more mature style. The only adornment she wore was her amber cross. As she gave herself a final inspection in the glass, she noted a bold determined expression betrayed by eyes filled with an underlying sorrow. In a few months, she had seen her childhood swept away as circumstances forced her transformation into the audacious young woman reflected before her. Today she would make a plea in hopes she could even the score with these dishonourable people and perhaps in the doing gain some peace of mind.
Once settled in the carriage, Elizabeth said, "Uncle, please stop fretting about allowing me to conduct the negotiations. It is true, Mr. Darcy and Lord Wolfbridge will think it inappropriate for me to speak; but I am hoping the element of surprise will work to our advantage. Mrs. Darcy is the most vulnerable, and I want to utilize the guilt feelings I suspect she may feel. Her act was thoughtless, and I am certain she fears the whole truth being learned by her husband. I do not know why, but I believe he is the most honourable of the trio. Mrs. Darcy's apprehension of losing her husband's good opinion should make her particularly susceptible to my appeal."
Elizabeth could not stifle a girlish giggle as she thought about the time she had spent before the mirror rehearsing her lines. "As you know, I have gone over my approach numerous times, and with the intelligence Mr. Thatcher provided about Lord Wolfbridge, I should be able to carry off this negotiation."
"Lizzy, I have complete confidence in you." He chuckled as he continued. "I, more than any other, know you are persuasive. You won over your aunt and me to the position of keeping your father in the dark about what has happened. If he ever found out what I have hidden from him, I doubt he would ever forgive me. It is probably not prudent to allow you to do this, but I share your need for vindication. Wresting reparations from Lord Wolfbridge and Mrs. Darcy is definitely preferable to fighting a duel. But for my own peace of mind, one last time, tell me what is most important."
"I have not forgotten… even more important than obtaining payment from Lord Wolfbridge and Mrs. Darcy, is the necessity to maintain the honour of our family. Uncle, I love my sisters too much to jeopardize their futures. In the past week, you and I have judiciously laid out the necessary steps to ensure secrecy. We will insist all correspondence and settlements go through you. With those measures in place, there will be much less suspicion of what the money is for. I do not want the name Bennet to be used at all in either our consultation or any arrangements we conclude. Both today and in the future, I will only be Miss Elizabeth."
Elizabeth grinned at her uncle and said with bravado, "Lord Wolfbridge needs Miss Harding's fifty thousand pounds. He has as much to lose if this affair comes to light, and Mrs. Darcy is culpable and in fear of her husband's disapproval." Elizabeth jutted out her chin and smiled. "Our case is strong--not to mention righteous."
Mr. Gardiner and Elizabeth were shown into Mr. Darcy's study. Lord Wolfbridge and Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were surprised to see Elizabeth. Mrs. Darcy appeared worried, Mr. Darcy looked confused and Lord Wolfbridge was openly irritated. Anne Darcy and the Viscount were sitting in chairs on one side of the fireplace, and Mr. Darcy was sitting behind his desk. Elizabeth was relieved to see no lawyer present. The fewer people who knew about what had occurred in this house three months ago, the less likelihood her family's honour would be breached.
"Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Gardiner, please have a seat." Mr. Darcy addressed them as they had been announced. He gestured for them to take the two chairs on the other side of the fireplace.
Lizzy and her uncle sat, as the others in the room looked expectantly to Mr. Gardiner. Elizabeth waited a few seconds before she began to speak. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and Lord Wolfbridge were startled that Elizabeth was to address them.
Lizzy noticed Mr. Darcy was looking intently at her. She was unsure at what he was staring. Was it her audacity to be speaking or was it her recently increased bosom that was capturing his attention? It was hard to tell with him, since he seemed to be trying to hide his true intent; but she did notice that he would move his eyes away from her only to have them return a few seconds later, and more often than not they were drawn to her décolletage. Good Lord, having him admire her had not been part of her plan! As she had dressed this morning, her goal had been to appear businesslike. The last thing she needed while she was carrying out these negotiations was to be worried about the other cousin getting lascivious thoughts. Does one like them small, while the other likes them big? Still, he did not seem to be giving her the same kind of look as Lord Wolfbridge had on the ides of March. In the end she concluded, Mr. Darcy's dour countenance was mainly finding fault with her boldness.
She had practiced for days… schooling her face to show no inconvenient feelings. She did not want to become emotional and let her words betray the anger she felt. "Lord Wolfbridge, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, I am with child. I was violated by the Viscount three months ago in this very house. The baby I am carrying is the result of that encounter. I told no one of what occurred here last March until my aunt and uncle became suspicious of my condition and forced me to reveal what had happened. I very much wanted to keep the incident from any other's notice. My father had only two expectations of me. He wanted me to guard my chastity and refrain from nonsensical behaviour. I experienced the ultimate humiliation that afternoon; and I failed my father on both counts. Obviously I am no longer chaste." Elizabeth was afraid her stoic demeanour was about to fail as she said, "Even worse, I was incredibly silly."
