CHAPTER 13
DARCY DRAPED A LAP RUG over Elizabeth’s shoulders. She’d curled up in a tight ball on the opposing bench. They’d stopped at a small inn north of Rotherham for their midafternoon meal. They’d made better time than Darcy had expected. The eastern counties had obviously been spared the worst of the storm. Water dripped from the branches that canopied the road, but the passage remained relatively smooth—a fact for which Darcy was thankful, especially as he watched the gentle sway of his wife’s body as it rocked in deep sleep.
Their earlier conversation remained fresh in his mind. He knew of Elizabeth’s grief, but her self-inculpation had taken him by surprise. She blamed herself for their losses. “My sweet Elizabeth,” he mouthed as he traced her countenance’s pure loveliness. How could she consider such accusations? How could Elizabeth think herself unworthy? It was always he who wasn’t worthy of her love.
Elizabeth had often expressed her gratitude for his saving her from a lifetime of tediousness, but it was she who’d saved him. Early on in their relationship, they had talked at each other—challenging and misconstruing, but never truly communicating. Now, they spoke with acceptance. When she first refused him, Darcy had momentarily rued the day he had ever laid eyes upon her. He’d practiced hatred for less than half the time it had taken him to return to Rosings. Then his disdain had turned inward, and he’d sought a means to turn Elizabeth’s opinions of him. He’d written her that first letter—the one in which he’d explained his involvement in separating Bingley from Jane, and in which he’d taken her into his confidence regarding Georgiana’s near ruin. When he’d reflected upon it later, Darcy had wondered about his sanity in sharing such intimate details with a woman who’d vehemently stated, “You could not have made the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it.”
But that letter had been their relationship’s turning point, and although they’d spoken of it only once since that fateful day, he was happy he’d told her the awful truth. It had freed him from the crippling guilt of inaction, and it had laid the basis for his renewed hopes.
The thought of never seeing Elizabeth again had nearly driven him to distraction. He’d destroyed any connection he might’ve had to Hertfordshire when he shared in Caroline Bingley’s scheme to end her brother’s affection for Jane Bennet. He’d wondered over those spring and summer months about Elizabeth. Did she ever think of him? Had she met someone new? Would Elizabeth marry another? Would her children possess her fine eyes? The possibility of her loving another created such havoc.
There had been moments when he’d considered riding at breakneck speed to Longbourn and prostrating himself before her, but then Fate had arrived in the form of Elizabeth’s Aunt and Uncle Gardiner’s visit to his estate. With Elizabeth in tow, they, literally, had arrived on his doorstep, and life had changed for the better.
From the haze of his thoughts, hazel eyes met his in some amusement. A sleepy droop of the lid said Elizabeth had rested well despite the cramped quarters. Unfolding, she struggled to a seated position. Stretching her arm to the side and rotating her neck to loosen the muscles, she said, “Did I sleep long?”
Darcy placed the idea of her self-chastisement away for now. He would observe his wife’s actions and words more carefully. Somehow, he thought her parents’ visit would resolve some of Elizabeth’s anguish. That is, if he and she ever arrived at Pemberley. “Long enough to restore a bit of color to your cheeks.”
Elizabeth nodded in satisfaction. “I admit to feeling the exhaustion you described earlier.” She glanced out the coach’s window. “Where are we exactly?”
“Mr. Simpson has made exceptional progress. He’s well versed in the local roads and has taken two shorter routes; we’re a bit north of Matlock. I thought we might stay the night at my uncle’s. A decent bed would do you well.”
“We’re that close to Pemberley?” she asked in anticipation.
Darcy cautioned, “Still too far to reach its doors at a reasonable hour. We’ve traveled eight hours already today, and we’ve another hour to Matlock.”
Elizabeth sighed deeply. “If you insist, Fitzwilliam.”
“I insist.”
Elizabeth teasingly tossed him an air kiss. “Only because you are the most handsome man I know do I allow you to exercise your will over mine,” she taunted.
Darcy barked a laugh. “You lust after your husband, Mrs. Darcy?”
