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LONDON
December 22, 1814
With Christmas only days away, Blaylock’s Shop was abuzz with customers all vying to purchase something unique from an eclectic mix of books, antiques jewellery and just about anything under the sun that had been gently used. A place where the elite of the ton would never be seen, it especially appealed to the lower classes with a few farthings to spend. Today the shop was so crowded that Jane could barely hear her sister speak over the pandemonium as they waited behind other customers to approach the proprietor.
“Oh, Lizzy, please do not sell Grandmother Bennet’s combs. You know it was her dying wish that you have them. Besides the fact that they are the only thing of value you have left, the pearls look so pretty in your dark hair. It would be such a shame never to see you wear them again.”
Elizabeth Bennet smiled. “Jane, be reasonable. Even if we were invited to a soirée where I could wear them, which will not happen, we no longer have decent gowns for any occasion. I cannot justify keeping something so extravagant when we need the funds so much more, and my salary has not proved sufficient to buy what we need for Christmas. The combs will be put to a much better use securing a goose for Christmas dinner and if we are fortunate, a doll for Susan.”
Left unsaid was she hoped to use part of what they received to pay for a physician to examine Jane. Instead of responding to the usual remedies, her sister’s ever-present cough had grown worse.
Jane sighed at the mention of Lydia’s child—the daughter she had had with Wickham without the benefit of marriage. Though Susan was old enough to be walking, a deformed foot made it almost impossible.
“I understand why you think as you do, but you have already sacrificed everything you possessed worth selling. And every time I think of you working as a caregiver for the mother of that horrible Lord Bascomb—he of the straying hands—I get sick to my stomach.”
A fleeting look of despair crossed Elizabeth’s face but just as quickly vanished. “It is not that terrible . . . truly. She is kind, and I just have to make certain I am never alone with her son. Besides, since I work from late evening until morning, it gives me time to help you during the day.”
“In my estimation, that is the worst time to work for Lord Bascomb. With the draughts you said she is given, he can be assured his mother will sleep soundly whilst you are there. He could always slip inside and—”
“Jane, please do not think of such things. I am fortunate to have a position.”
Jane’s countenance fell. “I should be working, too.”
“Do not berate yourself. You would still be working had you not developed that awful cough. And, just so you know, part of what we get for the combs will go towards a physician to treat it.”
“We should not waste money on something so trivial. My cough will clear up as soon as warm weather arrives.”
As if to support her sister’s worry, Jane began to cough into a handkerchief she pulled from a pocket of her skirt.
Once the coughing ceased, Elizabeth said, “I will hear no more on the subject.”
Knowing there was no changing Lizzy’s mind once she decided on a course of action, Jane remained silent. Besides, by then they were almost to the counter where a short, stocky, balding man was peering over his glasses, smiling as they approached.
Horace Blaylock was very familiar with the Bennet girls and had a soft spot where they were concerned. Edward Gardiner had been his neighbour in the warehouse district since he opened his own business. Quickly becoming fast friends, Gardiner had shared his grief when the girls’ father died of a heart ailment in the summer of 1812, bemoaning the fact that the estate was entailed to the male line. This meant Mr. Bennet’s family was left homeless when a cousin took possession of Longbourn. Consequently, Gardiner had rented a small cottage on a property not far from his own residence on Gracechurch Street for his sister and nieces. Nonetheless, with four children of his own, Edward had confided that the rent was taking a toll on his finances, and he was finding it hard to keep food on his table and theirs.
As far as Blaylock knew, the eldest daughters were still working as companions, though on occasion they resorted to selling items from their former life to pay their bills. And he did his part in assisting them by paying the best possible price for whatever they had to offer, even if it meant he made very little on the transaction.
“Have you something to sell, Miss Elizabeth?” Blaylock asked, knowing the younger sister would be the one with whom he would have to bargain.
“We have,” Elizabeth replied cheerily.
Without ado, Mr. Blaylock called over his shoulder to his wife. “My dear, I shall be in the office a short while!”
With his wife’s nod, he led the way through a door behind the counter with Elizabeth and Jane right on his heels. The room was not much bigger than a large closet with a single chair and a desk piled high with papers. Next to the walls, boxes were stacked high, and there was little room to manoeuvre as he motioned for them to enter.
As soon as they were all inside, Elizabeth held out a small velvet bag. Taking it, Mr. Blaylock emptied the contents upon his desk and began to examine the pearl, onyx and gold creations. Then he reached for the spectacles he used to examine jewellery to study both combs more thoroughly. When he was done with his inspection, he looked up, meeting the expectant faces of the young ladies.
“Extraordinary! I have never seen more beautiful combs.”
“They were a present from my grandmother,” Elizabeth ventured proudly. “And I have rarely worn them.”
“If I price them honestly, however, I doubt that most of my customers would be able to purchase such lovely pieces, even at a bargain price,” Blaylock said. “New in a jeweller’s shop they would sell for upwards of fifty pounds, and in good conscience, I could not offer to sell them for less than twenty.”
The Bennet girls gasped. They had not dreamed of reaping more than a few pounds for the pair.
“But you must help us, Mr. Blaylock,” Elizabeth insisted. “The jewellers merely dismissed us when we enquired about selling them there.”
“They looked at us as though we had stolen our own possessions,” Jane added resentfully.
“You are our only hope!” Elizabeth declared dramatically.
“I do have one customer, a colonel, who wishes me to find a present for his sister. He could well afford them, but he is a bit thrifty when it comes to spending his money. And, in truth, I cannot pay you a fraction of their worth before the sale.”
“May I make a suggestion?” Elizabeth asked.
“Of course.”
“We could agree to leave them here on consignment, just as we did the silver candelabrum. If you manage to sell them, you may keep half of what you get. Hopefully, they will sell quickly for we wish to purchase a few things for Christmas.”
“Keeping half of the profit would be unfair to you.”
“Sir, we suspect you have made very little on the items you have sold for us already,” Jane said. “If we can be a blessing to you and Mrs. Blaylock at this joyful season, we shall be pleased to do so.”
Trying to keep the tears that quickly filled his eyes from spilling, Blaylock nodded. “If that is your wish, I shall see if I can persuade the colonel to buy them.”
Elizabeth reached to take his hand and squeezed it. “Thank you.”
GRACECHURCH STREET
About the same time
As Fitzwilliam Darcy’s carriage painstakingly threaded its way through the throng of vehicles on market row, his temper began to flare.
“I do not know how I let you talk me into coming here, Richard! This place is madness at this time of year, and you know how I hate crowds. Besides, it is beginning to snow again.”
“Oh, stop complaining, Cousin! Those flakes are so small you can barely see them. And, did I not rescue you from having to dance with Lady Harwood’s ugly daughter at Mother’s ball?”
“If you consider spilling wine down the front of my shirt a form of rescue, then yes.”
