Beginning , Section II
Jump to new as of August 29, 2003
Jump to new as of September 18, 2003
Jump to new as of October 14, 2003
Posted on Wednesday, 23 April 2003
The church bell rang out as the citizens of Meryton filed down the steps of the small clapboard church. Reverend Elton stood at the door and greeted everyone as they exited into the morning sunshine. A light breeze drifted across the plains wafting the scent of wildflowers into town.
Elizabeth shook hands with Reverend Elton and watched as her mother charged across the churchyard to speak with her Aunt Gladys. Lydia and Kitty were openly flirting with a crowd of young cowboys from surrounding ranches while Dan Whittier hovered on the fringes of the group in the hope that Kitty would send him a smile. Behind her, Elizabeth could hear Mary questioning Reverend Elton about his interpretation of the scripture passage for the sermon this morning. Unsurprisingly, Jane had quickly abandoned her for the company of the charming Dr. Bingley and her father had been pulled aside by several ranchers who all wore serious expressions. Lizzy longed to join their discussion, but knew that this action would only expose her entire family to ridicule. However, there was nothing to stop her from casually moving closer to their location.
Lizzy slowly inched toward the group of ranchers. She tried to look inconspicuous, but she was unable to shake the unnerving feeling that someone was watching her. Fighting the desire to glance over her shoulder, Lizzy continued strolling toward her objective.
Lizzy halted in the shadow cast by the church building. Hopefully, any observer would simply think that she was seeking refuge from the warm sunshine. She fanned herself lightly to enhance her illusion. From her new position, Lizzy could easily distinguish the hushed conversation of the men.
“They stuck again last night. Ed Farris’s place. No one was shot, but they got away with quite a few cattle.”
“We ain’t ever had rustlers around Meryton before. I wonder why it’s started now?”
“Well, we have to do something to stop it if we want to keep our herds intact! They have hit most of the ranches this side of the Platte.”
“They haven’t hit Longbourne yet.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say that very loudly if I was you, Tom.”
A gentle tap on her shoulder startled Lizzy and caused her to jump and let out a little squeal of surprise.
“Lizzy, are you alright?” Charlotte looked genuinely concerned. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“No, I am fine. You just startled me out of a day dream.” Lizzy asked a quick prayer of forgiveness for her little white lie.
“Good. I just thought that I would come over for a friendly chat.”
Charlotte launched into an animated analysis of the Martin’s barn raising. Lizzy struggled to tune Charlotte out and strained to still follow the men’s conversation. After about ten seconds, Lizzy was forced to admit defeat. In resignation, she turned her attention to her friend and the activity in the churchyard.
The first thing that caught her attention was that Jane and Dr. Bingley seemed to have vanished. Lizzy glanced over at her mother and saw that her face bore a smug and extremely pleased expression. Following her mother’s gaze, Lizzy was quickly able to locate the source of her mother’s joy and her missing sister. Dr. Bingley was handing Jane up into his buggy. He climbed up beside her, lightly applied the buggy whip to his team, and the pair set off across the plains.
“Dr. Bingley is certainly paying a lot of attention to Jane. I saw him watching her in church this morning and now an invitation for an afternoon buggy ride.” Charlotte noted with amused interest.
“Yes, Dr. Bingley seems to like Jane and I am very happy for her, Charlotte.”
“And how does Jane feel about Dr. Bingley?”
“I think that she likes him quite a bit, Charlotte. In fact, if he continues to court her she will probably fall in love with him.”
“Really, Elizabeth?”
“Mm Hmm, I believe that she has begun to fall already, but Jane tends to keep her feelings and emotions to herself.”
“She should make sure that Dr. Bingley knows how she feels,” Charlotte insisted. “In fact, she should show him even more affection that she feels, not less if she is catch him.”
“Catch him? Isn’t the man supposed to do the ‘catching’, Charlotte? You know that you would never act like that yourself.”
“Women cannot leave an important matter like marriage in the hands of men! Jane must do what she can to move their relationship forward.”
“I doubt that Jane will do that, Charlotte.”
“Well, if she won’t than we must hope that Dr. Bingley will.”
The only response that Lizzy made was doubtful look. Charlotte realized that this line of conversation had been exhausted and returned her attention to the parishioners that were still gathered and visiting. Charlotte smiled inwardly when she noticed something that intrigued her.
“Mr. Darcy is looking at you, Lizzy. I also noticed that he was watching you in church this morning.”
Lizzy quickly located the man in question. He was standing beside his beautiful horse, face impassive, but his dark eyes were unmistakably focused on her. She shook her head slightly and looked away.
“I don’t know why. Just last night he did not think that I was pretty enough to even dance with.”
A high-pitched squeal rang out followed by a loud snort. At once, Lizzy realized that her sister Lydia was getting into mischief again. Lydia pulled Kitty by the hand as they ran recklessly behind the group of cowboys toward a wagon. Their skirts were pulled up and their bonnets were flying out behind them. Poor Dan Whittier had given up on Kitty, untied his horse, mounted up, and headed for home.
Lizzy made her excuses to Charlotte and hustled over to prevent her sisters from making an even bigger scene.
At the dance the following night, Darcy had only looked at Elizabeth Bennet to criticize and he had concluded that she was quite plain. However this morning when he had seen her walk into church beside her sister, he had been forced to change his opinion.
She really is almost… pretty. Not beautiful by any means, but pretty. She certainly wasn’t as beautiful as the dawn rider that he had secretly watched every morning since his arrival in Meryton. However, I must admit that her dark eyes are simply…..well…mesmerizing.
Still despite her flaws, Darcy was finding it hard to keep his eyes from following Elizabeth Bennet. Fascinated, he had watched as she had maneuvered herself so that she could eavesdrop on the conversation of the ranchers and he had barely managed to hold back his chuckles of amusement at her success. The arrival of Miss Lucas had spoiled his fun, but he continued to study the woman before him. That is until he wad rudely interrupted by the arrival of his friend.
“Darcy, I am going to take Miss Bennet on a buggy ride. Would you make sure that Caroline gets home safely?”
Darcy wanted to scold Bingley for sneaking up on him, but he was distracted when he saw that Bingley was practically trembling with nervous excitement.
Darcy was revolted at the idea of escorting Caroline home, but he couldn’t ruin Bingley’s obvious anticipation. Darcy nodded and Bingley trotted over to join Jane by the buggy. Darcy watched the buggy pull away and once again failed to notice that someone had joined him.
“What a charming activity that is for young people! There is nothing like a buggy ride, you know. It is one of the Sunday traditions here in Meryton,” Mr. Lucas fondly related with a gentle nudge of his elbow to Darcy’s ribs.
“And in every other western town,” Darcy sneered. “You can go for a buggy ride anytime, anywhere.”
“Sure…sure...”
At this moment, Mr. Lucas noted that Miss Elizabeth Bennet was walking in their direction.
“Well then Mr. Darcy, perhaps it is the company that makes the difference.” Mr. Lucas called out to Elizabeth and motioned for her to join them.
Lizzy was trapped. There was no way that she could refuse to respond to Mr. Lucas’ summons. If she did, she would insult both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Lucas. She straightened her back and joined the two men. When she reached them, Mr. Lucas quickly grasped her hand.
“Miss Elizabeth, why are you not out on a buggy ride?” Mr. Lucas rushed on, not waiting for a response. “Mr. Darcy, allow me to introduce Miss Bennet as a most charming companion for an afternoon excursion. Surely, you cannot refuse to go for a buggy ride with such a beautiful young lady at your side? I’ll even lend you my buggy.”
At this suggestion, Lizzy felt that she had to interrupt.
“Mr. Lucas, I did not come over here to find transportation. I was only on my way to talk to my younger sisters.”