Lizzy concentrated and forced her face to relax into a slight sneer; nothing too impertinent, but something that allowed her audience to know the disregard she felt for their status. "My silliness was exhibited in the pride I felt to be receiving attention from such great persons as you. All three of you come from prestigious and ancient families, and you, Lord Wolfbridge, will one day be a peer. I was flattered you would want to associate with a country lass like me. All I have to recommend me is a father who owns a minor estate and numerous hard-working relatives in trade."
Her face went back to her unemotional mask as she continued. "I was not knowledgeable enough at the time to even realize that a child could be the consequences of Lord Wolfbridge's attentions. My aunt first noticed what was happening to me. I thought the sickness in the morning and the constant tiredness was caused by my sadness at failing my father. Unfortunately, the fact that I will soon be increasing forces me to disclose my circumstances to the three of you."
The Darcys had both registered shock at her words, but Lord Wolfbridge had merely looked annoyed. Elizabeth did not hesitate, but focused a steely glance on the Viscount and continued with, "You need not fear that I intend to force you to wed me, Your Lordship. I assure you that event would be much more repugnant to me than it could ever be for you. My aunt and uncle thought marriage between us would be the best solution, but I was able to persuade them that this baby deserves a better life than being saddled with a mother who will forever dream that its father might meet the same fate as others of his ilk did in France. You, on the other hand, have already acted on your fantasies, and now think I have as much significance as the last bird you shot."
Elizabeth noticed Mr. Darcy gave his cousin a scornful look. She stood and positioned herself so he could see her better. "The Gardiners and I have devised a plan which will allow the world to think this child is theirs. My parents know nothing and will never know what happened here in this house three months ago--or that a baby was the result." She looked pointedly at Lord Wolfbridge. "There is no need to fear a retaliation as happened in Les Liaisons Dangereuses. My uncle and I both think it quite proper that duels have been outlawed. No one will ever call you out. I have no brother to avenge my honour, and my father can barely see."
Elizabeth drew in a breath to calm herself, as she prepared to make her pronouncement. "I am here today to demand six thousand pounds for my silence. You will give me my pound of flesh, or I will go to the Earl and Countess of Elderton and tell them all the sordid details of what happened between us. I will look and act as much like a child as possible. As you know, I love the theatre. I am an excellent actress; and I will cry... I will blush... I will stammer... I will have trouble describing what happened; but believe me... " Elizabeth glared at the Viscount as she continued, "... in the end your mother will know just how depraved you are."
Lord Wolfbridge smiled condescendingly at Miss Elizabeth. He was trying to convince himself that he need not be afraid of this silly little girl taking her tale to his parents. His father knew of his indiscretions, just as he knew of his father's, and he had always been able to persuade his mother of his innocence. The women who had threatened exposure in the past were always clearly from outside their circle, and most were older. In his Oxford days, some were young, but then so was he, and none of those indiscretions were ever brought to his mother's attention. He had paid whatever small remunerations demanded out of his own pocket money. Now the frightened little girl who worried about her silly sisters was here demanding three thousand pounds from him. What a cheeky thing she had become. It was only recently, he had become emboldened to lower the age of his prey, and it was that compulsion that had landed him in this jeopardy. Still, it did make the game delightfully dangerous.
As he listened to her plans for telling his parents, he felt a bit squeamish as he thought of his mother. In the past, his parents had enough inbred arrogance to believe the others who had asked for compensation had been avaricious from the beginning. His father always admonished him to be more careful in his associations because they did not have the money to pay off every chit he compromised. On the other hand, his mother had originally believed he had just foolishly associated with the wrong people, but over time she had become less forgiving. His mother was a Darcy, and was cursed with that ridiculous code of honour that had been passed down from generation to generation.
Miss Elizabeth's age and status was a concern. Her father was a gentleman, and she had been with Lady Hughes when his mother had made her acquaintance. She was not a shopkeeper's daughter as most of the other maidens had been. His mother would definitely be appalled if she learned he had desired her because of her childlike appearance. And then there was the annoying fact that she ended up with child. Knowing his mother, she might insist he do the honourable thing and marry her; she was anxious for grandchildren. This one was obviously much more intelligent than any of his other conquests, and he had no doubt she could be very persuasive. His mother had liked Miss Elizabeth when she met her. Oh well, he would just have to be a bit more facile. He shrugged off his doubts and returned to a smug smile as he told himself he was still quite adept at charming his mother.