“Do not be so cynical! It was all I could think to do when you gave me your customary save me look! And, I might add that it worked.”
“I refuse to honour that with a reply.”
“Suit yourself! It will not kill you to walk into Blaylock’s with me. That man is a genius at finding fine wares for very little money. Since I do not have your fortune, it is the only way I can afford decent Christmas gifts for all of my family. Besides, you might learn a thing or two about thrifty shopping if you pay attention.”
“I do not care to know any more than I do at present about shopping. Now, tell me. Who have you waited this long to purchase a gift for?”
“Alicia. You know how particular my sister can be, and to this day I have not been able to find anything I believe will impress her. If she is not impressed, I will never hear the end of it.”
“I hope she is impressed with a new parasol, for I am not exchanging my gift for something else.”
“Oh, she will admire anything you give her; it is me that she likes to confound.” Just then the carriage pulled to a complete stop behind a long line of vehicles. “Come, Darcy! Let us walk the rest of the way. It will be faster, and we can have the driver take the carriage to the end of the street.”
Before William could answer, Richard was on the pavement giving orders to the driver. As soon as William joined him, the colonel began walking quickly in the direction of a small shop on the corner. Once they arrived at Blaylock’s door, the throng waiting outside to enter made William throw up his hands.
“We will never get in there today! Let us return tomorrow.”
“Follow me.”
Richard proceeded around the side of the shop and stopped at a door that was obviously used very little. Standing on his toes, he looked over the people who were pressed into that corner of the store, and spying a familiar face, he smiled and waved. In a short while, a thin, weathered, grey-haired woman had threaded her way through the crowd and was opening the door.
“I was wondering if you were still coming today, Colonel!”
“I had no choice, Mrs. Blaylock. Your husband is my last chance to impress my sister, and he promised to find something outstanding for her.”
“I think Horace may have. I know he put aside a pair of earrings, and I just saw two young ladies accompany him into the office who always have nice items to sell. If they brought him something appropriate, I am certain he is holding it for your inspection as well.”
“That would be a godsend.”
“Stay right here, and I will tell him you have arrived.”
Watching as Mrs. Blaylock approached the door to the office, both men were as surprised as she when it opened abruptly and Elizabeth and Jane Bennet emerged with her husband. While neither young woman looked in their direction, William recognised the one person who still captivated him and his heart began to beat frantically.
“Is that not the Miss Bennets, Darcy?” Spellbound, William could not form a reply. “I am no expert on such things, but from all appearances, they must have fallen on hard times.” Realising that his cousin had not answered, Richard turned to see his pained expression. “I say, Cousin. Are you well?”
William’s gaze dropped to the floor. “I . . . I am. It is just disturbing to see Eliz . . . Miss Elizabeth appearing so—”
“Downtrodden? I agree. I thought you told me she married that Lucas fellow and settled in Meryton. He may not be a member of the ton, but he is certainly far from impoverished . . . or he was.”
“From what Bingley said, that was my understanding.”
Richard shook his head. “One has to wonder what could have happened to bring about so drastic a change to their circumstances.”
Suddenly, Horace Blaylock was waving them forward. “Colonel Fitzwilliam, come into my office. I have some things I think you may like.”
“LIZZY, IS THAT NOT Mr. Darcy?” Jane whispered as they walked out of Mr. Blaylock’s office.
“Where?” Elizabeth said, struggling to push her wayward hair back under her bonnet whilst glancing around the shop.
“To the left, by the door that is always kept locked.”
Elizabeth tried to remain inconspicuous as she allowed only her eyes to gaze in that direction. The instant she ascertained it was indeed Fitzwilliam Darcy, she pulled her bonnet further down over her forehead. Grabbing Jane’s hand, she practically pulled her sister through the crowd and out the front door where the wind was now swirling the snow in circles.
Once on the pavement, Jane said, “My word! One would think you were afraid to speak to him. I thought after you learned Mr. Wickham was the one who lied, you would have forgiven poor Mr. Darcy.”
“I . . . I have forgiven him. And I readily admit everything he said about our family and Mr. Wickham was true, but that does not mean I wish to see him revel in being correct. He looked down his nose at our relations in Cheapside as it was. What would he think if he knew you and I resided there now? No. If I can avoid it, I never wish to be in Mr. Darcy’s company again.”
“He never impressed me as the kind to revel in another’s misfortune, and I do not think it could hurt to speak to him. Caroline Bingley said Mr. Darcy has never married. Perhaps he still regrets you.”
“How many times must I ask you not to speak to that woman? Caroline Bingley has no concern for us. She only wishes to gloat over how far we have fallen.”
“You know full well that I did not seek her out. I encountered her in the park when I took our cousins there to play. I could not ignore her.”
“I can only imagine how it brightens her day to hear we are in service, not to mention that we live in Cheapside.” Then Elizabeth smiled wryly. “My only consolation is the fact that she will be a spinster, too, simply because she had the cheek to think Mr. Darcy would finally come to his senses and offer for her.”
“Lizzy! You are too hard on Caroline.”
“And you, my dear sister, are too kind. She is the very reason Mr. Bingley now resides in Essex.”
Seeing an expression of pain cross her sister’s face, Elizabeth immediately regretted her words. Still, before she could apologise, Jane said, “Mr. Bingley is a grown man with a mind of his own. He is responsible for his own actions.”
Elizabeth sighed. “Let us not argue about something that no longer matters. Come! We must walk fast if we are to return to Uncle’s warehouse by the time he is ready to leave. He promised to take me directly to Lord Bascomb’s house, and heaven knows I dare not be late.”
IN BLAYLOCK’S OFFICE
“So, Colonel, you prefer the pearl and onyx combs over the pearl earrings?”
“They are equally beautiful. How much are they?”
“The earrings are ten pounds, and the combs are twenty.”
Richard almost choked. “Twenty pounds! I could purchase brand new combs for that.”
“I suppose you could, but these were passed down through several generations. I know the seller, and she took excellent care of them after her grandmother gifted them to her. I was told they were seldom used.”
When Richard did not reply, the shopkeeper held the combs up to the light, turning them first one way and then another. “See their lustrous patina and how they glow when the light strikes them? If your sister has dark hair, the pearls will look like stars in a night sky.”
“Since when did you become a poet, Blaylock?” Richard teased, making the shopkeeper look sheepish.
“May I ask a question?” William interrupted. At the proprietor’s nod, he added, “I happened to notice some old acquaintances of ours, the Miss Bennets, were in your office just now. Did either of these items belong to them?”
Blaylock’s brows furrowed. “I keep my clients’ business private.”
“I do not mean to pry,” William said. “To be honest, after seeing their . . . pardon me . . . their attire, I am concerned for their wellbeing. I was under the impression that Miss Elizabeth Bennet had married well and was living in Meryton. But, seeing her today—”
Blaylock looked as though he was weighing whether to be honest with William, so Richard broke in. “My cousin is not a carrier of tales, neither does he rejoice in the misfortunes of others. If he says he is concerned for their wellbeing, you can trust that he is.”
