Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Part 13 Posted on Friday, 17 December 1999
If Mr. Bingley was determined to leave Hertfordshire, his wife was more so. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth welcomed them to Pemberley while they conducted their search for an estate. Unfortunately, with them came Mr. Bingley's sister, Caroline. Also included in the party were the Bingleys' new baby daughter, Beth, and Mr. Bingley's cousin, Mrs. Isabel Shaw, and her child.
Mrs. Bingley had finally given birth to a daughter, after suffering a miscarriage two years ago, and it was with joy that she was passed among her aunts when the Bingleys arrived.
"She is beautiful, Jane," said Kitty, proudly holding her niece.
"Beautiful," Elizabeth agreed. "And I believe she has your disposition."
Jane blushed. Caroline looked at the three of them, and promptly left the room.
"I'm sorry, Darcy," said Bingley. "She has been acting strangely ever since she has been with us."
"You will not blame her so much, when you find out why." said Isabel, then yawned. "Oh, excuse me! I believe I should like to take a nap. Where should I put Johnny?"
Johnny was Mrs. Shaw's nearly-one-year-old boy.
"I will show you," said Elizabeth, and Isabel followed as she waddled up the stairs, and to the nursery. Jane followed soon behind, as she had decided it would be best to put Beth down, as well.
"I did not realize Mrs. Darcy was so near her time," said Bingley.
"The doctor says she has a couple weeks before we are to expect anything, but looking at her, I would say the child was coming tomorrow," said Darcy.
As soon as they had made themselves comfortable in the parlor, the butler announced Mr. Blakeney.
"What? No Mrs. Blakeney?" said Darcy in mock astonishment as Christopher entered the room. The Blakeneys had been each other's shadows ever since last October.
"She ran upstairs as soon as she heard that the babies were here," said Christopher. "I have a few questions to ask, Darcy, if you don't mind."
"About what?"
"You don't mind if they hear?" he motioned to Kitty and Bingley. Kitty thought it was rather rude, but did not say anything.
"Not at all. That's one question," Darcy grinned teasingly. Christopher gave him a look and continued.
"Did your mother have a miscarriage in 1790?"
"Yes, she did. Why?"
"What was the name of the doctor who attended her?"
"Bartholomew Jones was our physician when I was a child."
Christopher made a face.
"Common name. Too bad. Did Dr. Jones have any assistants?"
"Once in a while."
"Did he in 1790?"
"I don't know; I was at school."
"No need to get so testy. Is Dr. Jones still living?"
"I wouldn't know. He was not very old then, so it is possible."
"Very well, then. Thank you for your patience. Good day." He smiled, bowed, and left.
"Odd young man," commented Bingley.
"Very," Darcy agreed, frowning.
"Was it not impertinent of him to ask such questions?" asked Kitty.
"I don't know, maybe it was, but he did warn me. I think." He puzzled over that for a minute.
"I was wondering, Darcy, if you would ride with me tomorrow to an estate I am considering."
"Certainly, I would be glad to. What is it called?"
"Bonhomie."
"Aptly named," Darcy smiled. Bingley grinned. Kitty determined to look up the word 'bonhomie' in the dictionary. "But do not take too long to decide," Darcy added. "I plan to take Elizabeth and Kitty to London on Friday."
It was Monday.
"Are you certain Elizabeth is able to travel?"
"Are you suggesting I ask her to stay?" Darcy shuddered. "I prefer to keep my skin, Bingley. She is determined to give Miss Bennet a Season."
"Lizzy is not putting herself in any danger, is she?" Asked Kitty worriedly.
"No, I don't think so," Darcy replied reluctantly. "She asked the doctor, purposefully in my presence, whether she should exercise or be still while with child, and he was firm that she should exercise as much as possible. It is puzzling."
The next day, Darcy accompanied Bingley to see the estate called Bonhomie, and the contract was signed that afternoon. Bingley was able to get quite a bargain, as the late owner had run up gaming debts, and was eager to sell it to pay them off.
By Friday, they were settled in the Darcy townhouse in London, ironically called 'The Small House.' The Bingleys and Mrs. Shaw opted to accompany them there, and it was quite a large party that descended upon Mrs. Bell and the London staff.
Kitty was given the room that had belonged to Georgiana before she married, and she loved it. Elizabeth also had several dressmakers over to outfit Kitty with an entirely new wardrobe for the Season. Her only worry was that the baby would come early, and she would be unable to bring Kitty out. Thankfully, all their fears were put to rest, when Lady Cavendar promised to see Kitty to all the balls, if Lizzy could not.
So it was set. Kitty first London ball would take place in two weeks.
Part 14 Posted on Friday, 17 December 1999
After dinner, the first night they were in London, Caroline deigned to join the party, and successfully put a damper on all their spirits, including Bingley's and Isabel's.
"Will Miss Bennet delight us with a song?" asked Bingley.
"I'm afraid I do not play," said Kitty, blushing slightly.
"I shall play for you, Charles, if you wish," said Caroline. "I'm sure I could select something none of you have heard before."
"Perhaps you could, Caroline, but now that I think of it, I feel a slight headache coming on, so perhaps it would be best to refrain from such noisy pursuits as music."
"Mrs. Darcy," said Caroline, "when will your mother put in an appearance at her daughter's Season? Surely she must be in a rage to introduce herself to London Society."
"She will come, eventually. She is, at present, visiting another of my sisters."
"Would that be Mrs. Canfield, or Mrs. Wickham?" asked Caroline. Kitty wondered why she looked at Darcy in such a peculiar manner when she mentioned Wickham's name.
"I believe Lydia has adopted her maiden name once again, since her husband is no longer with us," said Elizabeth with a sickly-sweet smile.
"I heard she had another child last year," said Caroline, casually taking another biscuit. Kitty turned crimson with embarrassment, Darcy with anger. Elizabeth looked at her hands. Caroline went on unnecessarily. "I cannot see how, since Mr. Wickham was taken away from her late in April of the year before..."
"The child was born in January of last year," said Isabel. "That would be sufficient, would it not, Caroline?"
"I do not see how you can speak of my sister so!" said Kitty, defending her once-dearest sister. "I am sure she has not done anything so wrong as you!"
"Kitty, calm yourself," said Elizabeth.
"It is highly indecent and indelicate!" Kitty went on, livid. "I never heard a true lady talk in such vulgar terms, I can assure you!"
"I'm sorry, Miss Bennet," said Isabel sincerely. "It was not my place to try to defend your sister for you."
Kitty softened.
"Oh, I did not mean to reprove you, Mrs. Shaw. I knew you meant well. But..."
"Vulgar terms!" Caroline interrupted when she finally regained her powers of speech. "I hardly think you are one to talk, Miss Kitty! I would never make such an outburst in public!"
"I may not be so well-controlled as you, Miss Bingley," said Kitty sardonically, "But at least I do not keep my true colours hidden inside me, only to let them leak out at the most inopportune and inappropriate times. I am what I am, I do not deny that I have a tendency towards silliness and impropriety, but I do not imagine myself to be above anybody and everybody I meet, simply because I hear they have poor connections. I give them the benefit of the doubt. And it has brought my family great happiness, for imagine what might have happened if I had dismissed Mr. Bingley as entirely unsuitable because of his relation to you!"
The entire room stared at her in open-mouthed astonishment. Kitty glared at Caroline for a few moments, then realized everybody's eyes were focused on her. She coloured, fidgeted, and fled the room.
