At precisely two o’clock in the afternoon, Lord Blessing’s carriage arrived at the London home of the Earl of Elderton. Accompanied by young Dr Parton and Mr Bennet, the ailing earl was determined to ensure the marriages of these young couples were neither wrecked nor delayed. During the carriage ride, Mr Bennet had been alerted to Lady Catherine de Bourgh’ s assailment of Miss Elizabeth in the entrance hall of Darcy House. He was incensed when he learned that her words accusing his daughter—as well as Lord Colton and Mr Darcy—of licentious and depraved behaviour, had been delivered within the hearing of his other daughters, Lord Blessing’s daughter, Mr Darcy’s sister and a servant.
Mr Bennet was relieved to learn of the concerted effort to reassure all the young ladies that Lady Catherine’s words were untrue. He did not share with the other two men his fears for Elizabeth, or the certainty that Lady Catherine’s words had found a fertile field of guilt and anxiety on her part. Despite Mr Darcy’s denial, he knew his daughter too well not to recognize the signs of her wrestling with a moral dilemma. When he returned to the Gardiner’s, he resolved to send Fanny to her. Both of his daughters were due a more honest version of the talk he had heard happened between mothers and daughters on the occasion of their weddings.
The revelation of Lady Catherine’s action unleashed rarely experienced emotions in Mr Bennet. It felt quite good to feel righteous indignation again. The word of Lydia’s elopement had set in motion a re-evaluation of his responsibilities toward his daughters. Recently, during one of his discussions with Mr Darcy, he had concluded he had been negligent in seeing to their education. He had realized that when he had not been granted a son, he had abdicated his responsibility to his children.
Now, Lady Catherine had twice, most viciously, attacked his offspring. First, she sent his toad eater of a cousin to convey a message that hoped for the death of his youngest. This time, in person and in public, she accused his Elizabeth of licentiousness. When he had been told of Mr Collins confrontation, he had wondered whether he would have been as protective of his daughters as his wife had been. For years, he had poked fun at her less than rational parenting style, yet her priorities had been much more appropriate than his. She had immediately seen the forest, while he feared he might have gotten lost in the trees of trivial pursuits… finding humour in Mr Collins sycophantic bombast. Today, he knew his duty and was prepared to do anything required to ensure the happiness of his daughters.
Lord Blessing and Mr Bennet were ushered into Lord Elderton’s study. They were shown to guest chairs and port was offered. Mr Bennet accepted the offer, but Lord Blessing chuckled as he replied, “I am afraid I must decline. As I await the inevitable, I find it more pleasant to avoid the distress such an indulgence will cause in a few hours. A glass of water would be appreciated.”
Across from Lord Elderton’s desk were portraits of three very beautiful young women from a period at least thirty years past. Lord Blessing smiled at the paintings and commented, “Ah the heady times of our youth, Henry. Catherine, Anne and Cassandra… the women of today cannot compare in beauty to those of our time. Is it Romney who did the portraits? It appears to be his style, and absolutely every father of the ton was having him paint his daughters. His house in Cavendish Square was always alive with young ladies having their portraits done during the Season.”
Lord Elderton’s face assumed a similar nostalgic smile as he replied, “Yes, they are by Romney. My father commissioned the portraits of Anne and Cathy; and Cassandra’s father, Lord Ferncliffe had hers painted.”
“My sister Sarah sat for one during the same period. Father had it, much as you do, in his study at Blessing. After he died, I left it hanging. It is a pleasant reminder of my youth.” He turned in his chair to gaze once again on the three portraits. He seemed lost in memories for a few moments. Lord Elderton did not hurry the ailing man to get on with his mission. Finally, he broached the subject of his visit with a remark about one of the portraits. “Catherine definitely was the most beautiful of our set.”
Mr Bennet noticed Lord Elderton’s nostalgic look as he gazed at the paintings. He seemed to be cognizant that the meat of their visit had begun. He sighed deeply, turned his eyes to his visitors and began speaking, “Yes, she was lovely. However, it did her little good. She is neither happy nor loved. Anne was not as beautiful as Cathy on the outside; but she made up for that slight by God with her delightful sense of humour, kind heart, and passionate nature. George fell head over heels when she was but fifteen. He saw her berating my friend Lord Pettigrew for beating his horse and he was lost.” He paused while he turned away from the painting toward his quests. “My father made them wait until she was nineteen to marry. Mother and Catherine were hoping the romance would fade, but Darcy never wavered in his devotion.” Lord Elderton had a catch in his throat when he next spoke. “Anne was taken from us too soon, but her life with George was enchanted right up until she died. Her poor children at least have a legacy that will point them in the right direction to achieve joy.”