Elizabeth looked right at Mrs. Darcy when she spoke next. "They will know how I happened to be in this house that day. They will be told how I ended up alone with Lord Wolfbridge." Anne Darcy turned deathly pale and gripped the arms of her chair. She looked at her husband and saw that his eyes were questioning Miss Elizabeth's meaning. She quickly averted her gaze from his.
Anne was momentarily consumed with guilt. Over the months, she had told herself that Miss Elizabeth had not been compromised that day… she was just disappointed in love. Given this new information, she now steadfastly tried to convince herself that Edmund had not planned to violate Miss Elizabeth... his passion had just spiralled out of control. Why had she foolishly arranged for them to be alone? Lord Wolfbridge had told her he would like a few moments with her friend for a private conversation. His argument to win Anne's compliance was that Miss Elizabeth needed to understand that despite his admiration there could never be anything between them. Edmund had reflected that she was young and resilient, and knowing that a viscount thought her charming would be good for her confidence. Anne suddenly felt nauseous… what a fool she was for believing her cousin's ridiculous lie.
Miss Elizabeth had always exuded poise far beyond her years. She did not need Lord Wolfbridge to tell her she was charming. She was like no one Anne had ever met--an odd combination of ease and liveliness in conversation with new acquaintances--both women and men. But, she had confided to Anne that she disagreed with her mother's desire for her to begin securing a husband… and marriage had seemed to be the furthest thing from her mind. Why had she allowed her cousin to persuade her to do something she knew to be nonsensical, only to find later it was utterly dishonourable and immoral? Fitzwilliam would despise her if he knew what she had done.
Elizabeth's next statement wiped the smirk from the Viscount's face. "My uncle does a great deal of business with a Mr. Harding. He is a wealthy manufacturer of textiles from Manchester. Mr. Gardiner will make certain that Mr. Harding learns you are not an honourable man, Lord Wolfbridge. He will learn things that will cause him to feel concern for his daughter."
Fitzwilliam Darcy was reeling from all the disclosures. He was only half listening to her words as he could not take his eyes from this bold young woman. Five months after he met her he was struck by the changes in her body. Even before she disclosed she was with child, he had wondered at the cause of the extraordinary transformation in her appearance. In horror as he learned of her circumstances, he pondered the irony--the child becomes a woman as she carries the child.
When she demanded payment, his eyes moved from her body to her face. His mind registered the coldness of Miss Elizabeth's eyes. They were still that amazing green colour, but the gold flecks seemed extinguished, and instead, they glittered hard like emeralds. Her manner had also been transformed... she had become avaricious and unscrupulous... but increasingly sensuous... He left that thought incomplete as he considered other recollections.
He had gone to the park on Gracechurch Street several times in the past months. He would sit on a bench on the other side of the park from where they generally played and just watch them. He had noticed she was not very lively and seemed to have to sit down much of the time while her cousins played. Twice he believed she had seen him, so he left immediately. Why could he not conquer his concern for her? The chatter at White's had been about an accommodating young woman who had been his cousin's latest conquest. Had wresting compensation been her hope all along? If only he had never met her, he could return to his well ordered life.
In desperation, Anne had used the last few minutes to come up with a plan. She jumped up and said, "Lord Wolfbridge, will you take Mr. Gardiner and Miss Elizabeth to the drawing room? I need to talk to Mr. Darcy alone."
With a slight sneer, Elizabeth looked from Lord Wolfbridge to Mrs. Darcy to Mr. Darcy and said, "I refuse to go to anywhere with His Lordship. If you do not object, I will take my uncle to the solarium and show him the orchids. We will be there when you are ready for us to return."
Darcy was both annoyed and amazed at her daring. This courtesan in the making was going to casually show her uncle flowers in the midst of this tempest.
Once they were gone, Anne said quite forcefully, "Fitzwilliam, I want this child. If we give Miss Elizabeth twenty thousand pounds, I am certain she will agree to our demand. This baby has both Darcy and Fitzwilliam blood." She saw him shake his head in disbelief at her suggestion, but noticed he did not appear totally revolted by the thought. Taking that as an opening, she switched her tone to persuasion. "Please, do not try to dissuade me. This is a paltry sum compared to what I brought to our marriage. They are not even telling her parents... no one will ever know. We have been married for three years, and I have not become with child; and as you know, I am terrified of giving birth. We need an heir." Her words tumbled out in a rush, preventing her husband from interrupting her.
When she finally halted, he voiced his scepticism. "But she and her uncle came here today to demand money. Their action reeks of the vulgarity of trade... or worse. This baby will also share that blood."