Darcy noted that embarrassment had tinted her cheeks a pleasant shade of pink. The slight blush only enhanced her appearance in his eyes, but he could tell that she was uncomfortable. He felt obligated to save her from her current dilemma.
“Would you please accompany me on a buggy ride, Miss Bennet?” Darcy asked formally and was shocked to find that his request was sincere. He did want to take Elizabeth Bennet on a buggy ride!
“Thank you Mr. Darcy, but I do not feel like a ride today.”
“Why not?” demanded Mr. Lucas. “Mr. Darcy is ready and willing to go although he normally dislikes buggy rides. It is a perfect afternoon for a short journey across the prairie. Who could possibly waste such a gorgeous day and such a pretty companion?”
“I am sorry, but Mr. Darcy will simply have to find another lady to keep him company.”
With that comment, Lizzy turned and walked away, leaving the two men to stare after her. Mr. Lucas quickly shuffled away to chat with someone else, but Darcy continued to watch Miss Bennet as she loving and gracefully calmed her sisters wild behavior.
When Caroline found Darcy a few minutes later, he was still observing Elizabeth. After the service, Caroline had been detained by the chatter of Mrs. Lucas, but now she was more than ready to return to the blissful serenity of her home. She snugly linked her arm through Darcy’s and began to pull him away from the church.
“Come on, William. Take me home now!” she whined.
Darcy had no choice but to follow her because she was clinging to his arm. Tempest followed behind as Darcy held his lead rope with his free hand. As they walked down the street, Caroline complained and moaned about the service, the weather, and the citizens of Meryton. Darcy was content to let Caroline ramble on because it gave him the freedom to explore his own reflections on the morning. Several minutes passed this way until Caroline noticed that Darcy had failed to make any response whatsoever. She looked up at her future husband and saw a dreamy, far-off expression in his eyes. Calling his name brought no response, so she was forced to pull on his arm to get his attention.
Darcy shot a dark glare at her action, but Caroline had succeeded.
“I’ll bet that I can guess what you are thinking, William.”
“I’ll bet that you can’t,” he replied shortly.
“You are thinking about how boring it would be to live in such a tiny town and with such simple people.”
“No, Caroline. My thoughts were much happier than that.” Darcy paused and the dreamy glaze returned to his eyes. “I was thinking about a pair of lovely eyes.”
“And who do these ‘lovely’ eyes belong to?” Caroline asked flirtatiously and clasped Darcy’s arm closer to her side.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Caroline flushed with rage, ready to explode, but somehow managed to swallow her fury and respond.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet? Fitzwilliam, I am utterly shocked!”
Darcy’s jaw tightened at her use of his Christian name, but he managed to contain the rising flares of his temper. They both fumed silently until they reached the house to the door, Caroline abruptly abandoned Darcy’s arm and stopped onto the porch.
“Have you picked a wedding date yet? I am sure that you will be very happy! In fact, you deserve each other!” Caroline was screaming by now. Darcy said nothing which only served to infuriate her further. She stormed into the house leaving the screen door to bang shut behind her.
Darcy simply remounted Tempest and rode out of town to avoid the inevitable tantrum that Caroline would throw.
Posted on Wednesday, 30 April 2003, at
Cold drizzle rained down from dark clouds and a fierce icy wind howled across the lonely plains. Fall had arrived. Jane hunched forward in her saddle and pulled her wool cloak tightly beneath her chin. Despite her numerous layers of clothing, the combination of wind and rain had managed to chill her to the bone. She was tempted to turn back and go home. Lydia, Kitty, and Mary had all caught colds and were spending the day in bed tucked snugly beneath their quilts and slurping Hill’s chicken soup. Jane had woken with a slight sniffle and nothing kept Lizzy in bed. So Jane had saddled Nellie and left for work because she knew that the children would be waiting for her.
By the time Jane reached the schoolhouse she felt like she was frozen stiff. Thankfully, a fire was already burning in the small stove and Jane rushed to its welcoming warmth.
Thank you, Dan, Jane thought blissfully. Why can’t Kitty see what a treasure you are?
Partially thawed, Jane removed her cloak and tidied her desk for the day.
It wasn’t until the middle of her history lecture on the Second Continental Congress that Jane realized that her sniffle had developed into something more serious over the course of the day. Pain ached from every joint and her head throbbed incessantly. She just couldn’t seem to get warm, but her cheeks were flushed. The letters on the board blurred in front of her and the room swam before her eyes before she slumped to the floor.
Bingley was spending the rainy afternoon doing some paperwork at his desk. Darcy was seated with a book in the arm chair in the corner. They were both chatting idly when the bell over the clinic door chimed to announce the arrival of a visitor. Bingley looked up to see Dan Whittier standing just inside the door drenched to the skin, his hair plastered to his forehead, and his chest heaving from his run through the rain.
“Good heavens, Dan! What’s wrong?”
“It’s Miss Bennet, Dr. Bingley. She fainted while she was teaching.”
Bingley’s face blanched visibly. “Jane or Kitty?”
“Jane, sir.”
“Caroline!” Darcy silently left the room as Bingley bellowed for his sister.
Caroline responded immediately and came into the room because she was shocked to hear the authoritative tone in her brother’s voice.
“Get this boy some dry clothes, get water boiling and prepare the bed in the clinic. I need to get to the school! There isn’t a moment to lose!”
Caroline turned and hurried to do what she was ordered. Bingley was pulling on his boots when Darcy returned carrying a thick blanket and his oilskin jacket. Bingley flung on his own jacket, took the objects from Darcy’s arms, grabbed his black bag, and plunged into the downpour outside.
Darcy stood in the doorway and chuckled as he watched Bingley sprint down Main Street, oblivious to any mud puddles in his path.
When Bingley reached the schoolhouse, he found the students crowded around Jane at the front of the room. Bingley pushed through the crowd, knelt by her side and pulled open his black bag. After a quick examination, Bingley assessed that Jane was running a high fever and had hit her head when she had fallen.
“Miss Bennet? This is Dr. Bingley. Can you hear me?”
A low moan rose from Jane’s throat as a response.
“Miss Bennet, I need to get you back to my clinic. Can you place your arms around my neck?”
This time Jane’s eyes slowly crept open and her head fell slightly forward. Bingley interpreted this as an affirmative response. He lifted Jane’s head and shoulders so he could wrap the blanket and Darcy’s jacket around her delicate frame. Then he placed her arms around his neck and scooped her up into his arms.
“School will be canceled until further notice. Go ahead and head on home, but make sure you bundle up. I don’t want to see any of you in my office tomorrow morning.”
Bingley walked out the door and was halfway down the steps when a small girl came chasing after him.
“Dr. Bingley, you forgot your bag.”
The little girl placed the bag in Jane’s lap, waved sweetly, and hurried back inside.
As Bingley sloshed back toward the clinic he wondered if he was sick for savoring the sensation of carrying Jane when she was clearly very ill. It was a very romantic experience and he was feeling rather heroic as he clasped his fair maiden to his chest.
However, his angel was sick and there wasn’t a moment to lose.
The next time Jane opened her eyes she found herself in a strange bed in an unfamiliar room. She tried to look around her to discover where she was, but she felt exhausted and weak.
“Oh good, you’re finally awake,” commented a masculine voice from her left.
Jane managed to turn her head toward the voice. Dr. Bingley sat in a wooden chair in the corner, book in hand and stethoscope dangling around his neck.
“Where am I?” Jane croaked out through her dry mouth.
“You are at my clinic. It seems that you fainted while you were teaching. Dan Whittier came to fetch me and I brought you here. You have a fever, a cold, and you hit your head rather hard when you fell. I am also going to have to watch you for symptoms of pneumonia. ”
As he talked to her he leaned forward and replaced the compress on her forehead with a fresh cool one.