Elizabeth’s chin rose in a challenge. “Lust, Mr. Darcy? What an unladylike quality you attribute to me.”
Darcy’s voice became breathier. “Actually, I find the concept quite enticing. Stimulating, even.”
“Stimulating indeed,” she quipped. “In that case, I hope that the Earl shan’t expect us to entertain him all evening.”
“We’ll claim the need of an early departure on the morrow,” he reasoned. “A full night’s sleep is well overdue.”
“Yes,” Elizabeth rasped. “A full night.”
“Thank you for joining me, Miss De Bourgh,” Roman said as he braced her balance with his arm.
Anne laughed nervously as she watched her footing. “You may be sorry, Lieutenant. I haven’t skated since I was a child. I may take you with me when I fall.”
He leaned a bit closer and tightened his hold. “I could never be sorry for your company, Miss De Bourgh, and you’ll not fall. I refuse to consider the possibility.”
Anne smiled in surprise. “You’re a most unusual gentleman, Lieutenant. I fear I don’t know what to expect with you.”They slid to a wobbly stop near one of the small benches encircling the icy surface. “May we sit for a moment while I adjust my skating blade?”
Roman smiled agreeably. “As long as you agree to return to the ice with me.”
Anne allowed him to assist her. “These metal blades are so much faster than I remember my old skates being.”
He seated himself beside her and turned where he might watch the other skaters. It would not do to see the lady’s ankles. “Has it truly been so long since you’ve partaken of the sport?”
“As you well know, Kent’s climate is warmer. Chances to skate are less frequent there, and even when in London, Her Ladyship would never condone my joining those skating on the Thames or on smaller ponds. The last skates I owned were wooden ones with thick iron runners.”
“Were they not terrible?” he said with a laugh.
Anne said quietly, “For me, they were freedom. They were happy times with my father.”
“You miss Sir Lewis very much.”
“I do—sometimes more than I can express. Life was easier when Papa was with us. Her Ladyship had someone upon whom to depend. My mother did all she does now, but Papa was there, and she didn’t have to be so visible. People considered my father the consummate landowner.”
Roman nodded his understanding. “I see such situations often among the officers’ wives. It sounds as if Sir Lewis found a woman who humored, or softened, or concealed his failings, and who promoted his real respectability. One cannot fault a man who recognizes his own shortcomings and finds a partner who complements his life with her strengths.”
“If Papa hadn’t died so soon, things might’ve been different,” she said wistfully. After a pause, she added, “Let’s rejoin the others, Lieutenant. If I’m to make a fool of myself, I’d like to do so early on in hopes that someone else shall create a larger scandal.”
Roman stood and extended his hand. “I suppose that I should take advantage of this surface. After all, I spent enough time creating it yesterday.”
“We’re all in your debt, Sir.” Anne edged closer to the concrete border.
Roman stiffened his stance and braced her first step. “I need no one’s gratitude, Miss De Bourgh.”
“Then what do you require, Lieutenant?” Anne asked boldly as she placed her feet shoulder-width apart and let him pull her along beside him.
Roman paused and switched to her other side. “Today, I simply need the pleasure of your company.”
“And beyond today?” Anne frowned.
“A chance. An opportunity to be more than I am.”
Manneville guided her around the struggling Anne De Bourgh. “Would you care to confide in me your other manipulations to order your world?” he said with a smirk.
Caroline bristled. “I do not know of what you speak, Sir.”
The man laughed easily. “I do not criticize, Miss Bingley. In fact, I find the concept quite alluring.”
Caroline’s mouth line tightened. “You’re very impertinent, Sir.”
Manneville skated closer. “Others will gladly share the gossip, Miss Bingley.Would you not wish me to know the truth as you see it?”
“I would not,” she declared just as her brother joined them.
Bingley smiled widely at them. “May I steal my sister away for a time, Mr. Manneville? Mrs. Bingley fears falling.”
Caroline fought the urge to roll her eyes, but to do so would prove what Manneville had asserted. “I’m certain it was your idea for Mrs. Bingley to sit out the exercise, Charles.”