She took his hand and looked at him beseechingly. "Please, Fitzwilliam, you need not look so disapproving. I want this, and remember Miss Elizabeth said they have a plan. We should be able to substitute ourselves for the Gardiners. As for Miss Elizabeth's heritage, she is a gentleman's daughter. Besides, you have often told me that much of what a child becomes is the result of the principles given. I am confident you will be a diligent parent."
Darcy had indeed been looking quite sceptically at his wife, but her calling his attention to one of his strongest beliefs gave him pause. Anne was probably correct with regard to the causes of Miss Elizabeth's poor behaviour. It was obviously the result of improper and haphazard training not birthright. "Anne, what happened that day? What did she mean she would tell Uncle Henry and Aunt Cassandra how she came to be here that day?"
Anne tried to remain calm and give her answer nonchalantly. She had to divert him and prevent his learning of her role. "I told you what happened when you questioned me before--the day she insisted on walking home. I had no knowledge anything had transpired. She came to see me, but I was not feeling well and left the room for a short while. When I came back, she was gone. I assumed she had left. Later Edmund told me he had told her there could be nothing between them. I am bewildered as to why she thinks that news will have an impact on the Earl and the Countess."
Darcy noticed that Anne seemed nervous--just as she had when he had first questioned her about Miss Elizabeth's visit. He was certain he was not being told the full story, but he did not know what to do about it. The truth was they probably should save this baby that shared their blood from an appalling upbringing. Watching Miss Elizabeth play with her cousins had raised his awareness of the pleasure of having children; and it seemed as though he and Anne were not going to produce any in the near future… or maybe ever.
This despicable event had happened because Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner had provided improper supervision for their niece. They had seemed intelligent, had been dressed tastefully and had excellent manners when he had met them; but in the end breeding always tells. They would obviously be inadequate parents to give proper guidance to this baby. Miss Elizabeth had given him some mumbled excuse why she had been alone, but all he could recall of that day was the picture of a troubled Little Red Riding Hood fleeing an imaginary Big Bad Wolf. A competing vision of the sneer on Lord Wolfbridge's face as Miss Elizabeth had confronted him sent Darcy's mind wandering in reflection of the irony of his cousin's title with regard that distasteful recollection. That preposterous storybook image had haunted him since that blustery March day, but now he hoped her greedy behaviour today would finally banish that memory that sometimes came to him in nightmares. Edmund's mother was his father's sister. Anne was correct this child had both Fitzwilliam and Darcy blood. It would be unconscionable to have it raised by people in trade... to learn to value money above all else.
"I will agree, Anne; but I think the amount excessive. We should only give her ten thousand pounds."
"Please, Fitzwilliam, do not argue with me. I want this baby, and I want to give Miss Elizabeth twenty thousand pounds… and I think it only right that Edmund be required to give her three thousand." Anne breathed a little easier with her success. She thought to herself that he may think twenty thousand excessive, but she knew it would truly be more appropriate to give her thirty thousand pounds… wasn't thirty pieces of silver the price for betrayal?
Fitzwilliam shrugged his shoulders in acquiescence. "I will agree; but I insist we spend as little time with Lord Wolfbridge as possible in the future. He is no longer welcome to stay with us. Regardless of whether Miss Elizabeth merely helped with her buttons or consciously hoped to wrench filthy lucre from a viscount with poor control… I feel he has acted dishonourably. She is very young, and he had no business agreeing to whatever scheme her unstable mind concocted."
"Fitzwilliam, I could not agree with you more. I wish I never had to see Edmund again. He is not a gentleman; and I cannot believe I have always thought him so charming." She turned her face away from her husband and fought back tears. She thought to herself… he must not learn of my dishonour.
Mr. Darcy sought out Miss Elizabeth and her uncle in the solarium. As he entered, he overheard the two talking about what would be needed to build such a room. Darcy silently seethed that she was so certain of her success wresting money from them that she was already planning what she would do with her bounty. What a ridiculous extravagance. Miss Elizabeth obviously had no financial sense, but it did seem strange that Mr. Gardiner was sharing her enthusiasm. He had appeared to be a particularly savvy tradesman.
Elizabeth and Mr. Gardiner followed Mr. Darcy back to the study. Anne was waiting for them with an apprehensive look on her face. She and Darcy had agreed that he would present their proposal.
Darcy donned his most serious and haughty mask and said, "Miss Elizabeth, we would like to present an alternate proposition. My wife and I would like to substitute ourselves for the Gardiners and raise this child as our own. This child would have all the advantages we can provide. Just as with your plan, this baby would appear to the outside world as ours. We are prepared to compensate you twenty thousand pounds and put pressure on our cousin to contribute an additional three thousand pounds. We will ensure complete secrecy. It would not be in any of our interests to have our plot known beyond ourselves."