The shopkeeper sighed. “I have known those young women since they were children. Their uncle is a dear friend of mine, and he has brought them into my shop since they were old enough to walk. In fact, I feel almost like a relation. I would not take kindly to anyone sharing what I am about to say. However, in the hope you truly care for their welfare, I shall tell you their story, if only to encourage you to purchase the combs for a fair price.”
IN THE CARRIAGE
The first part of the ride back to Darcy House was spent in silence as each man considered what they had heard. William was aware that shortly after his disastrous proposal to Elizabeth, Mr. Collins had quit Hunsford; yet, he had given it little thought. His refusal to marry Anne de Bourgh shortly after had caused a break with his aunt and proved the end of William’s yearly sojourns to Rosings Park. Fortunately, that spared him the pain of being reminded yearly of the humiliation he had suffered at Elizabeth’s hands whilst in Kent. Moreover, once Bingley reported she was set to marry John Lucas, he had successfully banished all recollections of Elizabeth from his thoughts—except when he chanced to dream.
What William found most disturbing about Elizabeth’s appearance today, however, was not her clothes, which were similar to those of a woman in service, but her complexion. Unlike the rosy glow she sported from her daily walks at Netherfield Park, she appeared pale and drawn. And, if he was not badly mistaken, Jane Bennet was in poorer health than her sister.
Reinforcing his thoughts, Richard asked, “Did you get the impression that Miss Bennet is not well? She is a ghost of the woman I met when I stopped by Netherfield on my way to London. I mean to say that she was always fair and thin, but she is even paler now and deathly thin.”
“Frankly, I thought they both looked unwell, especially Miss Bennet.”
“I often wondered why Bingley left Netherfield without making her an offer. From what he said, she was perfect for him.”
“Caroline and Louisa convinced Charles that Miss Bennet showed no special preference for him. Well, that and the fact that he would never achieve his goal of moving up in society with her as his wife.”
“Bollocks! Since leaving Netherfield Bingley has kept to himself at that rented estate in Essex and drinks far too much. Pray tell me how that has helped him advance in society?”
“Charles asked my advice when he was pondering his sisters’ objections to Miss Bennet. I confess I warned him of the pitfalls of marrying someone with nothing to recommend herself save a good heart and fair looks. Moreover, I felt it my solemn duty to be honest; therefore, I could not assure him that her affection was equal to his. Yet, I did point out that there was a lot to be said for marrying someone he loved and advised him to stay in Meryton until he could ascertain Miss Bennet’s true feelings. Still, in the end, Louisa convinced him that he would ruin Caroline’s chances of a good match by marrying Jane Bennet.”
“As though Caroline Bingley stood a chance in Hades of marrying you!” Richard said, barking a laugh.
“Me?”
“Yes, you! For as long as I can remember, she had her cap set on you and no one else.”
William sighed. “Be that as it may, ultimately Bingley was convinced to leave Netherfield. It was not until months later that he admitted he was unable to get her off his mind or purge her from his heart.”
“Why did you not persuade him to return to Netherfield at that point?”
“By then he was convinced he had ruined his chances. Nothing I said could sway him otherwise.”
“Blast! How could love go so awry?”
William was thinking of his own heartache. “There is something I have never shared with you, or anyone else for that matter. With what I am about to undertake, I will require your assistance; therefore, I think it only fair that you know.”
Richard’s brows knit. “I assume it concerns the hair combs you purchased. I wondered why you insisted on paying more for them than he asked.”
“Yes, it does. Whilst we were at Rosings the summer of 1812, I took it upon myself to call upon Miss Elizabeth at . . .”
Blaylock’s shop
Two days before Christmas
“Twenty-five pounds! Oh, Mr. Blaylock!” Elizabeth exclaimed, reaching up to hug the elderly man. “How did you manage to get such a sum?”
Blaylock smiled at the expressions on both women’s faces. “The combs were so beautiful that it was easy to convince the buyer they were worth every penny.”
Elizabeth was about to ask if the colonel had bought them when Jane interrupted. “I do not wish to sound doubtful regarding your account, but we do not wish to profit at your expense. For us to reap so grand a profit, you must have—”
The shopkeeper silenced Jane by patting her hand. “No need to worry, Miss Bennet. I made a profit on the combs, so we were both blessed by the transaction. I knew that you would want to know right away, and that is why I sent a messenger to Edward’s warehouse.”
Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Jane’s smile returned. “Thank God!”
She turned back to her sister. “Lizzy, we need to hurry. With this much we can pay the balance that we owe the butcher and the grocer, buy the goose and pick up a box of sweets at the confectioner’s shop.”
Elizabeth did not answer Jane, for she was pondering how to find a physician during the holidays. At length, Mr. Blaylock’s voice penetrated her thoughts.
“I have some very nice toys on the front shelf that may interest you—gently used skates and such. And, today only, I am offering two pairs for the price of one!”
Both Elizabeth and Jane beamed, saying almost simultaneously, “You are too kind!”
DARCY HOUSE
William’s study
When the knock came at the door, William was deep in thought—not about business as was needful, but about Elizabeth Bennet.
“Come!”
The door opened and Mr. Barnes stepped inside. “Colonel Fitzwilliam is here to see you, sir.”
William tried not to smile, for Richard was craning to look over the butler’s shoulder whilst wagging his brows to elicit a laugh. “Show him in.”
As Barnes turned, he collided with the officer. “Excuse me, Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
“You are excused,” Richard said, keeping a perfectly straight face.
“The master will see you now.”
“Thank you, Barnes.”
As the butler resumed his duties, despite his best effort to look solemn, the corners of William’s mouth lifted into a smile. “Why do you insist on vexing Barnes?”
“Because it is so easy, Cousin,” Richard said, walking to the chair in front of William’s desk. As he sat down, he added, “Barnes practically begs to be vexed, so I feel it my duty to oblige.”
William shook his head at his cousin’s logic. “Did you manage to get the information I asked for?”
“I did. Brace yourself. Lydia Bennet had a child by Wickham before that blackguard abandoned her in Newcastle. According to Colonel Forster, he deserted the militia and sailed for the Americas. Moreover, their daughter was born with a deformed foot.”
William was silent for so long that Richard was about to ask what he was thinking when he spoke again. “Dare I hope they married?”
“Not according to my sources. It seems none of the Miss Bennets were fortunate enough to marry. Moreover, after Mr. Bennet died, Longbourn passed to our aunt’s rector, Mr. Collins, and the Bennets were tossed into the street. Mrs. Bennet’s brother, Edward Gardiner, who owns a warehouse in Town, secured a cottage for his sister and nieces that is six houses from his residence on Gracechurch Street. Their cottage sits at the very back of a large lot surrounding a huge, grey stone manor. The cottage is constructed of this same stone and appears to have once been part of a stable. It is very small, and I cannot imagine how Mrs. Bennet and the young ladies occupy it at the same time.”