Later that evening, Elizabeth fetched her sister, who had recovered her senses somewhat. Kitty stood beside her sister as she apologized to Caroline and Mr. Bingley.
"Miss Bingley," she said to that woman's haughty face. Her voice caught; she did not want to lie, so she quickly crossed her fingers behind her back. Darcy saw it, and quickly hid his smile behind his hand. "I apologize for my outburst and my unbridled enthusiasm for giving you your place. Mr. Bingley, I apologize for implying that I would ever think your sister cause to dislike you. I do admire you very much, and am glad to have you for a brother-in-law. I never even thought of trying to use my influence over Jane - if I have any - to dissuade her from you. Please forgive me, if not for myself, then for Jane, who undoubtedly has some affection left for her wild little sister." She smiled goofily at Jane, who smiled serenely back.
"Caroline," Isabel urged. "It is your turn now." Caroline quickly thrust her hand behind her back, and Kitty looked down to hide her smile.
"I am sorry, Miss Bennet and Mrs. Darcy, for my cruel reference to your youngest sister," Caroline said grudgingly. "And Mr. Darcy, for behaving so abominably in your house."
"There," said Elizabeth. "Now we can all be friends again."
"Indeed," said Jane, and she really meant it.
Isabel whispered something to Caroline, who resisted plaintively, but after further persuasion, stood and quit the room. A few minutes later, she returned, carrying a tiny bundle that cried. The entire room - except Isabel - stared at her in shock.
"Isabel," said Bingley, leaning one arm on the mantel and rubbing his nose with the other hand, "did you have twins?"
"No!" said Caroline. "This is my son."
Darcy choked, set aside his newspaper, and prepared to quit the room. Bingley grabbed his arm and said,
"Please, Darcy, remain with me. Caroline, how could you?"
"I didn't!" she protested. Elizabeth and Jane led Kitty out of the room, but did not prevent her from eavesdropping. Isabel stayed, to undo any confusion that might ensue from Caroline's unwillingness to give correct details.
"What am I going to do?" Bingley moaned. "How many people know?"
"Jonathan, his brother, his brother's wife, just about the entire block on Nail Street, and myself," said Isabel. "Oh, and Caroline's husband."
"Husband!" Charles croaked. "Husband? Do you mean it? Please say you are not joking about the last part. But how did I not know of it? Caroline, I was supposed to give you away!"
"Do not make it sound as if it would have given you so much pleasure," Caroline retorted. "And how was I to help it? We went to Gretna Green."
"Gretna!" Bingley exclaimed. Darcy was by now intently perusing his newspaper once more.
"Yes," said Isabel. "While presumably waiting for Jonathan and me to join her in Bath, Caroline was in actuality driving with her new husband, Victor Walker...."
Darcy had been in the midst of taking a sip of tea, and now spewed it all over the carpet.
"Victor Walker?" he croaked. Caroline lifted her head proudly and smirked as she burped her baby. Isabel nodded.
"Yes, Viscount Hastings," she said.
"What is the matter with him?" asked Bingley worriedly.
"Nothing. He is my distant cousin, somewhere near forty years of age, and has nothing to recommend himself to young ladies such as Miss Bingley." Except an income of fifteen-thousand a year, he thought cynically, but he would not imply that his best friend's sister had married for money.
Bingley was becoming used to the idea.
"Lady Hastings," he repeated. "So you love him, Caroline? You must, if you married him despite Darcy's description."
Caroline smiled smugly at Darcy.
"Yes," she said. "I do."
Part 15 "How did you keep it so secret?" Kitty was now in awe of Miss Bingley - that is, Lady Hastings - as she related her "romantic adventure."
"It is not so secret. Everybody knew of it except you."
"But your own brother did not know. And you must have been married long enough to have a baby... How did the baby get here without anybody knowing?"
"We have been married almost a year and a half. My lady's maid smuggled Peter in with her things, after I obliged her with a raise of her wages."
"When do I get to meet him?"
"He is coming to London tomorrow."
Peter Walker was an immensely hungry child, Kitty thought, as she watched him gulp down several servings of milk. Elizabeth entered the room just then and announced Lord Trenton to save the butler work. Caroline went agog at the sight of him.
"Miss Bennet," he said, bowing and smiling, "I am come to remind you of your promise to attend my treasure hunt tomorrow. May I still expect you, despite your removal to London?"
"Certainly, sir," Kitty dimpled, giving him her hand.
"Good. I shall look forward to it. Now, will you introduce me to your friend?"
"Lady Hastings," Caroline said, offering him her hand. He took it, surprised at her forwardness, and bowed over it. Then he, as usual, inquired after the search for Jesse Matthews.
"Still nothing," said Kitty.
"Who?" asked Caroline.
"A bandit who crashed my ball," said Kitty quite calmly.
"I wish I had been there," said Trenton. "I hear I missed quite a bit of fun."
"Yes, I don't suppose a ball such as that would be quickly forgotten," said Kitty. "And I was excessively bored before that. Perhaps I should find Mr. Matthews myself, and thank him for brightening my evening."
"Mr. Matthews?" said Trenton with a raised eyebrow. He usually referred to that man as 'the villain' or 'the scoundrel,' or some such term.
"That is his name, is it not?"
"Yes. Of course it is."
"I thought so. Now, will you please tell me what treasure we shall be hunting?"
He smiled teasingly and sat back in his seat.
"No, you shall have to wait."
"Oh." Kitty was disappointed. "Well, who else are you inviting?"
"My lord and Lady Huntington, and their son, Casper."
"Are you matchmaking, sir?" asked Caroline, who was unused to being left out of the conversation.
"No," he laughed. "Young Mr. Huntington is all of seventeen, Lady Hastings. Hardly fitting for a woman such as Miss Bennet."
Kitty blushed. Caroline saw it, and immediately set to conjecturing. Why could she not have found someone as handsome and charming as Lord Trenton?
Part 16 Posted on Saturday, 18 December 1999
The forest was filled with raucous laughter, and if one followed the sound, he might have come across a group of miscreants loudly exclaiming over their ill-gotten treasures.
"Did you see 'is face when I took the watch from 'im!" Jack shouted in glee and dangled the watch from its chain before his own eyes. Jesse took it and threw it on the ground with the rest.
"It's not much to split five ways," he grumbled.
"I'll take the watch," said Jack, hopping about on one foot. They heard another carriage coming. Ben reached for his revolver.
"We take this one, too, eh, Jess?" Jesse turned and, using one hand to block the sun from his eyes, peered at the road.
"No," he decided. "It could be the Runners. I think we'll lay low for now."
"Are ye stayin' with me tonight, Jesse?" asked Ben.
"No, not tonight."
"Where, then?"
"I'm doing a bit of traveling tonight, boys. I'll be back in a few days, perhaps."
"Perhaps?" said Jack.
"It all depends on what I find there."
That night, Jesse Matthews once again crept silently towards Pemberley. The only lights were coming from the servants' quarters, but he did not know that the family was gone from home. He snuck around toward the kitchen door. He was thankful the weather had taken a sudden turn, and was rather cold now if one stood outside without a jacket for too long. It would serve his purpose well. After inspecting his appearance in the window, he rapped on the door. A little old lady with a bob cap on her head answered.
"Oh! Master Darcy!" she exclaimed when she saw him. "What are you doing out there in the cold? Come in, come in at once!"
"Thank you," he replied, hoping that she would not require that he knew her name. She was a bit startled when she saw he was not dressed as a gentleman, but wisely held her tongue in that respect. What she would have to tell the rest of the staff the next day!