Elizabeth felt a surge of fury run through her body at Mr. Darcy's words. For the first time that day, she could not keep her face from displaying her emotions. How dare he think she would sell this child to them? She had come in righteousness to demand her due in return for silence about the vicious and dishonourable behaviour of their family. Now this proud man was standing here, casually proposing that she give them what had been conceived so brutally. She could tell by his stony demeanour that he cared nothing about what she had endured; and he and his disreputable wife only thought of solving their need for an heir by giving her a measly twenty thousand pounds. Who did they think she was that she would allow this innocent and helpless child to be raised in a nest of vipers?
Elizabeth reined her features back to a placid countenance before she spoke. However, she was unsuccessful in keeping the anger from her eyes. "Your proposal is quite out of the question. You are not worthy of raising this child. I miscalculated. I thought you to be reasonable; and would see the justice of paying me, but obviously I was wrong. If you are not willing to give me six thousand pounds, my uncle and I will be on our way. I hope I can at least expect you to be honourable enough to keep silent about my disgrace at the hands of your cousin." Elizabeth noticed that her uncle appeared to think she was being too abrupt. Mr. Darcy looked first confused and then angry, and Mrs. Darcy seemed about to collapse.
Anne Darcy had desperation in her eyes as she captured Elizabeth's hand. "Please do not reject our proposal so quickly. I know there are many things that need to be said to explain why you should accept. Please, Mr. Gardiner, go with my husband. Leave me with Miss Elizabeth. I have things I must tell her... things I should have told her long ago."
The two men left Anne and Elizabeth in Mr. Darcy's study. Mr. Gardiner gave Elizabeth a final glance that advised her to listen and not act precipitously as he departed.
With a nod to her uncle, Lizzy agreed it was prudent to allow her betrayer a private audience but did not think there was anything she could possibly say that would persuade her to give her this baby. Perhaps, her uncle was correct and she had acted hastily. Her indulgence of Mrs. Darcy would at least keep the communication open for receiving payment for her silence.
Anne twisted her handkerchief and looked forlorn as she began speaking. "Elizabeth, I want to apologize."
Elizabeth stiffened at the use of her Christian name. She had given her permission, but was amazed she assumed she was still allowed despite her treachery.
Anne saw her reaction and started again. "Miss Elizabeth, I want to apologize. I did not know what my cousin intended. He said he wanted a private audience to inform you of his admiration. While there could never be anything between you, he believed your knowing of a viscount's high regard would give you confidence."
A twinge of guilt flitted across Lizzy's countenance. Could her pride have contributed to Mrs. Darcy's unbelievable naiveté? No, absolutely not! She forced her face into a look of utter contempt, as she shook her head in disbelief at Mrs. Darcy's words.
Anne saw both the fleeting doubt and the hardening of resolve in her listener's face and adjusted her tone to pleading. "Miss Elizabeth, I know I should have been more discerning in acquiescing to my cousin's request. Please forgive me; I am not experienced in the ways of the world. My mother never permitted me to have friends or come out in society. She refused to even permit masters to teach me the pianoforte or drawing. For a second, Anne's animosity toward her mother took precedence over her mission to gain the baby. "I believe Her Ladyship feared I might excel at things she had never bothered to learn. My cousins and Mrs. Jenkinson--a much older woman hired by my mother to watch me--were my only companions when I was growing up. Spending time with Fitzwilliam, Edmund and his brother Richard and their parents was the highlight of my sheltered life. The two summers I spent at Pemberley were a most magical time."
Lizzy stared intently at Anne as she continued her pitiful explanation, but refused to allow her face to betray her again.
Anne hoped her tale was having an effect, but she was not yet certain. "I went from my mother's home to my husband's. This winter, Mr. Darcy agreed to come to town with me, but he rarely has time for visiting acquaintances. He says he is busy, but I believe he feels ill at ease in London society. Lord Wolfbridge volunteered to help me become more comfortable and take my rightful place within the ton. I have no experience with precisely how rakes behave, though Fitzwilliam did confide some rumours he had heard about our cousin--as well as a number of other well placed members of the highest circles. Mr. Darcy disparaged such behaviour, but I never knew exactly what to make of his disclosures. My husband seemed to be saying that most men at the top felt they were entitled to break the rules. All I knew was that Fitzwilliam disapproved, but since Lord Wolfbridge was always charming toward me... I preferred to enjoy his company without censure."
When Anne's justification for her ignorance came to an end, Lizzy looked her straight in the eye and said, "Mrs. Darcy, I find your account oddly touching, but I think it a lie."