“You talk as though you have seen it.”
“I had business in that area, so I rode by to see it for myself. During my enquiries about the neighbourhood, I learned that the Bennets are often seen walking to the Gardiners’ house. Moreover, when Miss Elizabeth returns in the morning from her paid position, she is fond of walking in the park across the street from the Gardiner’s home.”
“Paid position?”
“Yes. She keeps watch over Lord Bascomb’s mother from evening until morning. If I recall correctly, that woman has been ill for years. In any case, apparently Bascomb cannot keep daytime companions for his mother, as he advertises in the papers for more each week.”
“Lord Bascomb? Good lord! He treats women beastly if one believes the rumours . . . and I do. I never liked the man, and I can easily envision him doing the horrible things of which he has been accused.”
“I have to agree with you there.”
Clasping his chin with his hand, William rubbed one finger over his lips as he reflected on what Richard had discovered.
“So what is your plan? When will you call on the Bennets?”
“I do not intend to call on them. I merely wish to help them.”
Richard sighed. “Knowing how you think, that makes perfect sense.”
“I do not want anything traceable to me, so I will require your assistance. If you could provide your batman to deliver some parcels to their house tomorrow, that will be most helpful.”
“What will he be delivering?”
“Food, toys for the child and gifts for each of the Bennets. I hope to make their Christmas a little merrier.”
“I have to ask. Who will purchase these presents? You know very little about buying gifts, especially for women.”
“I buy Georgiana presents.”
“She is but seventeen, Darcy. And I have it on good authority that my mother helps choose her presents.”
“Nevertheless, Georgiana loves to shop, so I will ask her to join me this afternoon to pick out the gifts. In addition, I plan to arrange for Mr. Graham to examine Miss Lydia’s child to see if anything can be done to help her. Hopefully, once at the cottage, he will be able to include Miss Bennet in his examination by claiming to notice that she is not well.”
“I can see how you might get away with the presents, but how do you propose to keep Graham’s sponsorship a secret? Surely they will ask who is responsible for his fee.”
“I shall have him hint that it is someone they know, but that he is sworn to secrecy. My hope is that they will assume their uncle is paying for it.”
Richard shook his head. “Sounds foolhardy to me, but I know better than to argue when your mind is set.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your help in this matter and your discretion.”
“No need to thank me. I am pleased to be able to help you assist them.”
THE NEXT MORNING
When William began his ride at dawn, the day was cold and brisk, and his every breath hung in the air like a cloud. Snow on the ground was light, though grey clouds promised more later on. He chose to ride at this hour because he relished the peace and quiet to be found when most everyone else was asleep. Hyde Park was his preference because it featured outstanding riding trails and was adjacent to his Grosvenor Street home. However, upon leaving the stable this morning, he recalled what Richard had said about Elizabeth Bennet’s early morning walks in the park across from her uncle’s house. Twickenham Commons was a much smaller park, but it had a fairly good riding trail. Convinced he could use a change of scenery, he urged Zeus in that direction. In truth, he hoped to catch a glimpse of the woman he still regretted.
It took only a few minutes to reach his destination, and as William guided his stallion into the park, he noticed a lone carriage stopping at a house across the street. Pulling Zeus to a halt behind some trees, he slid to the ground in time to watch someone emerge from the vehicle. Though she wore a coat that was much too large and a wool scarf over her head, there was no denying who it was. Elizabeth!
She stood on the pavement until the carriage was completely out of sight and then looked both ways before running to the ornate gate that led into the park. Zeus had welcomed the reprieve and was searching the ground for anything edible whilst his master’s eyes followed Elizabeth’s petite form. She crossed to a gravel path that circled a frozen pond barely visible through the trees. After staring at the body of water as though trying to judge if it was frozen, she pulled a small bag from her pocket, reached into it and tossed something towards a few birds on the ground. Excitedly, the birds rushed to peck at the treat.
Whilst Elizabeth was occupied feeding the birds, William saw a man slip from a copse nearby. From his appearance, he appeared to be a vagrant, and the fact that he was following Elizabeth’s actions with eager interest made the hair on the back of William’s neck stand up. Though he preferred to remain unseen, when the man began to creep closer to Elizabeth, William prepared to act. Altered by a noise, Elizabeth turned and caught sight of the interloper.
As he hesitated, William could not hear what was being said, but he saw Elizabeth shake her head no emphatically. In response, the stranger’s previous smile twisted into a sneer, and when he took a step closer, William was no longer able to refrain. Leaping upon Zeus, he kicked him into a trot in their direction.
The vagrant saw him coming over Elizabeth’s shoulder and disappeared into the woods.
Looking around to determine what had routed him, Elizabeth’s expression became puzzled when she caught sight of him. As he alighted from his horse, she asked anxiously, “Mr. Darcy? What on earth are you doing here?”
Removing his hat, William performed a slight bow. “I . . . I was planning on taking advantage of the riding trail when I saw that blackguard approach you.”
Embarrassed to think Mr. Darcy might enquire about her circumstances, Elizabeth became defensive. “And you decided it was your duty to save a damsel in distress?”
Wounded, he replied, “Something of that nature.”
“Though I appreciate your concern, sir, I assure you I can take care of myself.”
“Forgive me if I offended you, Miss Bennet. That was not my intent.”
Feeling somewhat remorseful, Elizabeth’s smile quickly faded. “Forgive me if I appear ungrateful for your concern. It is just that I had to learn how to fend for myself after Papa . . .” Realising that she had said too much, she halted. “Suffice it to say that I am capable of taking care of myself without the help of any man.”
His spirit crushed, William merely nodded and turned to remount Zeus. “I fear that fellow may reappear once I leave. If you will allow it, I shall be honoured to watch over you until you are safely out of the park.”
“Thank you, but that will not be necessary.”
Replacing his hat, William touched the rim in a salute. “As you wish. Again, I apologise.”
As he disappeared into the distance, Elizabeth remembered the vagrant and hurried towards the gate. As she exited the park, she glanced back to see the stranger watching her from the gravel path once more. Running until she reached the steps to the Gardiner’s home, she breathed a sigh of relief when she knocked on the door and it opened immediately. Unbeknownst to her, William had stopped at the edge of the woods to watch her until she was safely inside.
“Miss Elizabeth!” the housekeeper exclaimed upon seeing her. “The mistress was wondering what was taking so long. The scones are getting cold. Was the master late fetching you?”
Aware that her uncle and aunt would be upset if they knew she had gone to the park alone at this hour, Elizabeth lied. “No. I was unable to leave work on time. Will you tell my aunt I am here?”
“Yes, Miss.”