“Thank you,” Jane whispered.
“Just doing my job,” Bingley commented but he trailed his fingers down her check in an affectionate gesture as he moved back away.
“I’ll have Caroline bring in some food and then you should rest again. You will be staying here until you are completely recovered. Those are the doctor’s orders.”
Jane giggled at his light humor and studied the laugh lines at the corners of his eyes.
What a nice and handsome man he is! Jane mused.
As Bingley began to leave the room Jane called out to him.
“What time is it?”
Bingley glanced at his pocket watch.
“It is almost six in the evening. Why do you ask?”
“My family will be terribly worried that I am not home yet.”
“I had Dan stop there on his way home to let them know that you are all right.”
“I see that I have much to thank him for.”
“He is an excellent young man.”
“Yes, he is.”
“Goodnight Jane.”
She blushed and ducked her head which only made Bingley’s smile stretch wider.
“Goodnight, Charles.”
Lizzy trotted down the stairs to find a full breakfast laid in front of her place at the table.
Dear Hill, what would we do without you?
Lizzy sat down and began to eat her eggs in a hurry. She planned to leave as soon as possible. Her father entered and joined her at the table in silence. They both sipped their steaming coffee with satisfaction until Mrs. Bennet clopped down the stairs.
“Good morning.” Mrs. Bennet stopped behind her husband with her hand resting on his shoulder.
“Morning, Fanny.” Mr. Bennet reached up and clasped his wife’s hand. It was rare to find his wife so quiet and subdued.
The calm was broken however when Lizzy finished her coffee and rose to leave.
“Well, I’m off to Meryton. Don’t hold supper for me.” She plopped her hat on her head and pushed the screen door open.”
“Wait just a minute, young lady!” ordered her mother. “What do you mean ‘off to Meryton’? Why on earth would you be going to Meryton?”
“I am going to visit Jane at Dr. Bingley’s clinic.”
“There is no reason for you to go to clinic. Jane will be very well looked after. He is a doctor after all. You had much better stay here at the ranch. Or better yet, have lunch at the café and meet some of the new young men in town.”
“I know that Jane would want me to come, mother. I am quite determined.”
Mrs. Bennet was not satisfied, but there seemed to be little that she could do to stop her rather headstrong daughter.
“Well, if you insist on being stubborn you can take the wagon. Now run upstairs and put on your green calico dress. You can’t go into town dressed like that!”
“I shall ride Austen, mother. It is merely three miles to Meryton and I’ll be back for supper.”
“Ride Austen! In all that mud! You won’t be fit to be seen!”
“I’ll be fit to see Jane which is all that I want.”
“Thomas! Do something!” Mrs. Bennet was beyond frustration now.
Mr. Bennet merely shrugged his shoulders at his wife. Taking advantage of her mother’s momentary distraction, Lizzy ran out the door and down the steps to where Clancy had Austen saddled and waiting. Mrs. Bennet turned to find that her daughter had escaped. She rushed to the screen door and yelled out.
“Elizabeth Victoria Bennet, you’re going to be the death of me!”
Lizzy heard her mother’s voice echo through the still morning air, but she merely dug her heels into Austen’s sides and galloped towards Meryton.
Darcy returned from his morning ride feeling oddly unsettled and disappointed. His dawn rider had not appeared today. It was the first time since his arrival in Meryton that she had failed to greet the sunrise. He missed seeing her and his morning ride seemed incomplete somehow.
I wonder why she didn’t ride this morning? She was there yesterday despite the rain and cold weather. What happened to keep her away this morning? Perhaps she was injured or took ill?
Intent upon his questions and worries, Darcy failed to notice that he had arrived at the outskirts of Meryton. He rode blindly past the church, Lucas’ store, and the café without really seeing anything. Tempest automatically halted in front of the clinic even though his master had not given any kind of command. Darcy dismounted, but remained lost in his thoughts. He stood there numbly with his hands gently stroking Tempest’s muzzle and gazing off into oblivion. Finally, Darcy’s daze was shattered by the sound of an approaching horse.
He turned to find the answer to all of his questions and thoughts approaching him at a rapid pace. The chestnut mare and her slender rider were unmistakable. He was finally going to see his dawn rider face to face. Once again, Darcy admired the skill and confidence of her riding. To his surprise and pleasure, the woman began to slow her horse as she approached the clinic. Mud was splattered across her pants and her white blouse ruffled in the wind. Her wild curls tumbled freely down onto her shoulders in a riotous mass. Hoping to discover her identity, Darcy struggled to catch a glimpse of her face, but her gray hat cast a shadow which concealed her features.
The mare trotted up beside Tempest. His dawn companion stopped her horse with the lovingly whispered command of “Whoa, Austen.” With her back still facing him, she gracefully slid from the saddle and landed directly in a deep puddle. Seemingly unfazed by the mud now caked on her boots, she brushed a few wayward curls back behind her ears and tied the mare to the fence post.
Without conscious thought, Darcy held his breath and waited for her to turn and face him.
She turned slowly and Darcy’s breath left his lungs in a rush as he saw her face for the first time. Immediately, he was drawn to her eyes. Her dark, mesmerizing eyes.
“Good morning, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth Bennet greeted him politely. “I have come to check on my sister. Could you please take me to see her?”
Incapable of speech, Darcy merely stared at her with wide-eyed wonder. The discovery that his dawn rider and Elizabeth Bennet were one in the same shocked Darcy all the way to the soles of his boots.
How can this be? How can the beautiful woman that I have admired every morning be part of that family! This is a dream... an awful dream. It can’t be true.
The sound of a discreet cough summoned his attention back to the woman before him and confirmed that he was indeed awake. Miss Bennet was staring curiously at him and somehow he managed to make his head nod in assent.
As they stepped onto the porch, Darcy’s confusion began to clear and cold reason returned. He held the door as Miss Bennet scraped the mud off of her riding boots.
Well, at least she has some manners, he thought with a sneer and he followed her into the house.
Posted on Monday, 25 August 2003
The unexpected arrival of another Miss Bennet had caused a serious disruption in the doctor’s household and breakfast had to be delayed. Caroline was incensed that her daily schedule had been upset by a woman like Elizabeth Bennet. While she sulked in the parlor, her brother sought to provide for any need of the two Bennet sisters and Darcy merely leaned against the clinic doorframe in silent observation. Finally, Elizabeth assured Dr. Bingley that she was happily settled at her sister’s bedside. Darcy leaned in the doorway as Charles reluctantly left Jane’s side and the two men proceeded into the dining room to take their places at the table.
“Caro, we’re ready now!” Bingley called out to his sister.
Caroline flounced into the room with obvious annoyance. Both men ignored her grand entrance which only increased Caroline’s ire.
“Finally!” she groused as she plopped into her seat and spread her napkin in her lap. “The audacity of that woman to show up here without any reason!”
“She had a reason, Caro,” Bingley stated calmly. “She came to check on her sister’s condition.”
“Yes, but what was she thinking riding all the way into town just because her sister has the sniffles.”
“It shows love for her sister that I have to admire.”
Having been defeated in that line of attack, Caroline quickly took up another. “… And the way she looked this morning. She really looked almost…wild! I could barely conceal my astonishment and disbelief.”
Bingley could not deny that Miss Bennet had been quite disheveled after her ride into town. He glanced at Darcy for help, but his friend seemed to be focused on the meal before him and he was forced to continue alone.
“I thought that Miss Bennet looked rather nice this morning.”
Caroline hurried to take advantage of her brother’s ridiculous response.