Anne looked at the ground while she struggled to figure out how to persuade this young woman she was not totally dishonourable and could be trusted with this baby. Though her apology had been sincere; convincing Miss Elizabeth to relinquish this child was proving difficult. That was still her main objective, and she must remain calm and keep her eyes on that prize. As the mother of the heir of Pemberley, Anne Darcy would gain status and prestige. She would cease being the mousy wife of an indifferent husband who rarely had time for her. The key to unlocking Miss Elizabeth's heart must begin by proving to her Fitzwilliam was a good man--and very different from so many others of his class.
Elizabeth looked stern as she began making her speech. "Mrs. Darcy, I say you did not tell the truth because even if you believed your cousin, you cannot expect me to accept that you do not know the rules of propriety with regard men and women. Men at the top may have liberty to act as wanton as they desire, but the same is not true of women... particularly young ladies of my station. It was totally improper to allow me to be alone with Lord Wolfbridge… even if all he had done was talk to me and tell me of his admiration." Lizzy rolled her eyes and sneered at the absurdity of Mrs. Darcy's contention. "Being alone in his presence was enough to compromise me. If a servant had come in while we were alone together, we would have been gossiped about, and my reputation would have been in tatters. I have four sisters, and my father's estate is entailed. Unlike you, we are not wealthy. Scandal would severely diminish my sisters' chances of marrying; and without secure marriages, they would face reduced circumstances, possibly even poverty, when my father dies."
Elizabeth noticed that Anne had looked back up, and thought she might have been crying, but she was unmoved. She had shed enough tears to float one of Lord Nelson's frigates in the past three months. She continued berating her, "Mrs. Darcy, my uncle had some investigations done; and he tells me you brought a great deal of wealth to your marriage, and I know you must have a very generous allowance. You have opportunities I will never have. Once you were out of your mother's house, you could have hired your own masters, made as many friends as you desired, and if nothing else… you could have read books about proper behaviour as my sister Mary has done. Your husband is guardian to his sister. Surely he must know about propriety and could have answered your questions. Did you ask him if I should be left alone with Lord Wolfbridge?"
Anne was momentarily frightened at the mention of her husband, but then realized it was the direction their conversation must take. "No, I did not ask him. He did not know much about our friendship, and did not know we were having tea that day. I once told him I liked you and hoped we could become friends; but he knew none of the particulars. My impression was that he preferred not to talk of you. Never had I related what the circumstances of our friendship were, and I fear he would be very angry with me if he knew what I had done. I do not want to lose his favourable, albeit, indifferent opinion. He is the opposite of Lord Wolfbridge. He takes honour and obligations very seriously. He is much like his father was--a good man."
Anne sat down and put her head in her hands. For several minutes there was silence. Finally, she spoke again. "I know you think I would not be a fit mother; and you would possibly be correct if I were to raise the child by myself. I am not alone though, and Mr. Darcy would be an excellent father, just as he is a loving and caring guardian to his sister. May I tell you about Mr. Darcy?"
Lizzy nodded and sat down in anticipation of Mrs. Darcy's tale. Her anger toward Mr. Darcy had subsided. She still thought his arrogant manner as he proposed buying her child unforgiveable; but for some reason, she had a desire to know about him. From the moment they had conversed at the theatre, she had felt some unknown emotion for him. It was more than thinking him handsome, but she could not discern what it was. Mrs. Darcy had said he preferred not to know of her. She knew not what to make of that and felt strangely bothered by the statement. Perhaps, Anne's tale would help her sketch his character.
"My mother's sister, Lady Anne, was my husband's mother, and Lord Elderton was their brother. The Fitzwilliams are an arrogant group, with a few exceptions. Lady Anne was an exception, as is Lord Wolfbridge's brother, Richard. Lady Anne was always publicly loyal toward her siblings; but I overheard my mother say that in private her sister voiced her disapproval quite often. She spent her youth reading, becoming proficient on the pianoforte, learning to sing and diligently applying herself to becoming an accomplished young lady."
Anne could not keep her face from becoming distorted by contempt. "My mother thought those things unimportant. She decided she did not have to apply herself because she would be desirable as a marriage partner because of her appearance, her dowry and her position. She now loves to tell everyone how she could have been supremely accomplished, but circumstances did not allow for that. What she should say is she was arrogant and indolent."
Anne schooled her face back from scorn to vague misgivings as she continued. "I do not want to give you the impression that Lady Anne was not proud of her family. She was, and she had been my mother's constant companion when they were young. As they grew older, they drifted apart because they wanted different things. Lady Anne wanted a loving faithful husband and children, my mother wanted prestige and wealth, and their brother felt he was entitled to just about anything he desired. My mother says that she and her sister had heard stories about my uncle that suggested he was not always honourable when it came to the ladies. Lady Anne disapproved of her brother's behaviour toward women, but it was not the way in their family to talk about his actions outside."