THE BENNETS’ COTTAGE
The Bennets had been reduced to living in a remodelled building consisting of only four rooms, with one of those being a sparse kitchen. The other rooms were filled with beds or sofas that were used as beds, leaving no space to escape the mayhem that too many people in a small space created.
Mrs. Bennet and Kitty occupied one bedroom, whilst Mary, Lydia and Lydia’s daughter slept in the other. This left the parlour as a bedroom for Jane and Elizabeth, and as was often the case, once the child awoke, it meant no more sleep for the eldest Bennets. This was especially hard on Elizabeth who had to sleep during the day.
Kitty, who had assumed the duties of a kitchen maid since Elizabeth was working and Jane was so weak, was brewing tea when her sister arrived home. Tiptoeing past Jane who was sleeping restlessly, Elizabeth smiled at her sibling as she walked into the kitchen. Once she sat down at the table, Kitty poured a cup of tea and set it in front of her.
“Did Lord Bascomb pretend to check on his mother again?” Kitty asked.
“Last night went well. I think Lord Bascomb went out for the evening because the house was eerily quiet.”
“Thank God.”
“I did,” Elizabeth replied. “Unfortunately, I was told my services will not be needed until two days after Christmas. There is a new companion—a widow. She is taking my place until then. It appears Lord Bascomb admires her.”
“But does she admire him?”
“She acts as though she welcomes his attention. I fear she could take my place, and I shall be looking for work again. Please do not mention it to the others, though. I do not want Jane to worry unnecessarily.”
Elizabeth placed a small burlap bag on the table. “I almost forgot. Aunt Maddie sent another loaf of bread and a jar of plum preserves.”
“That was kind of her. I was pondering how to tell Mama there was nothing more this morning.”
Elizabeth smiled. “God forbid Mama would have to make do with just tea.”
“Well, there might be more if Lydia did not insist on having a slice of bread with preserves whenever I give one to Susan.” Kitty’s expression grew sombre. “Lizzy, why will you not stay with our uncle and aunt during the day? It would be better than trying to sleep through all the commotion created here once everyone is awake.”
“You know full well why I do not. It is not worth having to listen to Mama complain that I think too highly of myself to live with the rest of you.”
“Well, Jane, Mary and I do not feel that way. It worries me that you stay awake all night and most of the day. You cannot keep up such a schedule. It will take its toll at some point.”
Elizabeth reached for Kitty’s hand. “Thank you for caring, but I am perfectly well.”
Kitty wanted to object, but seeing the resolve in her sister’s eyes, she refrained. Instead, taking the bag Elizabeth had brought home, she returned to the counter where a tray had been set out. Slicing the bread, she spread a layer of plum preserves on one piece, placed it on a plate and then set the plate on the tray.
Glancing over her shoulder, she teased, “I best get this finished before Mama awakens. You know how she complains if hot tea and food are not waiting the minute her eyes open.”
As if on cue, the shrill voice of Mrs. Bennet echoed throughout the cottage. “Kitty?”
Her sister smiled wanly, poured a cup of tea and placed it on the tray. “Duty calls.”
LATER, AS ELIZABETH lay on the sofa with her eyes closed, she allowed herself time to do something she had actively tried to avoid during the last two years—to consider Mr. Darcy. It was not a step taken lightly, for from the day she read the letter informing her that Mr. Wickham was not worthy of her concern, remorse had threatened to consume her. Moreover, it was only in the last few months that she had begun to forgive herself for her part in the disaster that marked the downfall of her family—Lydia’s elopement with Mr. Wickham.
What a fool I was to think I was clever enough to sketch anyone’s character. Moreover, had I not been too proud to tell my family what Mr. Darcy said about Wickham, perhaps Papa would never have let Lydia go to Brighton.
A knock at the door brought Elizabeth’s thoughts back to the present. Jane, who was in the kitchen, walked out wide-eyed, wiping her hands on her apron. “Who on earth could that be?”
Relieved that the rest of their family was in a bedroom listening to Mary read a book, Elizabeth rose to her feet. “I do not suppose we will find out unless we open the door.”
She stopped at the mirror hanging next to the entrance to smooth her hair but had little success. Shrugging, she opened the door and was taken aback to find a soldier, clad in red, holding a wooden crate. Before she could speak, he enquired, “Is this the Bennet residence?”
“Yes, it is, but—”
The man walked past her and deposited the crate on the floor. As he went back out the door, he called over his shoulder. “There are more, so please do not close the door.”
Elizabeth and Jane exchanged confused looks, but before either could act, the man had returned with another crate, which he promptly set on the floor next to the first. After repeating the deed a third time, he looked pleased with himself as he addressed the sisters. “Do you wish me to set these on a table or move them into another room?”
“No, but are you certain they are for us?” Elizabeth asked.
The soldier smiled. “Are you Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”
“I am.”
“Then I am certain.” With that he went out the door and walked towards a small wagon being pulled by a single horse.
Elizabeth finally came to her senses. “Wait!” The soldier stopped mid-stride and turned. “Who sent you here?”
“I am not at liberty to say, ma’am.”
Touching his hat in a salute, he climbed into the vehicle and disappeared down the drive. Puzzled, Elizabeth shut the door and turned to stare at the crates as though they held something unpleasant.
Whilst she hesitated, Jane had no such reluctance and rushed forward. Finding she could not get any of the boards to budge, she cried, “Get Papa’s toolbox! Perhaps he had something we can use to open these.”
Her plea forced Elizabeth to come to her senses. “I suppose we should find out what they contain before Mama learns they are here.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
THE GARDNERS’ RESIDENCE
That same day
“Lizzy!” Madeline Gardiner exclaimed as she reached out to hug her niece. “What brings you back today?”
“Can I not visit more than once a day?” Elizabeth teased as she watched her aunt hug Jane.
“Of course, but I do not recall you doing so since you began working. Have you gotten any sleep today?”
“Very little,” Jane declared. “But, nothing would do for Lizzy but to come now to thank you and our uncle for your generosity.”
Mrs. Gardiner looked puzzled. “We have done nothing extraordinary.”
“To be precise, we are here about the gifts you so graciously bestowed upon us today,” Elizabeth replied.
“What gifts?” Mr. Gardiner said as he emerged from his study.
“The three crates that were delivered this morning,” Elizabeth replied, going on to explain that one contained food, another toys and the last had wrapped packages with their Christian names on them.
Mr. Gardiner glanced at his wife. “I wish we had the resources to purchase such gifts, but alas, our finances preclude such generosity.”
“Then, you had nothing to do with the letter that was enclosed either?”
“What letter?”
“It is from a physician, a Mr. Graham, who asked if he could call on us next week,” Jane explained. “Apparently, he wishes to examine Susan’s foot to determine if he can help her, and he stated there would be no cost to us.”
“Mr. Graham has a reputation for being one of the finest physicians in England, but we have never met him,” Edward Gardiner replied.