"It's astonished I was to see you tonight, Mr. Darcy. I thought you had taken the missus to London, I did."
"Ah, well, I did," he said hesitantly. "But I had forgotten something, and came back to retrieve it. But now that I think of it, I do believe ... my wife put it in her bag. So I will be thankful for a cup of something hot to drink before I leave." He smiled endearingly at her.
"Certainly, certainly!" she replied, wondering at his odd behaviour.
"Thank you, Mrs. ... ah...."
"Roberts."
"That's right. Mrs. Roberts. How silly of me. Mrs. Roberts, I've not been feeling quite the thing lately, and I was wondering which doctor I should send for." He hoped it sounded plausible enough.
"Well, Dr. Jones would usually be sent for, I think. After all, he's been with the family for nearly thirty years."
This was too easy.
"Thirty, you say?"
She nodded.
"Just nearly. I couldn't say exactly, but I think he was here when little Sarah was born, or just after."
"Ah, yes, dear Sarah." He looked at her blankly.
"Your poor dead sister, sir," she explained. "Of course, I wouldn't expect you to remember, as you were away whenever the late missus... you'll forgive me, Mr. Darcy. I should not be speaking so of your family."
"No, go ahead," he insisted, and sat back in his chair with his arms folded.
"Sarah would've been twenty-nine this year," the old lady said. "But the poor child was stillborn."
"Sarah? Ah, yes." He sat back again, as if thinking. "Remind me, Mrs. Roberts, how many of my siblings died before they got a chance to live?"
"Five, poor thing. It was the last what killed her. Little Victoria lived longer than any of the others: two days."
"I must say, Mrs. Roberts, you have an excellent memory."
She blushed.
"I suppose I do. That is what Mr. Roberts always says, anyhow."
His drink was finished. He looked at the bottom of his cup, then smiled at the old lady.
"Thank you, Mrs. Roberts. Remind me to raise your wages. You make an excellent cup of cocoa." He pinched her cheek, and left. She blinked after him.
"How odd. I hope dear Master Darcy is not coming down ill. But where is his cup? I'm sure he left it right there..."
Part 17 Posted on Saturday, 18 December 1999
Christopher traveled back to Lambton, and went directly to the Matthews' residence. He wondered how many places Jesse had traveled before the entire family had come here. It usually did not take long for a town to get tired of him.
Mary opened the door.
"Mr. Morgan!" she said with a wide smile. "How nice to see you. Please, come in!"
"Hello, Miss Matthews. I hope you are well."
"Yes, I am. And don't be uncomfortable asking, either. I have put it completely behind me. Well, not quite completely," she corrected with a smile.
"Well," he said, somewhat surprised at her frankness, "you seem to be more peaceful, anyhow. Maybe someday you will have the pleasure of being completely recovered. I know your brother would like it." He shifted the conversation to Jesse.
"I think my brother is as happy now as he can be with my situation," she said. There was a tiny "Mama" behind her, and a little girl pulled at her skirts. Christopher looked at the child, and now understood what Mary was saying.
"Matthew Morgan," she said, taking the child in her arms, "Meet Jessica Matthews."
Christopher shook the child's hand solemnly.
"She is a very pretty child," he commented. Mary beamed.
"Yes, she is."
"I'm glad to see you don't hold her father against her. I hope she will realize how lucky she is. Most women in your position would hate the child born of..." He caught himself, and reddened at his near-blunder.
"Rape," she picked up for him, not at all abashed. "I know. Mama scorns her, but she thinks I brought it on myself, so she blames everyone. Even Jesse."
"But you do not?"
"No. Why? Should I?"
"No. Speaking of the devil, where is Jesse?"
Normally, Mary would have laughed at his characterization of her brother. Not this time.
"I don't know. Mama threw him out a few days ago. I heard he was rooming with a few of his friends."
Mrs. Matthews popped her head around the corner just then.
"That's right. And if you're one o' those friends, young man, you can get outta my 'ouse. I ain't housin' no thieves no more."
"Mama, this is Matt Morgan; he's a detective."
"So you're wantin' ta arrest Jesse? Well, in that case..."
"No, ma'am. I merely have a score to settle with him."
Mrs. Matthews looked disappointed, and left. Mary looked at her feet.
"You know he doesn't set out to be cruel to people," she said. "Whatever he's done to you..."
"Miss Matthews, I know you love your brother immensely, and believe me, I mean him no real harm. I need to talk to him. This time, it is not just myself he has hurt."
"And he did not mean that, either," she said eagerly. "He only knew someone was following him. He didn't know it was you. He follows his instincts when he fights, as I'm sure you follow yours. Until you were still, and he had calmed down, he didn't even have time to think. And then, you know, he felt terrible. He thought he had killed you, and he had never killed a man before."
"Hadn't he?" he interrupted her plea. "No, don't worry, Miss Matthews. I already told you, I mean him no harm."
"I don't believe you," she said bluntly, putting Jessie down reluctantly. He stared at her incredulously. "And I will not tell you where he is."
"Why not?" She laughed at his petulance. She had always thought he was adorably childish.
"Two reasons, Mr. Morgan. First, I don't trust you to not harm him, and second, I don't know where he is."
He smiled, acknowledging her logic.
"Well, then, I will leave." He bent down to shake Jessie's hand again. "Good day, Miss Jessie. Miss Matthews." He nodded to them, and left.
Part 18 Posted on Sunday, 19 December 1999
Lord Trenton arrived at eleven-thirty the next morning to escort Kitty to the treasure hunt. Isabel and Jane accompanied her. Elizabeth was feeling especially tired this morning, and had stayed in her bed. Caroline was acquainting herself with the staff. All the children were napping. Bingley and Darcy looked at each other over their newspapers, and sighed.
"Peace and quiet," said Bingley.
"It was quieter before you started speaking," Darcy observed.
"Just so," and Bingley refocused his attention on his newspaper. Just as peace settled down once more, the butler announced Viscount Hastings, and a loud voice boomed,
"Hallo, Darcy! Where is my fortune-hunting wife?"
"Hastings," said Darcy dryly. Bingley looked up at the very tall gentleman.
"Were you referring to my sister as a fortune hunter, sir?" he asked.
"No, I was referring to my wife as such. What fortune could she be hunting merely by having a brother? It makes no sense. Ah, Caroline," he said as she entered the room. "So ... nice to see you. Where is the boy?"
"Peter is sleeping, my lord," she said stiffly. "He has a cold, so I would not wake him if I were you."
"Bah! A cold will not keep me from him. Get your knives ready, m'dear. You are coming home today, and we will live together in as much peace and harmony as you will allow. I trust it will not be much, eh? I would not have you become one of those meek little society wives who say 'yes, my lord' this and 'no, my lord' that. Keep on trying to take my life, and we will have a houseful of Peters. Go fetch our son, and we will be off." He gave her bottom a pat as she turned towards the door. She jumped, glared, and stalked off, head high.
Bingley and Darcy stared at him. He stared right back, then burst into laughter.
"Gentlemen, the looks on your faces should be carved into stone and set in a museum! Are you really so astonished that she allows me such licenses?"
"I must say, yes, sir, I am," said Bingley.
"You have not changed at all, Victor. I mean no offense to Bingley, but why did you marry her?"
"It was the only way to get her quiet. We met in Bath, and she would not leave me alone, so I married her. She trotted off to her cousin's house the next minute, and I, of course, trotted after her."