“Nice? Charles, really! Her hair was tangled, her boots were caked with mud, her blouse was splattered, and she was wearing trousers. Men’s trousers, Charles! Bless my soul, when I first saw her I thought that she was a ranch hand.”
A loud snort from Darcy revealed that he was following the conversation. Caroline turned toward him with eager glee.
“I am sure that you noticed her appearance, Mr. Darcy.”
“Yes Caroline, I did.”
“I am sure that you wouldn’t want your sister to wear men’s clothing.”
“You are correct.”
“Perhaps her arrival this morning has changed your opinion of her ‘lovely’ eyes?”
“Certainly not, Miss Bingley. They were sparkling with excitement from her morning ride.”
With that declaration, Darcy pushed back from the table and retreated into Bingley’s office. Caroline pouted in her chair at being thwarted again by Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Around noon it began to storm again forcing the inhabitants of Meryton to take shelter indoors. Lizzy occupied herself with one of Dr. Bingley’s books as she kept her watchful vigil at Jane’s beside. However, she did not make much progress in the book because she was repeatedly disturbed by Dr. Bingley’s frequent “examinations” of his patient. Instead of being upset by the disruptions, Lizzy happily interpreted the doctor’s diligent attention as proof of his growing attachment to her sister. Besides, it made her chuckle to see Dr. Bingley’s face illuminate with joy at the mere sight of Jane as he came through the door from his office.
Darcy had retreated into the parlor with a book of his own. He had just comfortably settled into one of the large wing chairs when the sound of tapping heels alerted him to Caroline’s arrival in the room. She sat on the very edge of the sofa, striving to be as close to him as possible. Seeing that Darcy was occupied with his book, she artfully arranged her skirt and picked up her needlepoint with a soft clucking sound.
It’s a good thing that I sat in a chair or she might have tried to sit on my lap. Darcy laughed to himself and returned his attention to the words on the page.
Lizzy glanced out the window as dusk fell. The wind had stopped, but a light rain was still falling. Laying her book aside, she stretched her cramped muscles and rubbed her weary eyes.
What a tedious day it has been.
Rising from her wooden chair, she walked to the bed to check her sister’s condition. Jane was sleeping peacefully and light color had returned to her cheeks. Seeing that her sister was fine for the moment, Lizzy decided to venture out of the house for some fresh air and to see how Austen was faring. At lunch when Caroline had questioned her about when she would be leaving for home, Dr. Bingley had refused to allow her to ride home in the stormy weather and had insisted that she spend the night to look after her sister. Lizzy doubted that this was necessary, but she gratefully accepted Dr. Bingley’s kind offer because she had no desire to make the ride back to the ranch in a storm. With this settled, Lizzy had spent the remainder of the day by her sister’s bedside. Now with the dinner hour approaching and the others casually chatting in the parlor, Lizzy decided she had better escape from the house while she had her chance.
Trying to avoid alerting anyone, Lizzy tiptoed across the wooden planks to the door. Grabbing a large oilskin jacket and a black hat off a hook on the wall, she decided to borrow them for her short trip to the stable. The jacket fell in gigantic waves that swallowed her petite body and the hat was so big that it almost covered her eyes. Still, they offered ample protection from the rain. Cringing at the slight creak coming from the hinge, Lizzy eased the door completely open and paused to listen for the sound of approaching footsteps. All that she could hear were the muffled voices coming from the parlor. Satisfied that she had escaped detection, she stepped out into the rain and managed to silently close the door behind her. Rain splashed around her and the mud pulled at her boots as she hurried around the side of the house to the welcome warmth of the stable.
Rivulets of water flowed off the coat and onto the straw. Lizzy nudged the hat back on her head so that she could see as she approached the stalls. Austen whinnied softly when she recognized her mistress. Beams of the pale gray light of dusk barely penetrated the dark interior of the stable. Fumbling in the dark, Lizzy located a lamp and matches on a wooden shelf beside the door. Rubbing her chilled hands together, Lizzy finally succeeded in lighting the lamp and a bright circle of light illuminated the small building. Three of the stalls were occupied. Mr. Darcy’s black stallion was in the stall across the aisle from Austen and a light brown quarter horse stood in the corner stall. Lizzy was pleased to see that someone had already fed and watered the horse. Austen had been thoroughly groomed as well. Having no work to do, Lizzy leaned against the top rail of Austen’s stall and began to gently stroke her forehead and neck. Lizzy allowed her mind to wander as she continued her attentions to Austen when she was startled by a low whinny from behind her and felt a nudge on her shoulder. She turned to see that Darcy’s stallion had come up to his stall door and his dark eyes stared at her as if he was demanding his share of her attention. Afraid of scaring him, she cautiously reached out her hand to run her fingers through his black silky mane. The stallion responded by shifting his head closer to her hand. Lizzy’s heart melted and she quickly fell in love with the massive, but gentle horse.
“You are such a handsome boy,” Lizzy murmured softly as she continued to stroke the stallion. “And so well-mannered, too. Too bad, that your master isn’t half as nice as you are.”
Austen stomped her front hoof and switched her tail in obvious disapproval at being abandoned for the stallion.
“Are you jealous, Austen?” Lizzy asked with a merry laugh.
Lizzy turned so that one hand could reach each horse and she spoke to them in soothing whispers as the rain kept falling outside the snug stable.
Darcy walked slowly across the yard feeling oddly refreshed by the falling rain. His dark curls were plastered against his head and his now soaked black shirt was clinging to his body. Still, Darcy slogged on in the direction of the stable.
He had been comfortably chatting with Bingley and doing his utmost to avoid Caroline’s continuous advances when Darcy had heard a sound coming from Bingley’s office.
What in heaven’s name is that girl up to? He had glanced at his companions to see if they had heard the noise, but they seemed to be unaware of the movement in the office. Determined not to think of Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy resolutely continued his discussion with Bingley. Darcy was successful for several minutes, but a niggling tug of curiosity in his mind refused to be quelled.
I can’t help it. I want to know what that mischievous female is up to now, but how am I to slip away from Bingley and Caroline without being noticed?
Unable to think of a convincing excuse, Darcy remained seated in his chair while his mind drifted outside in pursuit of Elizabeth Bennet. Finally, Caroline had left the parlor to check on the dinner preparations and Bingley had gone upstairs to change his shirt for dinner. Darcy seized his chance and hurried into Bingley’s office. There he found that not only was Miss Bennet missing, but his oilskin coat and hat as well.
Darn that woman! Darcy stalked out into the storm.
It hadn’t been difficult to discover where she had gone because her small boot prints left a clear trail across the muddy yard and directly to the stable. As Darcy neared the door, he paused and sighed as he shoved hair off his forehead.
How do I get into these situations? Here I am a drenched to the skin and attempting to sneak into the stable to spy on Elizabeth Bennet. What does this woman do to me? I don’t care if she is my dawn rider. She’s a damn nuisance!
Shaking his head in frustration, Darcy considered returning to the house, but he was already wet and decided that he might as well see what she was up to.
Easing the stable door open, Darcy hid in the shadows beyond the circle of light that radiated from the lamp. He watched the back of her small figure as she caressed and scratched her mare. His coat engulfed her entire body and he noticed that she had rolled the sleeves back so that she could use her hands. The only sound was of the rain falling on the roof of the building creating a sense of peace.
The silence was broken when Tempest, apparently feeling neglected, had whinnied and demanded Miss Bennet’s attention. When she turned, Darcy could finally see her face. She stared at Tempest for a few moments with an unreadable expression on her face. Then her hand came up and she slowly reached out to touch Tempest. Darcy looked on, entranced by her, as she stroked Tempest and murmured to him. Her spell over him was shattered when Austen stomped his rear hoof in impatience and Lizzy laughed in response.