Elizabeth’s brows furrowed. If her aunt and uncle were not responsible, who was their mysterious champion? Suddenly recalling that Mr. Blaylock mentioned a colonel might buy the combs, her heart began to race.
Without voicing her suspicions aloud, she said, “At any rate, some kind soul decided to bless us this Christmas which will allow us to purchase a few gifts we could not afford otherwise. I should like to visit Blaylock’s again to purchase a shawl that Mama admired the last time she was there. Uncle, would it be possible to borrow the carriage?”
“Of course, but do you not have to leave for work soon?”
“I forgot to mention that Lord Bascomb gave me leave until after Boxing Day. One of the new caretakers will take my turn, and I hope to reciprocate when I return.”
“Of course you may have the carriage, but you cannot go alone.”
Elizabeth grabbed Jane’s hand. “Jane will go with me.”
Puzzled, Jane nodded in agreement.
In the carriage
“Lizzy, you know Mama already purchased that shawl. Do you not recall arguing with her that we did not have the funds when she took part of your wages to buy it? She acted so unreasonably that I feared you would never forgive her.”
“I remember it well. However, purchasing the shawl was just a ruse to gain use of our uncle’s carriage.”
“What are you about?”
“I am about to find out the identity of our benefactor,” Elizabeth said. “Other than our family, who do you know who would buy presents for us?”
“Mr. and Mrs. Blaylock?”
“I dearly love the Blaylocks, but we both know they do not have the means to be that generous.”
“I agree, but who else could it be?”
“That is what I mean to find out.”
BLAYLOCK’S SHOP
The shop was so crowded that the air was stifling. Jane began to cough the minute they entered the building, so Elizabeth insisted she wait near the front door where the air circulated better. Winding her way through the throng, ere long Elizabeth stood before Mr. Blaylock, who had smiled the moment he saw her in the crowd.
“Miss Elizabeth! I thought you were done shopping,” he shouted over the din.
“I am, sir. But I hoped you could answer a question for me.”
“Then, come into my office where I can hear you better, and I will try.”
Once they were secreted in his office, Elizabeth said, “I would like to know the name of the person who bought my combs.”
Blaylock’s face grew concerned. “Could you tell me why you wish to know?”
“I think that whoever bought my combs sent three crates of food, toys and presents to our home this morning. And I wish to thank them.”
“I . . . I regret I cannot disclose the names of my customers. Besides, this particular customer requested strict privacy.”
“I recall you said the customer you had in mind was a colonel. And I happened to see Colonel Fitzwilliam follow you into the office the day we left the combs; thus, it follows that he is the one who bought them,” Elizabeth said, watching Mr. Blaylock’s face carefully for confirmation.
Knowing full well it was not the colonel who purchased the combs, Blaylock thought it would suffice to let Elizabeth assume that she was right. Surely Colonel Fitzwilliam will not give away his cousin’s confidence if she confronts him.
“Miss Elizabeth, you have me at a disadvantage for my word is my bond,” the proprietor replied, smiling at his cleverness. “Please do not ask me to confirm or deny your theory.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I think you already have.”
AFTER THEY ENTERED their uncle’s carriage for the ride back to Gracechurch Street, Elizabeth revealed her conversation with Mr. Blaylock to Jane.
“So you believe it was Colonel Fitzwilliam who sent the gifts?”
“I do.”
“Is it possible he had feelings for you all along? Could that explain his kindness?”
Elizabeth recalled their conversations the few times she had been in the colonel’s company. “No. In fact, he always went out of his way to let me know he must marry someone who is wealthy.”
“This is all most peculiar.”
“I agree.”
“In any case, Colonel Fitzwilliam did not rise to the rank of colonel by being a dullard,” Jane replied. “How do you propose to keep him from blaming Mr. Blaylock for divulging his secret?”
“When I thank him, I shall mention that I spied him at the shop the day we sold the combs, and after a soldier delivered the crates, I put two and two together.”
“He obviously wanted his generosity kept secret. Why not let him have his wish?”
“Whilst I appreciate his selflessness, such kindness cannot go unacknowledged. I intend to thank him, and I want you to come with me.”
Not one for confrontations, Jane paled. “Wh . . .when?”
“A day or so after Christmas we will visit the military headquarters on Burton Street. When you were ill at Netherfield, I recall hearing Mr. Darcy mention that his cousin had an office there.”
“I . . . I do not think we should call upon him at his place of work.”
“Why not?”
“Because, being a colonel, he must be very busy.”
“Where would you like to call upon him?” Knowing the alternative would force Jane to agree with her plan, Elizabeth said, “Most likely he will be at his parents’ home for the holidays, so we may be able to find him there.”
Jane pictured the imposing facade of Matlock House. She had never been inside it, but one could not fail to admire the structure when visiting Hyde Park, for it sat just across from the main gate.
“No! I would not feel comfortable calling at the earl’s residence. I suppose the colonel’s office will have to suffice.”
“That was my conclusion,” Elizabeth said. “Besides, I would not like to chance meeting Mr. Darcy if he happened to be visiting his relations.”
CHRISTMAS EVE
As with every year since they were forced from Longbourn, the Bennets spent Christmas Eve at the Gardiners’ home. Other than plans to take the children to the park to try their new skates, Christmas Day would be spent in the confines of the small cottage with their own goose and trimmings. Today, however, would serve as a reminder of happier times—times spent with their relations at Longbourn when their father was still alive.
Since it was their custom to open presents on Christmas Eve, the packages at the cottage had been brought to the Gardiners’ residence and placed under the tree alongside those purchased by her aunt and uncle. After everyone had eaten, Mr. Gardiner began to pass out the presents, beginning with the children. It did their hearts good to see the delight on the little faces, especially Susan’s since she was the youngest. A dark-haired, green-eyed copy of her mother, she was a happy child despite her handicap, and between the Bennets, the Gardiners and their secret benefactor, she received a good many presents.
After experiencing the misery her rebellious ways had brought upon her family, Lydia had matured somewhat, though there were times when she still acted like a spoiled child—such as today.
Holding aloft a beautiful pair of tan leather gloves with a soft, woollen scarf in the same colour, she whined, “I do not like this colour. Lizzy, trade your green ones for mine. You no longer care how you look, and the green matches my eyes.”
Heart full of thanks for the kindness shown her family, Elizabeth cared not which colour she wore, so she immediately exchanged her gloves and scarf for Lydia’s.
“Oh, Lizzy! There is another package in the bottom of the box, and it has your name on it!”
“That is not fair!” Lydia declared. “Why should Lizzy get more presents than the rest of us?”
“Hush, Lydia,” Mr. Gardiner scolded. “Perhaps your benefactor thought Lizzy deserved something more since she supports the rest of you.”
As Lydia sulked, Elizabeth tried to make light of his reasoning. “Surely, they have no way of knowing I am in service.” In truth, she was praying that was the case.