Bingley swallowed, not sure how to take this man's attitude towards his sister.
"But Caroline said..." he started.
"The opposite of what she meant, I'm sure," said Hastings with a grin.
"Well, I hope, if we are to be brothers, that you and I can get to know each other better," said Bingley generously.
"Just so," said Hastings, nodding, and he shook Bingley's arm vigorously. When he and Caroline departed, Darcy let out a breath he had been holding and Bingley sat down, gingerly taking up his discarded newspaper.
"An odd gentleman," he muttered.
"And odder when you get to know him."
"Well, I must say I am looking forward to it," said Bingley with a crooked smile. "Did you see the way he handled Caroline? She barely got a word in edgewise. It's about time there was someone mad enough to tell her what's what. I'm sorry, Darcy. I did not mean to imply that any of your relations are mad..."
"Oh, he is definitely mad," Darcy grinned. "But he is harmless, I think. It was amusing, though." He chuckled. Bingley laughed.
Part 19 Posted on Sunday, 19 December 1999
Kitty was having a marvelous time with Lord Trenton. The treasure had been hidden by the housekeeper, so that Trenton would be allowed to participate in the activities, and they were now searching the rose garden. Their team consisted of Kitty, Lord Trenton, Casper Huntington, and Lady Huntington. Kitty took a look around the garden and stomped her foot.
"How can I find the treasure, when I don't even know what the treasure is?"
"Miss Bennet," said Mr. Huntington in a high voice, "Do you suppose the treasure could be hidden behind these vines?"
"No, I don't think so," said she. "I think we are in the wrong place entirely. I do not even know what it is we are looking for."
"A saber and a sash," said Casper condescendingly. "From a French uniform."
"Oh," said Kitty with a smile. "A uniform!"
"Perhaps if we looked upstairs," Trenton suggested. Kitty nodded vigorously and led the way back into the house. Lady Huntington and her son followed the two of them closely.
"I was hoping the war would last a bit longer, so I could join," said Casper. He had been only fifteen when the war ended. "But Napoleon had to go and get himself whipped three years too early," he said ruefully. "Would you have liked to see me in a uniform, Miss Bennet?"
"I am always happy to see a man in uniform," said Kitty. "It is a grand show of patriotism. But surely you could join in peacetime as well as war."
"Yes, but what is the fun in that?"
"I would rather he joined in peacetime than in war," Lady Huntington put in.
"Excuse me, my lord," a maid interrupted. Trenton looked up from where he was listening to the amusing conversation while simultaneously looking for the treasure. "I need to speak to you for a moment, if you please, my lord," said the maid nervously.
"Excuse me a moment," he murmured and followed the maid into the hall.
"I'm sure another war will start soon enough," said Kitty encouragingly.
"Do you truly think so?" he asked hopefully.
"I do." She smiled in a motherly fashion at him. Casper smiled back, then bent down to whisper something to his mama, who smiled at him, patted his face, and left the room. Kitty did not notice this exchange, as she was busily looking for the treasure. But then he took her hand in his, pressed it, and said,
"My dear Miss Bennet, thank you. As you know, I am a younger son, so I need a profession, but I could not make up my mind. I thank you, lovely lady, for helping me make up my mind, and I hope the fact that I am a younger son will not alter your opinion of me as a good catch. I am the son of an earl, you know."
"Really, Mr. Huntington!"
"Please say you will wait until I am of age, Catherine," he said.
"Excuse me." She suddenly felt the urge to laugh, and she turned away to hide her smile.
"You must love me, then!" he cried. "You did not rebuke me for calling you Kitty! Oh, my love! Kiss me!" He grabbed her shoulder and turned her around. Although he was four years her junior, he had a few inches over her. Before she knew it, his lips were pressed against hers most unpleasantly. She pushed him away.
"Mr. Huntington!" she exclaimed. "This is too much! I have only known you an hour!"
"But it seems like forever, does it not, my dear?" he murmured, pressing her into the wall. "Oh, kiss me again."
"I did not, and I will not! Get away from me, you puppy!"
"You are so sweet, so ladylike. The other women I've known never pushed me away."
"You are disgusting!"
"Indeed."
"Get off me, sir!"
"Young man," said a deep voice from behind them. "Step away from the lady." Casper did so and faced Trenton sheepishly.
"You've caught us, it seems," he said, taking Kitty's hand. She pulled away from him in disgust.
"I've caught you, yes. I'm sorry, Miss Bennet. I should not have left you alone... but where is Lady Huntington? She was here when I left... Well, anyway, I am sorry, Miss Bennet. I truly did not think he was capable of this. Casper, go find your mama. There's a good boy."
Casper left obediently, his tail between his legs.
"Thank you, my lord," said Kitty, wiping the hand Casper had pressed on the bedspread.
"You're welcome. And while I was away, I found the saber." He held it up in front of her eyes. She clapped her hands happily. "A word of advice, when dealing with men's unwanted advances, Miss Bennet. Bring your leg up firmly. He will regret it."
She blushed.
"Thank you, my lord."
"You will be all right, won't you? Would you like me to call Mrs. Bingley to take you home?"
"No, thank you. I'm fine." She shuddered. "Ugh! Why would anyone behave like that? He seemed so normal before you left the room."
Trenton shrugged.
"He is young. He is probably just discovering that there is more to a woman than, forgive me, her petticoats."
She cleared her throat. Trenton did not mean to embarrass her, but he did have a way of putting things bluntly.
"Yes, well, I will never speak to him again, that is for sure."
"Neither will I, I assure you. And look!" he pointed to a dark place in the room, "There is the sash!"
Part 20 Posted on Monday, 20 December 1999
While Kitty was having her adventure at Trenton, Darcy and Bingley were having quite a day. First, there had been the insane Lord Hastings. Now, as they sat again admiring the "peace and quiet," the butler came and announced a caller.
"At first, I thought it was a joke," he said. "But the man is insistent that he... Well, come and see for yourself, sir."
Darcy motioned for Bingley to follow him. When they arrived in the foyer, they saw an unwelcome sight. Jesse Matthews was standing just outside the door, turning his hat around in his hands, and somehow managing to look uncomfortable, smug and cocky at the same time.
"What are you doing here?" Darcy asked.
"Mr. Darcy," said Jesse, "It seems you and I have a lot in common."
"Is that a fact?"
Jesse nodded firmly, then cocked his head and began,
"When I first met you, I thought to myself, what a strange coincidence! I have the same face as a well-respected gentleman..."
"I've heard enough. I know what you're after, Matthews, and it won't work. If you're not off my property in five minutes..."
"Is this how you treat the brother you've never met?" Jesse demanded suddenly, and stepped into the house. His eye took in the room, as if evaluating its value. He nodded in approval.
"Brother?" said Darcy. Jesse turned and grinned at him.
"That's right, Fitz. And I can prove it, too."
"Really? How?"
"Three witnesses: Margaret Matthews, Dr. Bartholomew Jones, and Miss Mary Pierson. All three were at Pemberley the night of July 9, 1790. All three were present for the birth of George and Lady Anne Darcy's second son. And the stories these three people can tell..." He shook his head as if savoring a delicious snack. "I tell you, it quite delights me. It is so romantic, wouldn't you think? A child stolen from its true, very rich parents. Raised in obscurity by evil midwife. Meets sibling purely by accident. It sounds curiously like a novel, I admit, but..." He took some papers out of his jacket, waved them in the air a few times, and tossed them on the table, "we mustn't forget the witnesses."