“I must claim purchase,” he said jovially. He caught Caroline’s hand. “Come. It has been too many years since I pulled you across an icy pond.”
Manneville watched the brother and sister move away before turning to take in the rest of the scene. Miss Bennet and Mr. Grange crawled around the pond’s edge. Southland still catered to Miss De Bourgh, and the colonel courted his cousin. Then he spotted Kitty Bennet sitting alone on a nearby bench. “Well, well,” he said as he headed her way. Coming to a halt before her, Manneville extended his hand. “Would you skate with me, Miss Catherine?”
The girl bit her bottom lip in indecision. “I suppose a few times about the ice might be acceptable.” She placed her hand in his.
Together, they slid into a side-by-side turn about the pond. “I was sorry to have you take your leave last evening, Miss Catherine. The company felt your absence.”
Kitty rested her hand on his arm, but she propelled her own progress on the ice. “I’m certain that no one found the entertainment lacking.”
Manneville noted how she kept Winkler in sight. “Do you favor the clergyman, Miss Catherine?”
Kitty blushed before saying, “I hold Mr. Winkler in the highest regard.”
“Is that why you chased him from the room last evening?” Manneville steered them away from the others.
Kitty’s brows lowered in a scowl. “I don’t believe my feelings for Mr. Winkler are your concern, Mr. Manneville.”
“Ah, but they are, Miss Catherine. I’m looking for a wife, and I find you very enticing. Could you not see yourself as the mistress of a fine house? I would drape you in silks and diamonds and little else.”
Thorne had dutifully asked Mrs. Bennet to take a turn on the ice with him. He preferred her daughter’s company, but he was determined to win over the mother.
“You are very kind, Mr. Winkler, to indulge an old woman, but I’m content to chaperone my daughters.”
She clung tightly to his arm—so tightly that he thought she’d cut off the circulation. “I’m honored by your company, Mrs. Bennet. Mrs. Darcy has been most kind to me over the past two years. Without your daughter’s benevolence, many in the neighborhood would suffer.”
He waited for her response, but instead a gasp of surprise brought him to a halt. Thorne turned his head to see Kitty accept Manneville’s hand, and he couldn’t help but stiffen. “Would you mind…?” he began, but before he could say more, Mr. Bennet appeared by his wife’s side.
“There you are, my dear.” Mr. Bennet said as he approached. “I thought we might return to the house for some hot tea.”
Mrs. Bennet’s eyes remained on Kitty, but she said,“That sounds pleasant, Mr. Bennet.” She laid her hand on her husband’s arm.
“Let’s find a safe place to remove these skates.” Mr. Bennet caught her elbow. “Mr. Winkler, why do you not reclaim Kitty’s hand?”
Thorne nodded his agreement. “Thank you, Mr. Bennet. I believe I’ll do just that.”
“Could you not see yourself as the mistress of a fine house? I would drape you in silks and diamonds and little else.” Thorne had heard the end of Manneville’s conversation, and rage raced through him. “Yours isn’t an appropriate conversation,” he hissed from behind Manneville.
The American turned slowly toward him. “With whom should I speak?” Manneville moved closer.
Sliding forward to meet the man’s challenge, Thorne said, “A gentleman would first speak to the lady’s father.” He’d always abhorred violence, but at the moment, he wanted to separate Manneville’s head from the man’s shoulders.
“Did you first speak to Mr. Bennet, Winkler?” Manneville dared.
Thorne’s hands fisted at his side. “To whom I’ve stated my addresses is none of your affair, Sir.” He shouldered his way past the American. “Your father asked that I reclaim your hand, Miss Catherine.” He offered Kitty his arm. When she slid her hand into the crook of it, Thorne breathed easier.
“So, this is how it’s to be, Winkler? Do you believe your little vicarage and bestowal can compete with my wealth?” Manneville dared.
“Miss Catherine knows what I offer that you do not—what you can never give her.”
“Edward,” Georgiana’s voice grew strained as she turned toward her friend. “Something’s not right with Kitty.”