Deciding to leave before Tempest or Miss Bennet detected his presence, Darcy slipped back out the door. As he trudged back to the house, his mind was filled with the images and sounds of Elizabeth’s loving attentions to Tempest.
You know that you have problems when you are jealous of your own horse. Shaking his head, Darcy forced the image from his mind and tried to plan how he could get back into the house without anyone realizing that he had been gone.
The dinner table was packed with steaming dishes of hot rolls, potatoes, chicken, and beans. Hearing a slight growl rise from her stomach, Lizzy scanned the meal with pleasure and hustled to an empty chair. Grabbing the wooden back to pull it out from the table, Lizzy suddenly found her fingers covered by a masculine hand. Glancing up into a pair of dark eyes, Lizzy paused as Darcy pulled out her chair and guided her into her seat.
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
A silent nod was his only response as he took his place across from her. The Bingley’s joined them at the ends of the table and the meal began with a simple prayer. Silence hung in the room as the serving dishes were passed around. Striving to be the perfect host and make a good impression on Jane’s sister, Bingley struggled to think of a suitable topic of conversation. Unfortunately, Caroline beat him to it.
“William, have you heard from Georgiana recently?”
“A letter caught up with me her and I sent her a telegraph two days ago.” Darcy’s tone of voice was flat and dismissive.
“Is she well? Is she enjoying the social season in St. Louis? Dear Georgiana, how I long to see her! I must say that I am quite jealous of her. St. Louis society is not as superior as that found in my beloved Philadelphia, but it must be better than the social life in this two-bit town. I am languishing for the sound of an orchestra, aching to feel the slide of a silk ball gown against my skin, hungering for the savory taste of a four course meal. You cannot experience anything like that here!”
Caroline shot a disgusted look down her nose directly at Elizabeth which Lizzy returned with a cold stare of her own. Always diplomatic, Bingley tried to forestall the battle that was about to begin across the table.
“I think…,” Bingley began before he was rudely cut off by his sister.
“I imagine that Georgi has many admirers. She was always so beautiful and poised. She must be quite an accomplished young woman by now. I am sure that she is a perfect example of the results of a quality Eastern education. Quite unlike any woman you might find here in the West.”
Darcy was a little more successful than his friend at deflecting Caroline’s vitriolic comments from Elizabeth.
“I cannot think of more than half a dozen women on this entire continent that I would consider accomplished.” Darcy casually buttered another roll.
“William!” Caroline screeched. “I know numerous very accomplished young ladies.”
“Indeed, so do I,” Bingley interjected. “Young ladies in Philadelphia dance, sing, play the piano, read the classics, stitch embroidery, compose poetry, and I know not what. Then here out here in the West I find that they also cook, clean, sew, and help out their families however they can. I must say that I am quite impressed.”
“No woman can be considered accomplished without possessing an innate grace, perfect manners, and of course… natural beauty.” Caroline concluded her comments with a self-important fluff to her hair.
Darcy set his knife upon the edge of his plate and calmly looked up at his dinner companions.
“And yet to all this she must add one last thing…” Darcy’s gaze shifted and settled directly upon Elizabeth. “The skill and true love of horseback riding.”
Smirking at Darcy’s addition to the growing list, Lizzy decided to tease him just a little bit.
“I must say that I am surprised that you only know six accomplished women. I am rather shocked that you know any.”
Darcy’s response to this comment was merely to stare intently across the table at her. After several moments, Lizzy was forced to retreat and gazed down at her half empty plate. Bingley gave up on having any meal conversation without sparking another argument so the meal concluded in silence.
After dinner everyone gathered in the parlor for the evening, while Lizzy excused herself to check on Jane. The two men quickly claimed the arm chairs and Caroline reclined on a small settee by the fire. Secretly, she hoped that the dim firelight would put her brother’s friend in a more romantic mood. However, her scheme was foiled when Darcy again picked up the book that he had been reading earlier in the day. Frustrated, she sat there scowling at the fire until she heard the sound of approaching footsteps and she came up with a wonderful scheme.
For some strange reason William seems to be attracted to Miss Elizabeth. I do not understand it, but I will use it to turn his attention to me. Surely, when he sees us side by side he will recognize his mistake.
Elizabeth paused at the doorway to the parlor and took a deep breath to compose herself for what was sure to be a tedious and challenging evening. She was extremely surprised when Caroline called out to her as soon as see set foot in the room.
“Miss Eliza, come and join me in front the fire. It is so cozy.”
Not wanting to insult her hostess, Lizzy crossed the room and sat down on the other end of the settee. Caroline observed that William’s eyes surreptitiously followed Miss Bennet’s movements as he pretended to turn a page. Elizabeth remained oblivious to Miss Bingley’s scheme and Darcy’s interest. Caroline waited several minutes before making her next move. Finally seeing Darcy glancing at Miss Bennet once again, she jumped on the opportunity.
“Would you like to join us William?” Caroline invited in a syrupy voice.
Darcy had been admiring how the firelight bathed Miss Bennet in a rich, golden glow when he was abruptly addressed by Caroline. Unfazed by the sudden question and the certain knowledge that Caroline had noticed his preoccupation with Elizabeth, Darcy made a quick response.
“That would ruin the plan entirely.”
“William! What on earth do you mean? We demand an explanation!”
“Miss Bingley, I think it would be better if we simply ignore Mr. Darcy’s comment.”
“Nonsense, William, tell us what you meant by that sly comment.”
“I mean that the dancing light from the fire adds a charming effect to your appearance and that I can best admire right here from my chair.”
“What an impertinent and scandalous reply!” Caroline laughed and batted her eyelashes flirtatiously. “How can we punish him, Eliza?”
“It is quite simple Miss Bingley. We will just tease and mock him.”
“Mock Mr. Darcy? How? He is a perfect man.”
“Really? A perfect man!” Elizabeth raised her right eyebrow in a skeptical glance.
“No one is perfect, but I have tried to avoid many of the common faults and weaknesses that I have observed in others.” Darcy sat forward in his chair in a defensive posture.
“Faults like….vanity…and… pride?”
“Yes, vanity is a fault indeed, but pride where there is a distinct difference in merit and honor can be appropriate and even necessary. I am not perfect, Miss Bennet. I admit that I possess a rather fiery temper. My trust once lost is lost forever.”
“That is a weakness indeed, but I will not laugh at it.”
“I believe that every person’s personality has some flaw.”
“Yours is to distrust and distance everyone.”
“And yours is to make decisions about people before you really know them.”
Bingley had watched in horror as the conversation had erupted into the heated argument before him. Caroline pouted on the settee as her grand scheme backfired and drew William’s attention away from her completely. Bingley had no idea what to do to end the fray he was witnessing. Fortunately, Caroline had another brilliant idea to redirect the attention to herself.
She jumped to her feet and declared, “Let’s have some music!” For once, Bingley was grateful to his sister as she moved to the piano in the corner.
Darcy settled back into the cushions of the chair to replay the conversation in his mind to discover where it had gotten so out of control. Lizzy glared into the flames silently fuming. Needless to say, it was an extremely long evening.
The following morning Jane was feeling well enough to return to Longbourne. A little before noon Clancy slowed the wagon to a halt before Dr. Bingley’s office. Lizzy eagerly tossed her bag into the bed and hopped onto the back. Dr. Bingley insisted on carrying Jane out to the buggy and setting her on the seat beside Clancy. The doctor waved farewell to the sisters from the front step, Caroline refused to even come to the door, and Darcy watched from the window as the wagon pulled down Main Street.