"It isn't true," said Darcy. "All of my parents' children are either living, or buried in the family plot."
"Very true. Four are buried in the family plot..."
"Five."
"Sorry, Fitz. Four. Three are living. And the one who occupies little James Darcy's grave is actually Jesse Matthews. Do you see?" he said as if talking to a child. "Jesse is James, and James is Jesse." He laughed. "Wonderful, is it not, gentlemen?"
"Listen, Matthews," said Darcy, inches away from losing his temper.
"It's Darcy, Fitz," said Jesse calmly. "Either James or Jesse will do; I am not overly particular. However, James does sound infinitely better with Darcy. Try it. James Darcy. Jesse Darcy." He wrinkled his nose and shook his head.
"And of course this would be the perfect way for you to disappear from the police, would it not?"
"It does have certain advantages," Jesse conceded with a grin.
"I could denounce you right now, if I chose."
"You wouldn't do that, Fitz. You care too much about our family's name. If you had me arrested, my attorney - and I do have one - would certainly bring up the point of my confused childhood. Why soil the Darcy name now, when we have already come through all these centuries?"
"What would you know about family honour?" said Darcy contemptuously. Jesse waved him away.
"Perhaps I'll learn it; most likely I won't. It doesn't really matter. The point is, I am a Darcy, and as such, I am entitled to certain privileges."
"Privileges are not rights; they have to be earned."
"Just so. However, you know that if you do not do exactly as I say, I will take you to court, and your family's good name will be dragged through the mud. Imagine, a Darcy a common criminal! Do you want that to happen? Simply because one midwife saw fit to steal your baby brother? If that is what you want, I am prepared to give it to you. I would not mind the hubbub it would cause. Either way, I win."
"You have still not convinced me that you are my brother," said Darcy with a raised eyebrow. Jesse nodded at the justice of this statement, and took the papers up.
"A statement by Mrs. Matthews, the midwife who stole the child, which would be me," he added with a quirked eyebrow and pursed lips.
"By Mrs. Matthews, do you mean your mother?" asked Darcy.
"Lady Anne Darcy was my mother, Fitz," Jesse corrected. "Mrs. Matthews was the midwife who assisted Dr. Jones on July 9 of 1790."
"So, she raised you as her own child," said Darcy with a meaningful look at Bingley.
"Until she had her own children, realized her theft was unnecessary, and I was cast aside. I know you think I have bribed my mother into working with me, but I invite you to spend one hour with her, and you will see how real her dislike of me is. Her intention for telling me was to get me out of her house. She also planned on turning me over to the Runners. I don't think any mother would do that to her son, do you?"
When he knew they were satisfied with his explanation, he went on.
"A statement by Dr. Jones, which says it was the first birth he had charge of, and he did not know what he was doing. I hear you still employ the man, Fitz. If I were you, I would discharge him immediately. He admits to leaving Lady Anne, Mrs. Matthews, and the child alone in the room for a few minutes immediately following the birth.
"Lastly, a statement by Mary Pierson, a maid who once worked at Pemberley, and was excessively fond of Lady Anne. She says she saw Mrs. Matthews sneaking down the back passage with a basket, then sneaking back up a few minutes later with the same basket. When Miss Pierson went to look at the baby later, it was the same baby she had seen while visiting the Matthews' earlier that afternoon."
He looked at his audience. Darcy stared at the papers and swallowed. He sat down and held his head in his hands. How could he house a criminal? Bingley stared wide-eyed. He had not opened his mouth once, but he was entranced by the story, and almost did not realize that the person being blackmailed was his best friend. Darcy's mind raced. He could not come up with anything that would cause the villain to give up. Jesse watched him patiently, with his arms folded. Finally, Darcy sighed and looked up.
"What do you want?" he asked in a low voice. Jesse grinned, realizing his victory.
"I want free access to anything pertaining to this house and Pemberley. I want a yearly allowance sufficient for living as a gentleman, whatever you think our father might have left me in his will, had he known I existed. I have enough faith in your integrity to know that you will be fair. In short, I am a gentleman now, and I want to live as a gentleman."
"A gentleman is more than a purse-string, Matthews," said Darcy.
This statement made Jesse go tense. He remembered the so-called gentleman who had raped Mary. Well, he was dead now, he thought with relief. Mary would never have to bear hearing his name mentioned, or seeing him in passing on the street. He had seen to that personally.
"It's Darcy, Fitz. James Darcy, if you please. And I think a purse-string exactly describes a gentleman."
Part 21 Posted on Monday, 20 December 1999
Jesse was wandering around the house, trying to memorize the layout of at least one floor before dinner, when Kitty got home. She ran past him, shouting an excuse:
"Hello, Mr. Darcy! I'm sorry, I can't talk more at the moment; I must talk to Lizzy!"
...and flew up the stairs to Lizzy's room. He stared after her and a slight smile appeared on his lips. His stay here would be more fun than even he had imagined.
Elizabeth was incensed when she heard the story Kitty had told her, and immediately climbed out of bed to find her husband. She finally found him in the gallery. He was staring at a portrait of his mother.
"Will, dear, we have to talk," she said, and came to stand next to him. "It is about Kitty."
Jesse stared down at the pretty pregnant lady. She bore some resemblance to the girl he had seen earlier. Who could this woman be? It must be Fitz's wife, he told himself, and he smiled. This visit would be fun, indeed.
"What about Kitty?" he said. Kitty must be the girl's name. Sister to Mrs. Darcy, perhaps? Certainly not a daughter or a niece; a niece would not call her uncle "Mr. Darcy." No, she must be Mrs. Darcy's sister.
"Well, you know that rout she attended today."
Jesse nodded hesitantly.
"There was a young man there. Casper Huntington."
"I don't know him," he replied. She elbowed him.
"Don't interrupt me."
"Excuse me, darling," he interrupted again, and took her by one elbow. He pointed to Lady Anne's portrait. "See that?" she nodded. "What do you see?"
"I see a beautiful lady who managed to raise a wonderful son," she said. "She was beautiful, was she not?"
He nodded and murmured an affirmative.
"What is the matter?" she asked, and looked up at his face. Her eyes widened in shock. "You are not my husband!"
He grinned wickedly.
"No, ma'am. But if you do not mind, I do not mind."
She slapped him hard, spun around on her toes, and walked straight into her husband's arms.
"Fitzwilliam!" she said, and buried her blushing face in his coat.
"What is the matter?" he asked.
"I thought I saw you in the gallery, but when I looked closer, it was not you!"
Darcy became angry.
"Did he hurt you?" he demanded, shaking her slightly.
"N-no, but ... oh, it is so embarrassing! Who is he?"
"I don't know." He held up a letter. "I am sending for Blakeney immediately."
"What do you want with Christopher's father?"
"Not his father, the man himself."
"Why? You are not exactly fond of Mr. Blakeney."
"Two reasons: first, I need a detective, and it seems best to keep this business in the family. Second: he knows Jesse Matthews; I am positive of it."
"You are? How?"
"When we were questioning him, he and the villain were talking together in quite familiar terms. And Matthews called him Morgan."
"Strange. So, they are friends?"
"I wouldn't say that. It seemed as though they have a grudging respect between them."
"Why did he come back?"
"Who?"
"The bandit!" Elizabeth could not bring herself to call him by name.
"He claims he is my brother."
Elizabeth's eyes widened.
"A by-blow of your father's?"
"Elizabeth!"
"I'm sorry, but..."