The colonel’s gaze followed hers. “Bloody hell,” he growled. “What’s Manneville up to now? Stay here, Sweetling?” Edward moved away toward the posturing duo.
Georgiana followed at a distance, needing to protect both him and Kitty. “Be careful,” she warned.
Gliding to a stop beside Manneville, Edward eyed the possessive stance Winkler had taken with Mrs. Darcy’s sister. “I say, Miss Catherine,” he said as if he didn’t understand the situation’s dynamics. “Miss Darcy and I were wondering if you might see to refreshments for everyone. If you and Mr. Winkler would lead the way to the main drawing room, we’ll send the others to follow.”
“We’d be proud to be of service, Colonel.” Kitty followed Winkler to a nearby bench.
Edward slid closer to the American. “What the hell are you doing?” he challenged.
“Just skating with a beautiful woman.” Manneville nonchalantly shrugged.
Edward edged closer. “Please remember, Manneville, that our English women are far more innocent than anyone to whom you’ve been exposed previously, and even a man of God must protect them.”
Manneville snarled, “You act as if I had debauched the lady, Colonel.”
“If you’d touched her, it wouldn’t be Winkler with whom you would deal, Manneville,” Edward threatened. “I suggest that you wait until we arrive in London to pursue your marital aspirations.” He used his position to tower over the man. “Have I made myself clear?”
“Perfectly,” the American said sullenly.
Edward turned to those gathering around and purposely placed a smile on his face. “Miss Darcy and I have asked Miss Catherine and Mr.Winkler to precede us to the main house. They will arrange for hot tea and refreshments in the main drawing room for those who wish to follow. Of course, you may remain and enjoy the ice pond if you please. My cousin and I will take a few more spins around the birdbath before we return.” He extended his hand to Georgiana, and she slid into the comfort of his arm.
Edward and Georgiana completed their second loop around the concrete pond. They’d said nothing to each other, but Georgiana was well aware of the anger coursing through her cousin. “Would you care to confide in someone?” she asked softly as they slowed for the rougher curve.
Edward’s head turned sharply toward her. “What makes you believe something is amiss?” he asked with forced evenness.
Georgiana edged closer. “Either something is of concern, Cousin, or you wish to throw me into the nearest snowdrift. Someone with lesser experience on the ice would have difficulty keeping to your agitated pace.” She smiled widely to diminish the criticism.
Edward spun her to a halt. “Georgiana, my dearest, forgive me. I’m acting foolishly—taking my unfounded suspicions out on you.”
“Who else should share your most inner thoughts than those who most love you? Who else may one trust with his hopes and dreams but those who know him best and see no flaws—only the face of a beloved?”
“Do you see my flaws, Georgiana?” he asked huskily.
She gave him a slight shake of her head before glancing away. Georgiana couldn’t look at him without betraying her feelings. “I see only the face of a man I respect and honor above all others,” she said earnestly.
Edward brought her hand to rest over his heart. “Georgiana,” he began, “there are so many things I don’t understand. Upon my return to England, I had thought everything would revert to the normal: I would resume my duties without questions, Darcy and Elizabeth would welcome me to Pemberley, and you’d be Georgie, my young, precocious cousin. Instead, I’m saddled with a man I’ve tried to like, but cannot, and I’m expected to deliver him to my commanding officers and not express my concerns. I arrived at Pemberley to find Her Ladyship in residence rather than Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, and you…” He paused to cup her chin in his palm. “You’re the most breathtakingly beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Georgiana flushed with happiness. He considered her beautiful. “You’d wish me to remain a little girl?” she teased.
“I would wish to lock you away in a tower so that I can be the only one to enjoy your beauty. How am I to fight off all your suitors? And there will be many of them, Georgiana. Your handsome face and excellent dowry will drive the men to distraction.” With a frown of discontent, Edward released her. Frustrated, he turned to the empty pond and skated away.
Georgiana wanted to call to him—to tell him that she wanted no other suitors but him; instead, she watched him go: the familiar slant of his shoulders, the distinctive gait, and the formidable stance. There was little about the man that she didn’t find pleasing, except for the fact that he denied their connection. With a sigh of exasperation, Georgiana removed her skates. Gathering her belongings, she stood slowly and followed the colonel’s retreating form.