“I would not lay a wager on that, niece,” Aunt Maddie said. “After all, they know you well enough to know your sister’s Christian names.”
Tearing off the wrapping paper, Elizabeth was stunned to find a blue velvet box and inside it were her grandmother’s combs. Too affected to speak, as everyone asked what was inside, Jane reached for the gift. Upon seeing the combs, her hand flew to her mouth and tears filled her eyes.
Exasperated, Mrs. Bennet cried from her place on the settee. “Pray tell! What is it?”
“It is grandmother’s combs,” Jane answered. “Lizzy sold them to buy food and presents for all of us, and now they are back.”
Fanny Bennet failed to grasp the enormity of her daughter’s sacrifice. “How in the world did they come back to you, Lizzy?”
Every eye was on Elizabeth, though her mind was too full of questions to reply. Seeing this, Jane said, “It had to be a miracle. Only God could have returned the combs to their rightful owner.”
It did not sit well with Elizabeth that Colonel Fitzwilliam must have felt such pity for her circumstances that he had even returned her combs. In the back of her mind a plan began to form.
Christmas Day
It was nearly noon when William left the stables and turned Zeus in the direction of Twickenham Commons. The morning had been spent opening presents with Georgiana and Richard, and now that his sister was practicing the new music he had gifted her and Richard was at his parents’ house, he felt free to do as he pleased for an hour or so. Dreams of Elizabeth had kept William awake all night, and his heart whispered that he might catch a glimpse of her today if he hurried.
Since his cousin had begun to tease him about Elizabeth, William was thankful to be alone and had just kicked Zeus into a gallop, when a loud whistle caught his attention. There was only one man who could whistle like that, and his heart sank to realise who it was. Pulling Zeus back to a trot, he glanced behind to see his cousin quickly closing the gap between them astride his red stallion.
Once they were side by side, Richard exclaimed, “I believe you must be becoming deaf, Darcy! I have been calling you since you passed the Hyde Park entrance.”
“I apologise. I was preoccupied.”
“Indeed,” Richard said, glancing sideways at his cousin. “Where the devil are you headed?”
“Twickenham Commons.”
“Oh, that explains it.”
“What do you mean?”
“I believe you hope to encounter Miss Elizabeth there.”
“I will have you know that I have already met with her.”
“You have? When?”
“The day before yesterday. I was at Twickenham to ride, and I saw her exit a carriage and enter the park. And it was fortuitous I happened by because a vagrant appeared from out of nowhere to confront her.”
“My word! Did you give that blackguard a good thrashing?”
“I did not have the opportunity. He disappeared into the woods the minute he saw me riding towards her.”
“I hope you warned Miss Elizabeth about traipsing about alone, especially when few people are awake.”
“I did.”
“And?”
“I got a lecture about how she could take care of herself.”
“Then perhaps you should have a word with her uncle.”
“Since she waited until the carriage was completely out of sight before crossing to the park, I assume he has warned her. Furthermore, Elizabeth would be livid if I were to intervene, and I doubt it would keep her from doing as she pleases.”
Richard sighed. “Being unafraid does not mean one should act foolishly.”
“I agree.”
They were riding across the lawn at the park when a group of women stopped on the pavement in front of the Gardiners’ house, and the door flew open. As several children rushed down the steps to join those below, both Richard and William pulled their stallions to a halt. Once he recognised Elizabeth, William was too caught up in watching to realise he and Richard were completely in the open, and by the time Elizabeth shaded her eyes with her hand and looked in their direction, it was too late to escape to the cover of the trees.
“We must leave now!” he declared. “Elizabeth will be livid if she discovers I am here when I practically swore I would never spy on her again.”
As William whirled Zeus around and urged him into a trot, Richard shouted after him. “Good Lord, Darcy! They have likely seen us already; the best course of action is to speak to them.”
His words fell on deaf ears, however, for William was already galloping towards the spot where they had entered the park. Turning back to see Elizabeth and her party coming in his direction, Richard sighed, pasted on a false smile and waited.
It appeared that all the children were eager to skate on the frozen pond, for the adults immediately began to help them don their blades. Whilst the others were occupied with that, Miss Elizabeth turned to look in his direction, timidly smiled and then waved. Taken aback, Richard slid off Titan, sat down on a nearby bench, and waited to see if she would approach. He did not have to wait long.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth said as she drew near. “You are just the man I wish to see.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. I was going to try and locate your office tomorrow, but since you are here, you have saved me the trouble.”
Richard looked perplexed. “Is there something I may do for you, Miss Elizabeth?”
“There certainly is. You see, I am satisfied that it was you who sent the gifts to our house to make our Christmas brighter. There are no words to properly express my gratitude for your benevolence . . . indeed, all of my family’s gratitude.”
“But . . . but, I did noth—”
“Pray do not be modest. You were very kind to think of us, and for that reason I cannot allow you to return the combs you purchased from Mr. Blaylock. Given your generosity, it would be too much to bear. I do not have the combs with me at present, but I shall return them to you tomorrow if you will tell me where to deliver them.”
Awkwardly, Richard waited until she had finished speaking. “Miss Elizabeth, when I say I did nothing, I am being truthful. I wish I had the means to send those gifts, but I do not.”
“Then who?” An immediate change in Elizabeth’s expression revealed she knew the answer. Her head dropped in shame. “I . . . I never credited Mr. Darcy with being that kind to me after what transpired between us.”
“If you really knew my cousin, you would know he is very tender-hearted. Your family is not the first, nor will they be the last recipient of his philanthropy.”
“But why would he help my family when we all treated him so cruelly?” Shaking her head as she recalled her disgraceful lapse in judgement, she added, “I thought surely he would hate me after . . .” She could not continue.
“After you refused him at Kent?”
Ebony eyes filled with regret met the colonel’s. “He told you?”
“He only confessed to me a few days ago. You see, my cousin is a very private man, and his feelings run deep. He does not share them easily, even with me. To look at him you would think him a very successful man, and in many ways, he is. But beyond the veneer is a lonely man who believes he has lost the only woman he will ever love.”
Elizabeth’s dark eyes grew wide.
“I think we both know who she is.”
DARCY HOUSE
By the time William reached the stable at Darcy House and dismounted, he was not only fuming about Richard but talking to himself. Even the groom who took Zeus’ reins heard his murmurings.
“Mr. Darcy, did you say something?”
Looking irate at being interrupted, William declared, “NO! Just see to Zeus!”
Puzzled, the groom rushed the stallion into the stable.
As William entered the back of the house, he met Mr. Barnes coming down the hall. “Barnes, where is my sister?”
“I believe Miss Darcy is still in the music room playing the pianoforte.”
“Excellent. I shall be in my study going over correspondence should she need me. Ask Cook to send a pot of coffee there as soon as possible.”
“Yes, sir.”
Barnes noticed that the master seemed upset, but he knew better than to ask why. As he hurried to the kitchen, he prayed that Colonel Fitzwilliam would return soon, for that man could always coax his employer into a better mood.