"No, my father was completely faithful to my mother, even after she died, I'm sure of it. And in any case, that would not make sense, because Georgiana and I take after my mother's family. He claims he was stolen by the midwife."
"That is far-fetched."
"Yes, it is, which is why I need someone to look into it for me."
"I'm sure my Uncle Gardiner would be capable and willing to help us, if you do not wish to use Mr. Blakeney's services."
"No, he has already helped us once. And Blakeney is more likely to succeed, as he would undoubtedly know where to begin immediately."
"I cannot believe that Mr. Blakeney would be consorting with criminals," said Elizabeth, shaking her head.
"I can," said Darcy bluntly. "He's always seemed a bit shady to me."
"Only because you were prejudiced to think ill of anyone who came asking for Georgiana's hand. I always thought, and still do think, that he is a very charming young man."
"But you must admit that we know very little about him."
"Don't tell me," said Elizabeth hotly. "You are the one who wants to hire him. But I do not have to know his entire history to trust him. So he lived for a few years out of the gossip columns. That does not make him a criminal."
"I never said he was a criminal. But he never speaks of his past, you know."
"Neither do you."
"Yes, I do. I've told you plenty of stories of my childhood."
"Yes, but not in public. I'm sure Mr. Blakeney talks to Georgiana, too, when they are alone. Would you talk to him about your past?"
"It is none of his business what I ate for lunch when I was twelve!"
"And it is none of your business what he thought he was doing when he was seventeen."
"I don't even know if he simply left home, or if he was thrown out."
"Mr. Darcy, I thought he made it quite clear that he left of his own accord."
"Don't be angry with me, Elizabeth. I merely stated that I am not sure Blakeney and Matthews have only a slight acquaintance."
"You implied that Mr. Blakeney joined ... him ... in his criminal activities!" She put her hands on her hips, and would have tapped her foot had it not been for the fact that she might have tipped over on her face from the disbalance.
"Enough!" said Darcy. "I am tired of arguing with you." He kissed her forehead and went to find a footman to deliver his letter. Elizabeth stomped back up to her room. She had entirely forgotten to tell him about Kitty.
Part 22 Jesse had walked away from the gallery, rubbing his smarting face ruefully. The next room he entered was the library. Here, he found a girl climbing the shelves. He cleared his throat obnoxiously, and she came crashing to the floor, bringing an entire shelf of books with her. She looked up at him in horror as he helped her to her feet.
"M-Mr. Darcy!" she stammered. "I am so sorry! I knew I oughtn't be climbing the shelves, but I have been looking for that particular book for ages, and now I find you have had it here all along... I couldn't help myself."
"Perfectly all right, Miss..." said Jesse searchingly.
"Bennet," she prompted with a teasing smile. "Have you forgotten your own sister-in-law's name?"
"Of course not. Which book were you wanting?" She was prettier than he remembered. Of course, at the time she had been frightened to death. Now, watching her glance in perturbation at the book of her desire, he wondered if she would protest if he kissed her.
"That one," she said, pointing. "Would you be so kind as to retrieve it for me?"
"Certainly," he said, grinning and bowing. He scurried up the shelves himself, and brought it down for her. She was quite surprised, and stared at him.
"Mr. Darcy?" she said. "Are you feeling quite the thing?"
"I am perfectly fine, Miss Bennet. And yourself?"
"Well, I am a little sore, from falling... Oh, dear," she said nervously. She did not know how to react to his strange behavior, so she began picking up some of the books that had fallen with her. "Look at the mess I have made."
"I've seen worse." She looked at him strangely. He raised an eyebrow and repeated his words from the night of the ball. "Does my appearance offend you?" She blinked at him, stunned. He approached slowly, and took the books from her arms. "Did you know, Miss Bennet, that when I first met you, I had no intention of ... furthering our acquaintance? But now, it seems as though I should get to know you better."
"Indeed," she stammered. "It would make sense to be on intimate terms with your wife's family. Where is your wife, Mr. Darcy?" She hoped he would remember he was married. She did not want to be assaulted twice in one day, and she did not trust the gleam in his eyes.
"My wife?" he asked, cocking his head. He did not step back, so she did. "I am not married, Miss Bennet." He stepped forward, and she stepped back again. They repeated this process until he had her backed into a wall. "It is strange, is it not, dancing without touching your partner," said Jesse.
"D-dancing?"
"Indeed. We have danced straight into a wall, it would seem. I enjoyed my dance with you at the ball, Miss Bennet. Would you believe me if I said I never had a lesson in my life?"
He put one hand on the wall behind her, and leaned forward most suggestively. She licked her lips nervously. What would Elizabeth say?
"Mr. Darcy, I think you should remember, you are married to my sister. Remember Lizzy? What would she say?"
"Who is Elizabeth? Is she the pregnant lady?"
"Yes, that is my sister. You are married to her. Aren't you?" Suddenly, realization hit her. Of course! Why had she not thought of it before? He saw her eyes light up with recognition, and he grinned.
"Do you have any objections now?" he asked.
"Jesse Matthews?" she asked. He nodded closer, and leaned closer. She panicked, and ducked out of the way.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded.
"I live here," he said, turning around to face her. She felt safer, now that she was in the middle of the room, next to any number of items that could be hurtled in his direction, should he come any closer.
"No, you do not!"
"Yes, I do."
She would not keep up a childish game of "do not, do too." She was entirely too mature for such things.
"I-I think I heard the dinner bell," was all she said before fleeing his presence.
Jesse watched her run out of the room. He shook his head, smiling to himself, and followed at a leisurely pace.
Part 23 Posted on Tuesday, 21 December 1999
Kitty came to a skidding halt in the dining room a few minutes later. It was a long way from the library to the dining room, so she was quite out of breath. She grabbed a glass of water, and gulped it down. Elizabeth and Darcy, the Bingleys, and Mrs. Shaw stared at her.
"Kitty," said Elizabeth. "Are you quite all right?"
"Jesse Matthews," she gasped. "In the library. Must get a constable." She collapsed into a chair.
"Well," said Elizabeth, exchanging a glance with Darcy. "Um, Kitty, Will and I have a lot to talk to you about. Meanwhile, sit down and eat your dinner."
"But," Kitty protested, "Are you not planning to do anything?"
Bingley shifted awkwardly in his seat. Jane looked perplexed. As they all sat staring at each other, Jesse wandered into the room quite nonchalantly.
"Ah, here is the dining room. You neglected the tour, Fitz." The only seat available was next to Kitty, and he took it gladly. "How do you do, Miss Bennet?" he said cheerfully. She scowled and looked at her plate. Darcy sighed.
"Mrs. Bingley, Mrs. Shaw, this is my ... brother, James," he said grudgingly.
Jesse waved.
"I did not know you had a brother, Mr. Darcy," said Jane with a serene smile. Her husband leaned over and whispered in her ear a few moments. When he sat back, she looked wide-eyed at Jesse and blushed. He grinned, and she dropped her eyes.
"I just found out myself," Darcy grumbled.
"You will be astounded, ladies," Jesse addressed himself to Kitty and Mrs. Shaw, "to hear that I just found out yesterday that I was actually James Darcy, and not somebody entirely different."
"And to think you waited an entire day to force yourself on us," Kitty muttered.
"I did consider it a matter of utmost importance. Would not you?"
"Where were you living, originally, Mr. James?" asked Isabel. "What was your name before?"
"Oh, I think I have lived everywhere in England at one time or another."