Anne pointed to a painting of a beautiful young woman dressed in the style of thirty years before that hung facing her husband's desk. "That is she. My grandfather had this portrait and one of my mother painted just before they were presented at court. The artist was George Romney, and it certainly captures her beauty. I prefer the painting of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and a five year-old Fitzwilliam by Gainsborough that hangs in the portrait gallery at Pemberley. The three of them look so happy, and Gainsborough even included their dog, a beautiful spaniel that Fitzwilliam named Puck because he was so mischievous."
Anne smiled at the painting for a few seconds and then turned to Elizabeth. "Mr. Darcy asked Lady Anne four times before she agreed to marry him. She was prejudiced against him because her brother wanted them to wed. Mr. Darcy and the Earl had been acquaintances at Oxford. Lord Elderton desired to marry Mr. Darcy's sister, Cassandra--as it turned out because she had a dowry of thirty thousand pounds. In order to reach his goal, he promoted a marriage between his sister and Mr. Darcy. Though there were no titles in the Darcy family, they were quite wealthy. The Fitzwilliams' wealth had been diminishing with each generation; unlike my husband's family whose fortunes had been increasing."
Anne chuckled at a memory from her youth. "According to my mother, Lady Anne enjoyed being in company with Mr. Darcy because they shared similar interests. They were both great readers, they were passionate about the theatre and they loved to ride. But, that did not stop her from refusing him. She was prejudiced and believed no friend of her brother could be honourable. Lady Anne never disclosed to Mr. Darcy the source of her reluctance, so he just kept proposing. Each attempt was different."
Anne got a sort of a dreamy look as she told the tale of her father-in-law's successful proposal. "Finally Uncle George won her over with his fourth proposal. He recited a detailed list of everything he loved about her. I think there were at least twenty points mentioned. I do not remember all of them, but I remember several that she particularly liked. She loved to tell the story, and her eyes would twinkle as though there was something naughty about it. He told her he loved that she never came late to the theatre, and when there, she paid attention to the players and was not afraid to laugh out loud. He told her he loved the way she sipped her tea and he loved that she refused to bother with people of her sphere she did not find worthy. Her favourite one was, and she really twinkled when she related it, that he loved her excellent seat, and how impressive that was considering she had to ride side-saddle. He won her because not once on the list did he mention how beautiful she was. He had waxed poetic on her beauty numerous times in the other three proposals. It all seemed very romantic to me."
Elizabeth thought the tale of Mr. Darcy's parents interesting; but she really wanted to hear about Anne's husband, so she decided to try humour to hurry her along. "Mrs. Darcy, this is all very interesting, but you told me you were going to tell me why Mr. Darcy is a good man, and why he would be an excellent parent. So far all you have told me about are his parents, your mother and the Earl." With a quirk of her eyebrow she added, "Are you hoping my desire to silence you will force me to accede to your demands?"
Anne could not help herself and laughed at Elizabeth. "I apologize for the delay, but Mr. Darcy's parents influenced his character just as my mother bears responsibility for many of my failings."
Clearing her throat, she began her tale again. "I told you earlier that I spent two magical summers at Pemberley. It was glorious because my mother was not there either summer, nor was the Earl; but my Aunt Cassandra, the Countess, came with Edmund and Richard. Those summers I got a glimpse at what family life could be like. The Darcy family was truly like the Gainsborough painting. They were happy. They rode together every morning and they took long walks together with their dogs. Lady Anne played every evening, and we all sang. My aunt and uncle would read to us, and they made the stories come to life by portraying the different characters. Fitzwilliam started reading with them when he was very young; and he would sometimes be a part of the story. Both summers we had a Midsummer picnic. My aunt and uncle would be Titania and Oberon and the rest of us would be their fairy subjects. Friends and neighbours from all over Derbyshire came to the celebration. My husband let Edmund be Puck to get him to participate, but even with that plum role as an inducement, by the second summer he thought it unseemly for him to be a fairy. My cousin Richard and I thought it glorious; especially since my Aunt Cassandra made sparkly wings for us to wear."
Anne noticed that Elizabeth was enjoying the depiction of the scene she had painted of their idyllic summer. She smiled at Elizabeth as she continued. "Mr. Darcy still grieves for his parents. I barely remember my father, so I have no idea what he feels. I do know if my mother died tomorrow, I would probably feel some sadness because she was my mother, but it would not last long. Mr. Darcy's sadness is magnified by the extent of his loss. His longing to get back the joy he once felt consumes him at times."