Posted on Tuesday, 16 September 2003, at 10
Mixed emotions tumbled through Darcy’s head as he and Bingley rode through the gate of Longbourn a few days later. Bingley wanted to check on Jane and he thought that Darcy had come along merely to escape from Caroline. In reality, he was hoping to pay his own visit to one of the other Bennet sisters. The discovery that his dawn rider was actually Miss Elizabeth Bennet continued to be a disruption as he tried to work through his thoughts and feelings. He knew that he was anticipating seeing Elizabeth again. There was just something about her playful, independent nature that inexplicably drew him to her. Yet, he felt that he should reprimand himself for having developed feelings for someone of her background. Uncomfortably, Darcy found that he was jealous of Bingley’s blissful contentment. His simple and straight forward attraction to Jane was obviously not causing him the same internal conflict that he was wrestling with. Resigned to the impending meeting and the unsettled feeling in his stomach, Darcy dismounted from Tempest and looked at his surroundings.
Longbourn was definitely not what he had expected. His mind had envisioned a shabby log cabin surrounded by a few rundown outbuildings that were weathered by the harsh weather of the high plains. Instead, he was pleasantly surprised by the modest clapboard house with its wrap-around porch, the well-maintained stable and barns, and a rather cozy looking bunkhouse. The ranch buildings were nestled beside a large bend in the river. Lush prairie grass surrounded the compound and not far in the distance the foothills of the Rocky Mountains rose up against the clear blue sky.
The sound of horses arriving in the ranch yard drew Lizzy’s attention away from the new horse that she was working with in the corral. She instantly recognized Mr. Darcy’s stallion, Tempest. Regretfully, she handed the lead rope that she was holding to Jimmy who was sitting on a rail behind her and gracefully vaulted over the fence to greet the visitors.
Both men turned and waited when they saw Elizabeth walking towards them from the direction of stable. Darcy had immediately located Lizzy’s slight feminine form and had watched in admiration as she easily cleared the fence. She approached them at a brisk pace and Darcy couldn’t help admiring how her brown trousers accentuated her slender legs and the slight swaying motion of her hips.
“Good morning, Dr. Bingley. What brings you out to Longbourn?”
Elizabeth smiled warmly at Bingley, but didn’t even bother to make eye contact with Darcy.
“I was out at the Purvis place on a house call and I just thought that I would drop into see how Jane is feeling. Just as a professional courtesy, of course.”
“Thank you for your concern, doctor. You interest is certainly appreciated.” Lizzy’s eyes flashed with silent laughter as she mocked Bingley’s “disinterested” inquiry. “She is feeling much better. She even came downstairs for breakfast today. Would you like to see for yourself?”
Bingley beamed and rushed to accept the opportunity to see his beloved angel again. “Why yes, I’ll just give her a quick check-up.”
“Come on in the house then. She’s probably in the parlor resting.” Three pairs of boots pounded up the porch steps together. Lizzy had her hand on the handle of the screen door when a horse trotted into the yard.
“Lizzy!” The rider called out as he dismounted. Darcy immediately bristled at the informality of the ranch hand’s manners.
What was that impudent cowboy thinking to address his Elizabeth with such freedom? Wait a second, had he just referred to Miss Bennet as his! The proprietary thought thoroughly shocked him, but it was secondary to the silent fury he felt as he watched Miss Bennet skip down the steps, her cheeks flushed with obvious pleasure.
“Do you need me for something, George?” Her smile was brilliant as she stared directly into the depths of his blue eyes.
“Nothing important, Lizzy. I just thought that I would stop by to see if you wanted to meet me for lunch at our usual place.” He quickly glanced at the men on the porch and then turned back to face her. “I certainly didn’t mean to disrupt whatever business you have with those gentlemen.”
Anxious to reassure him, Lizzy placed her hand on his forearm. “You didn’t interrupt anything. Lunch sounds wonderful. Dr. Bingley just rode out to check on Jane. Come on, let me introduce you.” She tugged him by his hand toward the porch.
Darcy looked on with growing disapproval as Lizzy and the brash cowboy talked together in such a familiar manner. He couldn’t hear what they were saying, but their bodies communicated enough.
What is wrong with me? Why do I feel such an inexplicable animosity toward a man that I have never met? What is Elizabeth Bennet doing to me? This is completely irrational. Still, he couldn’t keep his fists from clenching when Elizabeth reached out lay her hand on the man’s arm. Swallowing hard, Darcy attempted to assume a neutral expression as Lizzy turned and led the stranger toward the porch.
Lizzy and the stranger were at the base of the stairs when the stranger removed his hat and Darcy got his first unrestricted view of the man’s face. Blue eyes met brown and both men instantly froze. This cowboy was definitely not a stranger.
Finally, Darcy thought and instinctively his right hand slid to his gun. His entire body stiffened and his senses were alerted for any sudden movement from the other man. Seconds stretched into minutes and he waited to make his move. There was only him and his target. His hand took comfort from the cold metal of his gun. After three years of searching, I finally caught up with him. It will all be over.
A soft feminine scent was detected by his heightened senses. Suddenly, he remembered where he was and that they were not alone. Elizabeth and Bingley should not have to witness such an ugly scene. He had waited this long. Surely, he could wait a little longer. Weighing his options carefully, Darcy allowed his posture to relax. Still ready to draw at any moment, Darcy shot a definite message with his steely gaze. Soon. Very soon. I am coming for you. Confident that his message had been received, Darcy confidently swaggered down the steps and untied Tempest. Without a word, he mounted up and turned to gallop out of the yard. Three pairs of eyes watched in disbelief, but for very different reasons.
A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves of the cottonwood trees that sheltered the two figures sprawled on the river bank below. Both of them had fallen into the habit of these lunch time meetings and Lizzy now treasured them as her favorite part of the day. It was relaxing to lay here in the shade snoozing or idly chatting with George about nothing in particular. Today, however, Lizzy found that she could not free her thoughts from the encounter that she had witnessed this morning.
“George, can I ask you something?” Lizzy asked hesitantly.
Rolling on his side to face her, George gazed into her eyes and solemnly replied, “Lizzy, you know that you can ask me anything.”
Taking a deep breath for courage, Lizzy plunged in. “You know the man that was with Dr. Bingley this morning, don’t you?”
There was a long awkward pause before George sighed and responded. “Yes, I know Darcy. I know him very well.”
“How? Where would you meet someone like him?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“Of course, I would, George. You know that I trust you.” Lizzy’s devotion caused the volume of her voice to rise.
Another longer pause stretched between them before George began to speak in a low and somewhat distant voice.
“I met him in St. Louis a few years back. I was working as the deputy in a small town called Ramsgate when the sheriff there decided to retire. The sheriff recommended me for the job, but the town council hired Darcy instead. He had been running a successful law practice in St. Louis and had a reputation for being as tough as nails. Although I was disappointed at not being promoted, I was thrilled to be working for such an experienced and respected man. As he was new to town, I took it upon myself to befriend Darcy and his younger sister. We became quite close and we worked well together for almost a year before trouble started. We had been working to break up a gang that had been terrorizing the town. We had been pretty successful, but one night everything changed. This night, I stayed late to catch up on some work after Darcy had gone home. I was finishing up some paper work when I heard gunfire outside. I ran down the street to see that the bank was in the process of being robbed. Trying to surprise the bandits, I turned down the alley to enter the bank through the back door. Blasting the lock with my gun, I managed to kick open the door and tackle one of the men as he turned from the safe in surprise. We were wrestling on the floor when his mask slid down. I instantly recognized the man as Darcy. Shocked at discovering my partner was actually a criminal, I lost my focus for a second and he seized the advantage. Shortly, I found the cold nose of a gun pressing into my temple. Darcy called one of his cronies to watch me as he continued to empty the safe. The last time I saw Darcy, he was beating me senseless.