"Why does that not surprise me?" said Kitty. "In your chosen profession, it must be dangerous to stay in one place for too long."
"Immensely."
"What profession would that be?" asked Isabel. Elizabeth changed the subject deftly.
"Speaking of people forcing themselves on others today, Kitty told me an ... interesting story when she arrived home from Trenton."
"From where?" asked Jesse.
"Yes," said Kitty with another look at Jesse. "It seems people have been forcing themselves on me quite a bit today."
"I'm sure I would not have gone that far," said Jesse.
"Really? So you limit your wickedness to..."
"Kitty, please," said Elizabeth. "Anyway, I think you should tell Will what happened." She went on. "While at the treasure hunt, a maid called Lord Trenton away for a few minutes, and during his absence, a certain Mr. Huntington tried to pay his ... addresses to Kitty."
"Lord Trenton?" asked Jesse, going pale. "I thought he was dead."
"Have you met him, Jes-James?" asked Darcy. "Why should he be dead?"
"Because guns have that effect on people, Fitz," said Jesse sarcastically. Darcy blinked.
"Guns?" said Kitty.
"You must be referring to the late Lord Trenton, the present earl's brother," said Darcy. "He was killed last year. Tell me, James, did you know him?"
"Vaguely. I did not relish the acquaintance."
"Why not?" asked Kitty. "Did he know about your ... line of business?"
"What business?" asked Isabel.
"Whether he did or not makes no difference," said Jesse testily. "He is dead now, and I will not regret him."
"Well, Lord Trenton came back in the room just in time, and made Mr. Huntington go away." She blushed when she thought of the advice he had given her as to dealing with the likes of Mr. Huntington. Jesse interpreted it as love, however, and left the table with very sour feelings toward all Trentons.
Part 24 That night, Kitty locked her bedroom door, and went straight to sleep. Perhaps it was a coincidence, but that night all the bedroom doors, particularly the ones connected with women and children, were locked.
A few hours later, Kitty heard a scratching on her window and woke instantly. She clutched her blanket to her chin, thinking Jesse would inevitably try to get into her room. When nothing happened for a few minutes, she climbed out of bed and went to see what was making that noise. It was the tree outside her window scratching against the glass. She sighed when she realized it was raining. It would probably last all night and the next day. She went back to bed, and was almost asleep when something occurred to her: if it rained all day, there would be no escaping the house. All day inside with Jesse Matthews! Well, she could not sleep now. Not to say she did not try; she laid awake for nearly an hour before she decided to go downstairs and get a glass of warm milk.
However, when she opened her bedroom door, she was astonished to see Jesse rifling idly through some drawers. The doors in the house were well-oiled, and the carpets thick, so he did not hear either the door open or Kitty's feet behind him. Therefore, he was startled nearly out of his socks when he heard her demand,
"What on earth do you think you're doing?"
He jumped, hit his head on an open drawer, then turned languidly to look at her. Rather than look ashamed, though, he cocked an eyebrow and looked her up and down.
"Miss Kitty. You are looking quite fetching tonight."
"You may not call me Kitty."
"Is that not your name?"
"My name is Catherine, but you will call me Miss Bennet or nothing at all."
He barely suppressed a laugh, but merely raised the other eyebrow, as well.
"Nothing at all? Is that a name you prefer?"
"Miss Bennet will do. What is in that drawer?"
"Nothing," he said disgustedly.
"But if there had been, you would have taken it?"
"Why not? It is mine."
"No, it is not. It is Mr. Darcy's."
"I think you've forgotten something, Miss Kitty," he said, standing up so he could look down on her. "I am a Darcy, so anything in this house belongs to me, as well as Fitz."
"How can you call him Fitz?"
"It is his name, is it not?" He smiled cheekily, and she giggled.
"No, it is Fitzwilliam."
"Fitzwilliam," he emphasized. "Why is that his name?"
"It was his mother's maiden name?"
"Do I have any cousins?"
"A few," she dimpled. "Lord Cavendar, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lady Preston, and a few on the Darcy side whom I have not yet met."
"I suddenly find myself in quite a prestigious family. Do you know," he interrupted himself, "there is something between you and me that is not quite finished." He grinned suggestively. She looked up at him, caught his meaning, paled, and stepped back. The same thing that transpired earlier in the library was about to happen again. He took the same position with one hand pressed against the wall. She felt the same shortness of breath. The only difference is that this time there was no guilt, as she no longer thought she was being seduced by her sister's husband.
"Of course," he said lowly, "I could not very well take advantage of a woman who loves another man, could I?"
"T-take advantage of me?" she asked.
"Do you always stutter when you are excited?"
"I did not stutter!"
"Yes, you did. But we will not get into that, will we, Miss Kitty? I don't care if you stutter. But I'd rather think you're excited than afraid of me. I'm not as wicked as you think."
"How wicked do I think you are?" she challenged.
"You think I want to take your virtue, and you think I would force you to give it to me." He reached out a hand to play with a curl that was sliding out of her nightcap.
"No, I don't. I think you are going to kiss me, and I think you don't care whether I want you to or not."
"Would you mind so very much?"
"I don't know. I do not let just anyone kiss me."
He smiled crookedly.
"So you let some men kiss you? I am shocked, Miss Kitty."
"You are making yourself a hypocrite. It is not for a thief to be shocked by anything."
"Does Lord Trenton kiss you?"
"It would not be any business of yours if he did."
He brushed a finger lightly down her cheek, then under her chin.
"Do you mind this?" he asked. She shook her head. He traced her jaw, then cradled her face in one hand. "This?" she shook her head again. Very slowly, he lowered his face to hers. "What about this?" he asked just before their lips met.
Kitty felt herself sway, and grabbed hold of the door post to keep herself steady. Lord Trenton's advice popped into her head momentarily, but she dismissed it. That was purely for unwanted advances. Jesse had meant to keep it short, as he had no intention of upsetting her. But then she kissed him back, and he completely forgot to spare her feelings. He finally pulled away, and breathing heavily, asked,
"Does your Lord Trenton kiss you like that?"
She put a hand to her lips in shock, and stared at him wide-eyed. The answer was quite apparent, and he smiled, satisfied with himself. He was still standing over her, propping himself up with the wall.
"Aren't you going to slap me?" he asked. "It would be the ladylike thing to do, you know."
"I th-think I should go to b-bed now," she stammered, unmoving. He nodded solemnly. She stood up straighter. "Do you know, Mr. Matthews, nobody ever kissed me that way before."
"That is too bad. You seemed to enjoy it." A slight pause. "Now I know you are shameless. Any other lady would have definitely slapped me after that comment."
"May I say, you enjoyed it just as much as I did. And I'm sure you have had much more practice than I, as well."
"You would probably be correct in that," he laughed. "You have not moved, Miss Bennet. I thought you said you were going to bed."
"And I thought you were going to make some crass comment about joining me in a few minutes."
He bowed mockingly.
"You see? Perhaps I am not as wicked as you would like to think."
"Perhaps I am the wicked one. Is that what you were implying?"
"Oh, I do not deny that I am wicked. I merely do not wish you to think me so wicked. For instance, you would probably enjoy it if I kissed you again."
"I know I oughtn't, but perhaps I would. I have not always been the exemplary daughter in my family."
"I did not think so. You look as though you know how to enjoy yourself."
"What are you saying?" she asked suspiciously.
"Kiss me again." He tipped her chin up, and kissed her again. Neither of them heard footsteps coming down the hall.