“Mr. Darcy.” The Matlock butler hid his surprise as he opened the door to Darcy and Elizabeth. “I was unaware of your arrival, Sir.” He took their wraps and handed them to an equally bewildered footman.
Darcy glanced about the shadowed hallway. “My uncle knew nothing of my visit, Mr. Eldon. Might you inform the Earl and Lady Matlock of our arrival?”
Mr. Eldon stammered, “His… His Lordship and the Countess are at William’s Wood, Sir. Lady Lindale has taken to her bed.”
“I see. Then there’s no one to receive us?”
“No, Sir. His Lordship released much of the staff to celebrate the opening of Christmastide with their families.”
Darcy frowned. He didn’t want to return to the road so soon. “Can you accommodate Mrs. Darcy and me for the evening? We left Harrogate earlier this morning, and Pemberley is still too far for travel after dark. The road conditions are too unpredictable.” He didn’t mention the possibility of highwaymen. As the neighboring community had suffered with governmental regulations, a larger number of men had turned to thievery. “A clean bed and a meal will suffice. Mrs. Darcy and I mean to be on the road early in the morning.”
Mr. Eldon bowed. Upper-class English servants always responded with efficiency. “Of course, Sir. Lord Matlock will be sorry he missed you and Mrs. Darcy. Would you care to take your evening meal in the dining room?”
Darcy glanced at Elizabeth and noted her weariness. “We’d be happy with a simple meal in our room. It’s been a harrowing journey. There is thick ice in the North.”
Mr. Eldon appeared relieved. “If you’d care to escort Mrs. Darcy to your usual chambers, Sir, I’ll send up the maids to turn down the bed and to light the fire. Meanwhile, I will speak to cook about a tray.”
“Might I also request some tea while we wait?” Elizabeth added as she removed her bonnet. “And Mr. Darcy would prefer a decanter of port.”
“Certainly, Mrs. Darcy. I’ll see to it immediately, as well as sending word to the stables regarding your carriage.”
“Walk me out,” Thorne whispered as Kitty offered him another sandwich. Everyone, including Lady Catherine, had gathered in the main drawing room to recapture his afternoon to each person’s delight.
Kitty’s eyes grew in size, but she responded with a simple nod and then moved on to share the plate with others.
“It was a superb afternoon,” Mr. Bingley declared, “and I’m thankful that the colonel had such entertaining foresight.”
“We should be thankful to Lieutenant Southland and Mr. Manneville who took my suggestion and made it a reality,” Edward corrected.
Manneville sipped on his preferred coffee. “The lieutenant deserves the lion’s share of the gratitude. He executed the colonel’s plans with typical military efficiency,” he said smugly.
Thorne, who had watched the exchange with interest, noted the flick of the colonel’s wrist, which stifled the lieutenant’s stiffened response. “It has nothing to do with military effectiveness,” Edward corrected. “Southland is an honorable man.” The implication lay clearly between them, but Manneville didn’t accept the bait.
Winkler used the slight pause to come quickly to his feet. “I’m afraid that I must return to Lambton.” He bowed to Georgiana. “Miss Darcy, your graciousness is commendable.”
“We’ll see you for services tomorrow,” the colonel returned the bow. “Thank you for seeing Mrs. Darcy’s cousin safely to Pemberley.”
Winkler bowed to the room. “It’ll be my pleasure to attend you for Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, my day will start with less secular activities. Mr. Foxmour’s sent word that the ground has been prepared for his mother. A terrible event for such a glorious day.”
“Celebrating a life is never terrible,” Kitty added from where she stood near the door.
Thorne couldn’t hide his affection. “As always, you see the obvious, Miss Catherine—what the rest of us overlooked.”
“Thank you, Kitty.” After a brief pause, Georgiana said conspiratorially, “I understand it shall be a joyous service tomorrow evening, Mr. Winkler. I’m looking forward to it.”