Wickham paused for a second, apparently lost in a maze of painful memories. Squeezing his hand to comfort him, Lizzy waited silently for him to continue as she became even more upset by what he was sharing.
“When I came to I found myself bound and gagged in a cave, obviously the gang’s hideout. Somehow I managed to escape and steal one of their horses. A bullet winged my shooting arm as I rode away. Thankfully, I found the strength to make it to the home of a friend who took me in and cared for me. Later, I learned that Darcy had fabricated the story that I was the head of the gang and that he was doing his best to apprehend me. The town believed him and when I had recovered I had no choice but to head further west. I had no desire to serve a system that could be so corrupted so I took up the honest work of a ranch hand. I have wandered around ever since always looking for something to make me stay in once place.” He paused and raised his eyes from their clasped hands to hers. “I hadn’t found it…until now.”
With these last words, he reached out to softly stroke a curl away from Lizzy’s cheek. Although touched by his tender action, Lizzy was too agitated to let the previous topic drop.
“Why didn’t you challenge him? Why didn’t you go to the mayor? Why didn’t you call him out in the street for a gunfight?” she shrieked in rage, tears pouring down her cheeks.
Gathering her in his arms, he nestled her close to his chest in an effort to comfort her. “I couldn’t, Lizzy. You must see that. I was incapacitated for several weeks. He would have killed me for sure. And as for telling the mayor, he never would have believed me. I didn’t have any proof. Who would believe the word of an uneducated deputy over that of an intelligent sheriff? Besides, if the truth had come out it would have hurt Georgi as well. I just couldn’t let her find out that the brother she loved and revered was nothing more than a common criminal.”
“Oh, George,” Lizzy sniffled into his shirt. “Life is so unfair. Thank god, you’re alive and that he brought you here.”
Gently, he wiped the tears from her cheeks with the pad of his thumb. Time stopped as their eyes met once again and their hearts accelerated. Slowly bending his dark head toward hers, their lips met in a soft caress. Sliding her arms around his neck, she pulled him closer and relaxed into his embrace as he deepened the kiss in the fading afternoon sunshine.
“Lizzy, I can’t believe that Mr. Darcy is a criminal!” Jane’s eyes were spread wide with amazement. “Charles, would never be friends with a criminal. This is absolutely horrible!”
Lizzy was too upset to notice that her older sister had used the doctor’s first name.
“It has to be true, Jane! George told me everything. Name…facts...he didn’t hold anything back.” Lizzy crossed her arms, confident that information would settle everything.
“He hasn’t even been here a month. Do you think it’s wise to trust him so much?”
“Of course, I trust him. What other possible explanation could there be? You didn’t see the way Mr. Darcy looked at George this afternoon. I was positive that he was going to murder him on our front porch. Why, Mr. Darcy has even bragged to me about his temper. Look at how he just showed up in town without a reason! And why does he always wear black?” Lizzy curled her lip in disdain. “If it isn’t true then let him defend himself and prove it, but I believe George.”
“I don’t know what to think,” Jane cried.
“Excuse me, but one knows exactly what to think!” Lizzy turned sharply and walked to her bedroom to sleep and dream of kisses beside the river.
Posted on Monday, 13 October 2003
Sweet dreams didn’t come as easily as she had planned. Initially, the events that George had shared with her that afternoon just played over and over again in her mind. The more she thought about what Darcy had done to George the more she hated him. Yet, Jane had managed to force her to consider Darcy’s friendship with Dr. Bingley.
I am too tired to think about all of this tonight. I’ll just have to focus on something more pleasant. Determined in this resolution, Lizzy tried to summon the memory of the kisses she had shared with George, but instead the dangerous image of a black-clad rogue filled her mind. Tossing and turning, the hours continued in this fashion as she tried to banish any thought of Darcy from her mind. Every time her eyelids drifted closed a pair of cinnamon colored eyes started intently back at her from beneath the brim of a familiar black hat.
Shouts coming from the yard below woke Lizzy right before dawn. I must have managed to fall asleep at last. Hurrying to open her window, Lizzy looked down to see all of the hands scrambling to mount up and ride out.
“Clancy, what on earth is going on?”
The ranch hand turned in the direction of the voice and spotted Lizzy leaning out of her window. “Rustlers, Miss Elizabeth. We are riding out to see if we can catch up with them.”
“Hang on just a second, Clancy. I am coming with you!”
“Now Miss Lizzy, I don’t think your mother would approve.”
“Clancy, when has that ever stopped me before?”
Trying not to laugh, Clancy decided he would never beat her in a battle of wills and there just wasn’t time. “Hurry down on down here and I’ll get Austen saddled up for you.”
Lizzy turned back to her room and pulled on a pair of trousers, a shirt, her boots, and a short leather jacket. She was running out the door of her room when she reconsidered and went back to her closet. Stretching to reach the very top shelf, Lizzy took down an item she seldom wore. Strapping the small gun belt around her hips, she checked her gun before sliding it into the holster. Ready at last, she sprinted down the stairs, grabbing her hat on her way out the door where Clancy was waiting with Austen.
The rustlers had finally hit Longbourne.
Lizzy slowly rode Austen through the high grass as the pale light of dawn began to streak across the sky. At least, fifty head were gone and so far the hands had been unsuccessful at tracking the thieves. Truthfully, she had been waiting for the rustlers to strike, but she hadn’t expected to such a significant loss. A small ranch like Longbourn simply couldn’t afford it and there was no way that she was going to lose her beloved ranch.
I will make it my mission to catch these rustlers and make sure that they are brought to justice. Besides, I already know who’s responsible. He arrived in town just before the rustling began and I know that he has a history of crime. I just need proof. He won’t get away this time.
Lizzy hurried to load the supplies into the wagon before she collapsed. She was exhausted physically and mentally. She had slept very last night, woken to a crisis, and then been pestered by every citizen in Meryton for news about the rustlers who had hit Longbourn the previous night. All she wanted to do was pick up Jane and Kitty and go home and fall into bed. Lizzy leaned against the bed of the wagon and allowed her eyes to drift shut. A little break is all that I need.
Darcy had been busy reading in Bingley’s study when he noticed that the Bennet wagon was stopped in front of Lucas’ story across the street. Although he tried to continue reading, he was unable to keep himself for looking up every time the door of the store opened. At last, she walked out and began to load the supplies.
She looks tired and pale. Hardly surprising after the eventful night that they had had at Longbourn last night, but surely she had been safe in her bed sleeping peacefully through all the excitement. At least, she should have been, but knowing her she had been right in the thick of it where no female belonged. Why do I worry and care about such an infuriating female?
Against his better judgment, Darcy found himself rising from his chair and crossing the street to assist Miss Bennet.
Lizzy’s exhaustion prevented her from hearing the approach of Mr. Darcy. Startled by a gentle tap on her shoulder, she jumped and found herself facing the man she blamed for her current condition. After all, he had wrecked her plans of pleasant dreams and she was positive that he was responsible for the theft of her cattle. Now to make matters worse, he was busy loading the supplies into the wagon.
“What do you think you are doing?” Her voice grew angry and her fisted hands rose to her hips.
“Just giving you a hand,” he said shrugging his shoulders he bent to heft a large bag into his arms. “It sounds like you had a busy night and you looked a little tired.”
“I am completely capable of loading my own supplies, thank you very much.”
“I know that you are, but can’t you just accept a little help? You could let your guard down just a little bit. You don’t have to act like a man all the time!”
By now, both of them were screaming at each other as they continued to load the wagon.
“I do not act like a man. Besides, why would I want the help of a man who….”