WILLIAM’S STUDY
William had barely begun answering the business letters piled on one corner of his desk when a knock on the door interrupted his concentration. Looking up, he watched as Richard entered.
“Barnes must be occupied elsewhere, so I thought I would show myself in.” He left the door ajar and was greeted by a frown and a heavy sigh “What is this? Are you angry with me?”
“I am. I expected you to follow me from the park. Now Miss Elizabeth has no reason to doubt I was there with you.”
Richard tried to refrain from smiling. “This is true.”
“Blast! Was she very angry?”
“No. In fact, she was the epitome of graciousness.”
“I imagine that is because she was speaking to you. She always preferred your company to mine.”
Enjoying his cousin’s jealousy, Richard replied, “There is no denying she and I became fast friends at Rosings.”
William dropped his head in his hands and began to rub his forehead. Then standing, he crossed to the bank of windows behind his desk. Clasping his hands behind his back, he pretended to stare into the gardens.
“When last we parted, I gave her the impression that I would never again follow her, which means another fault has been added to my list of offenses.”
Immediately, Richard regretted teasing him. Walking to the door, he reached for someone who was standing out of sight. Drawing Elizabeth into the room, he held a finger to his lips in a sign for her to keep silent.
“Why do you care what Elizabeth Bennet thinks of you? She has gone her way, and you have gone yours.”
“It—” William’s voice caught. “It is hurtful to know she hates me so profoundly.”
“Then why not tell her it was you who bought the combs and sent the gifts.”
William grasped the window frame and closed his eyes. “I do not want her gratitude.”
“Then what do you want, Darcy?”
William’s head dropped. “God help me, I want her to love me.”
With that confession, Richard gently patted Elizabeth’s hand and silently exited the room.
“I . . . I do love you, Fitzwilliam. Very much.”
William whirled around and immediately froze, unable to reply. When Elizabeth realised he could not speak, she began to walk slowly towards him.
“I had barely left Kent when I realised I never really knew myself. Searching my heart, it became clear that I fell in love with you at the assembly, though I was too confused by your behaviour to admit it.”
“You . . . you love me?”
Elizabeth reached to cup his cheek. “Most ardently.”
Instantly swept into an embrace by arms akin to steel, Elizabeth was not prepared for her first kiss to be so fervent. At first shy, before long she began to return his kiss just as fiercely.
When at last William came to his senses, he clasped her to his chest and began to place light kisses all over the top of her head.
“Forgive me,” he breathed into her lavender scented curls.
“I shall not,” she replied, making him pull back to study her. “Not unless you kiss me again.”
His perfect lips lifted into a relieved smile. “I shall never again do anything to make you cross with me.”
Their next kiss lasted so long that Richard, who had been eavesdropping in the hall, poked his head into the room to see why it had grown so quiet. Witnessing their ardour, he said, “For heaven’s sake, ask her to marry you, Darcy!”
After glowering at his cousin, William went down on one knee. “Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth, you are the love of my life. Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
“Yes! I shall marry you, Fitzwilliam Darcy,” she said breathlessly. “And the sooner the better.”
William picked her up and twirled her in a circle before placing her back on her feet. Removing his signet ring, he slid it on her ring finger. “This will have to do until I can replace it with something more appropriate.”
“I am content just to have your heart.”
With this declaration, William swept her into his arms for another searing kiss.
“Miss Bennet, I am not teasing,” Richard warned. “We had best return you and the carriage to your uncle’s residence before he begins to worry. Darcy, may I assume you will join us in order to speak with that gentleman?”
Beaming, William could not take his eyes from the woman he loved. “Of course I will. I want to ask his permission to marry Elizabeth as soon as possible.”
“Good! I shall send a footman to tell your valet to prepare suitable clothes. After all, you cannot call on Mr. Gardiner in your riding attire.”
Seeing that the couple only had eyes for one another, Richard called over his shoulder as he exited the room, “You can thank me later, Cousin.”
At William’s chuckle, Elizabeth framed his face with her hands. “We do owe the colonel a debt of gratitude for this happiness. Had he not insisted I come here today, we would not be in each others’ arms.”
“If we name our second son after Richard, would that suffice to show our gratitude?”
Elizabeth ebony eyes twinkled like the stars. “Our second son? I have heard it said that a man’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from friendship to love, from love to matrimony and from matrimony to an heir in just a moment. Now I believe that is true.”
“Forgive me if I jumped too far ahead. I have dreamed of you as the mother of my children so often t it seemed natural to speak of it.”
“I was only teasing, Fitzwilliam. I am looking forward to being your wife and the mother of your children.”
Needless to say, it was even longer before Elizabeth joined Richard in the library to wait whilst William changed his clothes. If he noticed that her hair was dishevelled and her face flushed when she entered the room, Richard was too much of a gentleman to mention it outright.
Instead, he said, “Miss Elizabeth, might I suggest you don your bonnet before we arrive at your uncle’s house. A few of your curls have escaped their pins, and we would not want his imagination to run wild today.”
Elizabeth blushed as her hand flew to her hair. “Thank you for calling it to my attention, sir. I certainly would not want my uncle to imagine the worst at a time like this.”
Thus, when their party of three finally arrived at the Gardiners’ Gracechurch Street abode, all was in order, and permission to marry was granted straightaway. In the time it took to secure a special license, and not a day longer, Elizabeth Bennet secured the only title she had ever coveted, that of being Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
JUST AS THE SPIRIT of Christmas brought hope to legions of families that year, Elizabeth’s marriage restored her family’s hopes for the future. Jane’s cough, aggravated by the dampness, dirt and dust of London, ceased completely once she moved to the county of Essex as Charles Bingley’s bride. And, when it was determined that surgery would restore most of the function of Susan’s foot, said surgery was carried out under the watchful eye of Mr. Graham not six months later. It was a great success. Her daughter’s transformation, at the expense of her new brother, affected Lydia and she became a more responsible parent, though she often acted as spoiled as ever with regards to other matters.
Thanks to the kindness of her new sons, Mrs. Bennet, Mary, Lydia and Kitty were installed in a small estate just outside Town, which was well within access to all London had to offer young women in need of husbands. Eventually, each of the Bennet sisters met and married respectable gentlemen and not long after Kitty married, Mrs. Bennet accepted an offer from the owner of a small neighbouring estate. Fortuitously, this kept her from interfering very much in her daughters’ lives.
In the years that followed, Elizabeth and William often contemplated what he referred to as the ‘twist of fate’ that saw him accompany Richard to a small shop on Gracechurch Street—one he would never have frequented on his own— at the very day and hour she was there. They had come to believe that nothing short of Providence could have arranged the events of Christmas 1814 in such a manner as to give them both another chance for happiness. And for that they were deeply grateful for the rest of their lives.
~Finis~