Part 25 Posted on Wednesday, 22 December 1999
"What is going on here?" Darcy demanded when he saw his newly-acquired brother with his sister-in-law. Didn't they know that a servant could pass by at any time? They could both be ruined.
Kitty peeked over Jesse's shoulder and gave a slight squeak when she saw Darcy. Jesse laughed at her, then looked at Darcy. He hid his embarrassment admirably. With one hand on his hip and another on Kitty's shoulder, he said,
"A little privacy, Brother?" Kitty was offended by his lack of delicacy. Could he not be more considerate about her reputation? Lord Trenton's advice came back to her mind, and this time she used it. She had no idea it would hurt him so much, however, and as he collapsed to the floor with a groan, she looked at Darcy with frightened eyes. He smiled reassuringly at her, and still panicked, she ran off to bed.
Darcy leaned casually against the wall next to Jesse.
"Need help, Jesse?" he asked. Jesse shook his head vigorously and waved him away.
"I'll be fine," he said on a gasp, and sat up. "Why did she have to go and do that?"
"I'm glad she did. You need a lesson in manners, if you are to be a gentleman, Jesse."
"Who said I was a gentleman?"
"You did."
"Oh. Right." He shook his head again. "I expected her to slap me. I suppose I underestimated her."
"I suppose you did." Darcy knelt down so he could be at eye level with Jesse. "I think it would be prudent if you stayed away from Miss Bennet."
"I've never been especially known for prudence," Jesse remarked.
"I mean it, Matthews. She does not need to be ruined by you."
"She can do it herself?"
"Let me explain something to you. I have been married to Elizabeth, whom I love, for three years. She invited her sister here for the Season, out of a wish to do a favour for her. She does not wish for her sister to be exposed to someone such as yourself. I have known you for a week. You say you are my brother. I am still not convinced."
"But the witnesses..." said Jesse.
"I have not talked to them. It is all hearsay until I speak to them myself, or hear it from somebody I trust."
"I see. So, go talk to them. What are you waiting for?"
"I'm not finished with you yet. You have to stay away from Miss Bennet. A young lady cannot afford any spots on her reputation."
"I suppose I would make a fairly large spot."
"Immense."
Jesse nodded, and stood up.
"I understand what you're saying."
"So you will be more careful?" Jesse shrugged. Darcy was becoming angry. "If you do anything to her, I shall have to either turn you in, or call you out," he warned. Jesse laughed bitterly.
"Dueling is illegal, Fitz. But then, perhaps it is not so out of character for a Darcy to behave badly. And even if you did call me out, as you put it, do you think I would play by the rules?"
"All I am asking is that you show Miss Bennet some respect. She is not a trollop from the east end of London. She is a gentle-bred lady, and my wife's sister, and I will not tolerate someone tampering with her affections in my house. Do you understand me?"
"Oh, yes. You made yourself quite clear."
"Good. I'm glad we have come to an understanding.
"Oh, Fitz," Jesse called. Darcy turned around and raised an eyebrow at him. "This is the understanding I have. You are a gentleman in every sense of the word. Proper, rich, decent. You are more than a purse string."
"Thank you," said Darcy, surprised. Jesse continued.
"As for me, well, what can I say? I am what I am. I make no excuses. I like myself the way I am, and nobody, least of all a self-righteous prig in a starched black suit, is going to tell me what to do. If I decide I like Miss Bennet, I will pursue her. If I do not, well, her loss. I don't care what people think. I am not decent, and I have no wish to be decent. Do I make myself I clear?"
"Perfectly," said Darcy with barely-restrained anger.
"Good," said Jesse. "Good-night, Fitz." And he disappeared into his room before Darcy could come up with a retort.
Part 26 Kitty avoided Jesse for most of the next day. However, this was not possible for long, as Elizabeth remembered very suddenly that today was the day Lady Cavendar was coming to help with the rest of Lizzy's pregnancy. The house was then thrown into a bustle of activity, preparing for the guests. Julia would surely bring the twins, and although the Bingleys and Mrs. Shaw had taken their leave that morning, there would still be three children under the age of three in the house. There was not much for either Jesse or Kitty to do in preparation, except stand around and watch. Their rooms happened to be right across from each other, and every so often they would open their doors at precisely the same moment. Whenever this happened, Kitty would immediately close hers again.
Finally, Julia arrived, and as expected, she brought the twins. The first signal of her arrival was the sound of her laughter in the hallway.
"All this fuss for me? I am honored. Jason, don't touch the vase. Really, Mr. Darcy, there was no need. I am here to do my best to help your wife. Jocelyn, stay in the hall. Thank you, Mrs. Bell. I think they are both ready for naps. Good-night, Princess Jocelyn. Good-night, Sir Jamie of the Black Forest."
"I want my mama!" the children cried as the housekeeper took them upstairs.
"Now, now," said the little old lady, taking them each by the hand. "It won't be so bad. Alex is up there, you know. You will have a grand time playing, and you won't even know you're sleepy until you wake up."
"Sir Damie not seepy!" Jason proclaimed. "Sir Damie p'otect P'incess Dossy from Bodkins!"
"From who?" said the nurse as they left the room. Julia turned to Darcy and smiled.
"It is a game I play with them," she explained. "Jocelyn is the princess, and Jason is the knight who must save her. I am the Princess of Dewdrops who gives Sir Jamie the potions to slay the Bodkins who live at the bottom of the garden. They love it."
"It sounds like fun," said Darcy, smiling. "Just like a fairy tale."
"Yes, exactly. David does not always approve, but I want my children to stay children as long as possible. Speaking of David, he may be coming in a few days. I hope you do not mind."
"Of course not. I cannot imagine seeing you without David. In fact, he might be especially helpful to me. Ah, here we are." He saw Jesse leaning on a door post, watching them amusedly. "Lady Cavendar, this is my brother, James Darcy."
"Oh!" said Julia with a surprised look at Darcy. "I did not know you had a brother. I mean, I have been a part of the family for over three years, and this is the first I have heard of it."
"It is new to us, too," said Jesse with a smile. "A pleasure, Lady Cavendar."
"Of course, Master James. Well, I think I am missing somebody. Of course! I came here specifically for Mrs. Darcy's comfort, did I not? Will you take me to her, Mr. Darcy?"
"Certainly." He gave her his arm and led her to Elizabeth's room.
Kitty was in the library. She had carefully hidden herself in a deep armchair, so nobody who was simply peeking in the door would see her. She had found the latest novel by Miss Austen in Mr. Darcy's library, and was just now finishing it. When she was done, she closed the book, hugged it to her chest, and smiled at the ceiling. Suddenly, Jesse's face appeared above hers. She shrieked and righted herself immediately.
"You frightened me!" she said. He managed to look guilty for all of two seconds.
"We have guests," he said.
"Lizzy and Darcy have guests," she corrected.
"What will this do to your Season?"
"After the baby is born, Lady Cavendar plans to take me to the balls. Why do you ask?"
"I was hoping you'd be forced to stay home, actually."
"Why is that?"
"I don't know." He grinned. "What did you want me to say?"
"I didn't want you to say anything. It seemed like a strange thing to hope for, considering my actions last night."
He winced.
"Yes, well, as to that, if I were the sort of person who apologizes when he realizes he was wrong, I would. But you see, I am not, so you will have to go without your apology."
Kitty smirked, realizing his roundabout way of apologizing, and mimicked it.
"Well, in that case, I will not hazard an apology, either. Excuse me. I would like to see Lady Cavendar."
She rose, and left him in the library.