Their argument was disturbed by the sound of thundering horse hooves and frightened screams. The stage coach from Denver appeared on the horizon heading straight for Main Street with no driver at the reigns. The runaway coach was racing and swerving madly. The team of horses was so badly spooked that they would trample anything that was in their path. Anxiously scanning the street to see if anyone was in danger, Lizzy saw that the children had just rushed into the schoolyard after being released for the day.
Too scared to speak clearly, Lizzy barely managed to croak out, “The children….” However, her warning was unnecessary as Darcy had also recognized the situation. Without a word to Elizabeth, Darcy sprinted to the nearest horse, untied him, and jumped on. Digging his spurred heels in the sides of his borrowed mount, he began pursuing the runaway stage through the flying dust.
Darcy was successfully gaining on the stage, but he still wasn’t sure if he could stop it in time. Finally, he managed to draw even with the stage horses. The reins of the stage were trailing on the ground between the two horses. The only way to reach them would be to mount one of them.
Damn! How am I going to reach them?
Carefully judging the distance between his mount and the back of the horse closest to him in the harness, Darcy pushed up on his saddle horn until he was kneeling on the back of his mount. Then he quickly leaped onto the back of the runaway horse. His sudden move caused the horse beneath him to jerk wildly, but Darcy fisted his hands in the horse’s streaming mane and hung on. Looking ahead, Darcy noticed that the stage was quickly approaching the schoolhouse. The children were roaming everywhere seemingly unaware of the danger that was barreling straight toward them.
Can’t they hear the horses coming? God, please keep them safe.
Knowing that he had to act quickly, Darcy clenched his legs around the horse and let go of the horse’s mane with one hand. Then he leaned to the ground to try and grab the reins. His outstretched fingers managed to graze the leather before they jerked away. Leaning to the side just a little further, Darcy finally managed to snatch the reins and pull himself back up onto the horse.
The terrified screams of young children rang out as the stage entered the school yard. Darcy could see Jane Bennet running among the children and hollering for them to get out of the way. Pulling on the reigns with all of his strength, Darcy tried to direct the horses out onto the open prairie. At first, they seemed to continue in their original path until finally they turned and raced back out onto the prairie. Darcy felt his heart still pounding in shock and relief that no one had been injured. He managed to save the children. Now it was just a matter of letting the horses run until they exhausted themselves and Darcy actually began to enjoy his wild ride.
Lizzy had watched in awe as Darcy had performed his daring rescue. An inexplicable sense of peace had rushed through her, as she had watched him ride off in pursuit of the stage. For some strange reason, she had been completely confident that he would be successful in halting the runaway stage. Her unquestioning confidence in a man that she despised and knew to be a dangerous criminal left her mind unsettled. However, she was relieved that no one had been hurt in the dangerous situation.
I wonder what made the horses bolt to begin with? An Indian raid? Surely not, the local tribes had grudgingly accepted the presence of white men in the West. Wild animals? No… the most menacing animal that they could have possibly encountered was a pack of coyotes and that was unlikely before dusk. Lightning? No…the sky was perfectly clear. What day is it? Thursday. Ahhh….there is my answer! It had to have been a robbery! The stage would have been carrying the railroad payroll from Denver. A robbery would also explain the spooked horse and the absence of a driver at the reins.
Happy to have reached a logical conclusion, Lizzy allowed her mind to toss the information around as she tried to recreate the robbery in her mind.
It had probably happened at the rock outcropping about five miles out. The outlaws would have had plenty of cover there to add the element of surprise. Probably a gang of three or four men that had simply shot the driver, looted the strong box, and spooked the horses so that they bolted. Unfortunately for the robbers the team had bolted toward town. What about passengers? Had their lives been spared? Who could possibly be responsible? There had never been such a violent crime in the community of Meryton.
The answer instantly materialized in Lizzy’s mind with clarity and certainty. Her response was pure rage and she felt her body begin to shake with fury.
William Darcy was obviously behind it! He was responsible for the robbery just like the rustling! He rode into town and a crime wave erupted. Wicked, depraved man! He had calmly helped her load her supplies, while his gang was committing murder! Then, he had the audacity to ride to the rescue like a hero. Ensuring that the citizen’s of Meryton would replace their initial dislike of him with thankfulness and hero worship! If only I had some proof, I would unmask him for the cold-blooded outlaw that he is!
Once the exhausted team had slowed to a gentle trot, Darcy turned them back in the direction of Meryton. No longer having to strain to control the horses, he solemnly glanced over his shoulder to have his fears confirmed. The driver was had been shot multiple times. His shirt was covered with a red stain and his lifeless body had slumped to the side.
God, please let Wickham have spared any passengers.
Stopping the team in front of Bingley’s office, Darcy called out to his friend. The door opened immediately and Bingley rushed out.
“Good God, Darcy! What were you thinking? I suppose you weren’t! Thank heaven you were able to save the children! Now what happened?”
“Robbery. The driver’s dead. I don’t know about passengers.”
Darcy watched Bingley’s face blanch with horror at his words. Thankfully, a low moan from the interior of the coach kept Bingley from puking. Darcy dismounted as Darcy rushed to open the door of the stage. There, lying on the floor of the coach, lay a short, chubby man who was moaning piteously. Between them, Darcy and Bingley managed to carefully lift the man and lay him on the bed inside the office. Bingley immediately began to ascertain the condition of his patient.
“Sir, are you alright? Have you been shot!”
“No. I am, however, in a state of complete shock!” The man wiped several greasy strands of his hair back off of his forehead and clasped his hands before him.
Darcy leaned over the side of the bed and demanded, “What happened? Were you the only passenger? How many robbers were there? Wasn’t there anything you could do to help the driver?”
“Please.” The man whined. “I have an awful pain in my head. I thought that the horses would never stop or more likely that they would run off a cliff! Never have I been confronted with my own mortality so many times in a single day! It was quite an experience!”
“Well, Darcy here saved your life so perhaps you could answer some of his questions,” Bingley interjected.
Instantly, the man’s fat face flushed with pleasure and his eyes brightened. “Dear sir, my humble profusions of thanks are not enough to repay your act of service. Your magnificent valor in risking your own life is a noble deed that I shall never forget. In fact, I am eternally indebted to you. I only hope that I can find a way to repay your actions in some small measure.”
“You can start by answering my questions.”
“Certainly. You see, Mr. Darcy, I was composing a sermon when I first heard gunfire. There were at least four of them. All I could do was stay in the coach and intercede in fervent prayer for the unfortunate soul of the driver. The ruffians never checked the interior of the coach. It was obviously an act of divine mercy.”
“Pray! While the he driver was being murdered!” Darcy stalked about the room in an agitated manner. “Tell me, who exactly are you?”
“My name is William Collins, Mr. Darcy. I am a humble man of God who is intrepidly traveling into the wilderness of the West to establish a mission in the Rosing River Valley. I am to be missionary to Chieftess Shrieking Cat and her tribe of noble savages.”
Darcy’s eyes widened slightly at this information, but he remained silent and impassive. Collin’s took this as a sign to continue.
“However, I do plan to spend at least a week here in Meryton with some relations of mine that I have never had the pleasure of meeting. Could either of you kindly direct me to a ranch run by the family of Bennet?”
Bingley was quick to answer Collin’s query.
“Why yes. In fact, three of the Bennet girls should be heading back out to the ranch right about now. Come, I’ll introduce you.”
“Just a minute, dear doctor. Please allow me a few minutes to refresh myself before becoming acquainted with my relations.”
Darcy and Bingley watched in disgust as Collin’s preened before the mirror on the bureau.
He is worse than Caroline! I wonder what Elizabeth and her family will make of him. Darcy tried to imagine their response and felt a chuckle rise in his chest.