“A bit non-traditional,” Winkler said truthfully. “Few Anglican churches celebrate on Christmas Eve, whereas the Catholics flock to their masses. We’ll combine the best of both. There are many practicing Catholics still in the area, so I’ll deliver a short sermon, and then the children’s choir will share a few hymns. It’ll be a simple way of welcoming the Christ child.”
Lady Catherine harrumphed her disapproval, and Mr. Collins thought to vocalize his own objections, but Mr. Bingley said, “It sounds a delightful way to usher in a solemn recognition—much better than wassailing and carousing.”
“I agree,” Edward added. “I never understood why St. Stephen’s Day takes precedence.”
“Our celebration was Mrs. Darcy’s idea. The lady recognized my desire to involve the village children more in the church service. Mr. Lancaster, my curate, has taken on organizing the group and bringing them together for practice.”
“Calvinism,” Lady Catherine intoned in disapprobation.
Winkler simply inclined his head. “I’ve neglected my duties long enough.Again, Miss Darcy, I thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment.”
“You’ll join us after services on Christmas, Mr. Winkler. I’m certain my brother would insist.”
With a quick glance to Kitty, he said, “I can think of nothing I would enjoy more, Miss Darcy.”
“Stay seated, Miss Darcy. I’ll see Mr. Winkler out,” Kitty announced to the room.
Winkler followed Kitty through the main corridor until they reached the top of the staircase; then he caught her hand and pulled her to him.
“Mr. Winkler,” she gasped, but relaxed against him.
“Say my name, Kitty,” he whispered hoarsely.
She leaned closer. “You’ll be missed, Thorne,” she said coyly.
“I shouldn’t wish my life away, but I’ll count the minutes until I see you again.” He kissed her forehead. “It will be your angelic face I seek among the congregation tomorrow.”
“Would it be inappropriate for me to attend Mrs. Foxmour’s service?” she asked.
He advised, “Take your cue from Miss Darcy. She’ll know her family’s wishes.”
Kitty silently agreed. “I should return to the drawing room,” she said reluctantly. Impulsively, she touched his cheek. “You’re such a good man, and I’m in awe that you believe me a proper mate.”
“You’re more than that, Catherine. I cannot speak everything in my heart without overwhelming you with my desires, and you need time to know your own feelings before we commit ourselves to one another.”
Kitty swallowed hard before saying, “It’s so much so soon.”
“I know,” Thorne said reassuringly. “But you must take your time. Marriage is forever. Being apart until tomorrow may be for the best. Without my presence, you’ll have time to consider what I ask of you. I’ll never be rich, Catherine—not like what Manneville or others can offer you. All I can promise is my complete devotion and a life of comfort.”
“I don’t want Mr. Manneville,” she protested.
Thorne smiled happily. “I needed to hear your denial, and I thank you for it. I don’t like to leave you in this house with that man.”
“There are many to protect me, and I’ll make an effort to avoid Mr. Manneville. He and the colonel shall leave for London soon.”
“Not soon enough for my taste,”Thorne grumbled.
“We’ll be at Pemberley in time for a late breakfast,” Darcy told her as Elizabeth brushed her hair. The Earl’s staff had done an admirable job of meeting their needs on such short notice.
“At the moment, all I care about is a full night’s sleep.” She had relaxed in a tub of hot water and now languidly prepared for bed.
Darcy thought of those who waited for them. “Yet, being home will be exhilarating, will it not?”
“It shall.” She smiled with a stir of regret. “However, I wouldn’t mind a week with my husband in quiet solitude.”
A flicker of alarm caused him to avoid her eyes. “As delightful as that sounds, we must first see to our Twelfth Night duties.”
“Afterward, you promise to sequester us away for an extended holiday?” she pleaded.
“If that’s your wish, Elizabeth, then I’ll make it so.”
Elizabeth shrugged away her embarrassment. “It’s not as if we don’t possess enough quiet at Pemberley. It’s just as I acknowledged at Harrogate: the only thing I need to make me happy is you.” She stood and walked into his welcoming embrace.