Anne made very sure she kept Elizabeth's eyes focused on her as she continued. "He has tried to recreate that kind of life for Georgiana, but he has not been altogether successful. His wounds have not healed, so he walks around with a face of stone. Others often mistake that look for arrogance. Both Georgiana and Fitzwilliam need someone who could join them in their Darcy rituals of playing chess, reading Shakespeare, telling stories, enjoying music, walking and riding. A baby would be both an obligation and a source of contentment for Fitzwilliam. He is a man who rigidly honours his obligations; and I have seen him when he is joyful. I know he wants to be that way again. Remember back to the night he met you. That was the Fitzwilliam Darcy I knew before his mother died. He so dearly loved to laugh."
Elizabeth prayed she was making the right decision. Her head told her she was, even though her heart rebelled against the thought that the child would not be in her life as it would have been had the Gardiners raised it. All she had heard told her, Mr. Darcy was a good man. He would both provide for her baby; and more important he would love it. Still, the pang of regret was distressing, but she assumed her anguish would decrease… out of sight, out of mind… or at least she hoped that would be the case. Her family needed this money. It was an enormous sum and would solve all their financial dilemmas. She had to be practical. Twenty three thousand pounds would allow her to both take care of her mother and increase her sister's dowries... and their chances of marrying well.
Fitzwilliam Darcy left Mr. Gardiner in the solarium to await the result of the conference between Anne and his niece. He had pressing business to attend to with Lord Wolfbridge.
His cousin had obviously been expecting his demand to vacate Darcy House. He found him in his sitting room giving instructions to his valet to prepare his things for a move to Elderton House across the square.
Once his cousin's man had left the room, Darcy began berating Edmund for his despicable behaviour. "You dared to compromise a young woman in my home!" Despite his vehemence, his cousin had greeted the censure with complete disinterest. Instead Lord Wolfbridge sat as his character was being impugned, and with a smile on his face, he casually took a sip of port and proceeded to light his pipe. His scornful action reminded Darcy of their argument in February regarding tobacco. Immediately upon joining them at the townhouse, Edmund had presumed the right to smoke his foul smelling cigars. As master of Darcy House, he had denied his older, titled cousin the privilege. Anne had intervened between the two--arguing like little boys the weighty concepts of social precedence versus property rights--and a pipe had been the compromise. As smoke swirled about Lord Wolfbridge's smirking countenance, the hated image of that haunted Little Red Riding Hood came to him with a whimper that he must keep his distance because she reeked.
With a supercilious sneer, His Lordship informed Darcy that their disagreement came at a most fortuitous juncture. He had heard from his father that his parents were due to arrive in London within the week, and he had been asked to oversee the opening of their town house in preparation. The Earl and Countess would be holding a ball in a month's time to announce his engagement to Miss Eleanor Harding.
Darcy could not believe the Viscount's callous lack of concern that his actions had left a fifteen-year-old with child. He composed himself and spoke forcefully. "Anne is attempting to persuade Miss Elizabeth to allow us to raise the baby as our own. Regardless of the outcome of their conference, you will be expected to pay three thousand pounds as part of this bargain."
Lord Wolfbridge chuckled at Darcy's words but said nothing in reply.
Darcy waited for his cousin to express his agreement to his demand, or at the very least his reaction to his cousins' bold plan. When he realized Edmund's ploy was to refuse comment, he upped the ante in their contest of wills. He took his next gambit from Miss Elizabeth's arsenal. "Edmund, you will come up with the funds! You will soon have Miss Harding's fifty thousand in your possession. I will remember to remind you that you can afford this pittance to keep her, her father and your parents from finding out the content of your character."
Lord Wolfbridge seemed slightly discomforted by his cousin's subtle threat, but not enough to concede. He just stared defiantly and took another sip of port. Finally, Darcy decided to put forward his most important demand. "You seem very adept at silence, Your Lordship. I expect you to employ that skill in the future. You will never speak of the negotiations that have taken place today. If you are the cause of anyone finding out the true parentage of this baby, I will make certain the particulars of your foul deed become known to those parties that would be most interested."
Their audience had resulted in a stalemate. Darcy was left to hope he could count on his cousin's discretion, but an actual agreement had not been reached. Both he and Lord Wolfbridge would appear very foolish, for materially different reasons, if their actions became known to family and the ton.
Darcy arrived back in the solarium, just ahead of Anne and Miss Elizabeth. As they entered the room, he could tell from the smile on Anne's face that she had been successful. Miss Elizabeth was more difficult to read. She was to be given an unprecedented amount of money, but he saw no evidence of joy or even contentment. He watched as she walked to her uncle, and her hand crept into his as she gave him the barest nod to indicate the result of their conference. The audacious young woman was gone, and Miss Elizabeth appeared to him as a child seeking comfort. Georgiana often held on to him in such a fashion. He searched her eyes for understanding. They no longer glittered the way they had, as she had boldly negotiated. Instead they were now murky pools that completely concealed what lay beneath.