Lord Elderton directed his gaze at Mr Bennet and said, “I believe your daughter is just what my nephew needs. While she is beautiful, it is some of her other qualities I believe that have captured him so. He told me he likes to debate with her.” The two men shared a chuckle as the earl continued with his thoughts, “They also both seem to have a prodigious love of books. Fitzwilliam told me, you gave Miss Elizabeth her love of reading. I am certain you will enjoy your visits to Derbyshire. The Darcy family has spent generations creating one of the finest libraries in the country.”
With a nod to Lord Blessing, Mr Bennet said, “I do, indeed, look forward to my visits to Derbyshire. It is very fortunate I will be able to visit two of my daughters in that county. I will have books to read, and hopefully grandchildren to tease and cuddle. I plan to teach all of them to play chess. I was negligent with my daughters, and only taught Elizabeth the game.”
“That is another interest your daughter shares with my nephew. I believe George taught him to play when he was quite small.” Again Lord Elderton seemed to be remembering another time. His thoughts soon became words, “My Cassandra was a minor beauty compared to my sister Cathy, but she is a loyal and amiable companion. I remain happy and contented these many years later, and we are looking forward to our first grandchild. I like your image of teasing and cuddling him or her.”
Mr Bennet and the Earl of Elderton saw the sadness in Lord Blessing’s eyes with his awareness he would never be able to play with his grandchildren. He shook his head to clear those thoughts and decided to move his agenda, “So very many men were enamoured of Catherine. My cousin, Clarence, was one… he was totally besotted, and she seemed to enjoy his company. I remember they always shared at least two sets at every ball.”
The Earl of Elderton looked, once again, to the painting of his sister. “Yes she did enjoy spending time with him, but I remember her telling Anne, she could never consider marrying him because he was only the third son of a Duke and had been forced to join the military to make his living. At seventeen, she absolutely refused to consider any man as a marriage prospect without a title.”
“Henry, the irony is, as you know, that Clarence is one of those whose military achievements have been rewarded with a title. Mr Bennet, he is now the Earl of Clarendon. Had she followed her affection, and not her need for precedence she would, indeed, be a countess. Despite her intention of setting her cap for me, it was obvious her reasons had nothing to do with love or even affection. She never made any effort to learn my interests. Her ploy was to insinuate herself into my every conversation, and position herself near me at every turn. Luckily, my Susan was not a jealous sort. She actually thought Lady Catherine’s antics quite humorous. For years after we married, she referred to her as my ghost, or perhaps it was the woman who used to haunt me.”
Lord Blessing was beginning to feel a bit fatigued and knew they needed to stop reflecting on times past and address the present problem; in order to ensure the future of his son, Lord Elderton’s nephew and Mr Bennet’s two daughters. “Henry, this morning, Lady Catherine assaulted Miss Elizabeth. Her words were vile, and attacked both her virtue and her sister’s—as well as my son and your nephew. My Jon was able to reassure Miss Lydia that he was not depraved and had no plans to visit courtesans after they marry. Mr Darcy was not as successful.”
The Earl of Blessing gave a concerned look toward Mr Bennet. He hoped his next words were true. “It appears my sister, Lady Sarah, found a solution to calm Miss Elizabeth’s anxiety. Lady Catherine’s invective was delivered within the hearing of your niece, my daughter and Mr Bennet’s other daughters. Even if your sister truly believed the cruel things she was saying… and I do not believe she did… her indiscretion was appalling. One of Mr Darcy’s servants was present.” Lord Blessing sat as erect as possible before he made his final pronouncement. “We, as the elders of our families, need to allow our children and your nephew to marry in joy. We need to ensure that your sister’s attacks do not become the topic of public gossip. Both Mr Bennet and I have unmarried daughters, and you have an unmarried niece that must be protected.”
Lord Elderton directed a smile toward the friend from his youth. “Edward, you are correct. Our families are on the brink of being entwined, and I believe you can add my son, Richard, to the list of those whose hopes could be damaged by Cathy’s actions. Perhaps, you and I should speak to her and let her know we will not tolerate her interference.”
Lord Blessing was pleased his mission was proceeding without resistance. He had noticed Colonel Fitzwilliam’s interest in his daughter. The Fitzwilliams could, indeed, have an additional interest in good relations between the two families… beyond young Darcy’s happiness. “That was my hope when I solicited your help in dealing with the situation.”
“I believe though Mr Bennet should join Dr Parton and my family in the parlour. There are things about my sister’s history that, perhaps, should remain secret.”
Lord Blessings gaze was steady and determined as he replied, “No, I do not agree to those terms. I am very aware of the entire story of your sister’s marriage to Sir Lewis de Bourgh, and if I were not dying, I would keep that information from Mr Bennet. However, when I die he will be father to one and possibly both of my sons—considering the interest my Lawrence has been showing for his middle daughter. He must know the full truth in order to help them in case any of Lady Catherine’s cruel accusations surface in the future. Besides Henry, she made her assault very public—she does not deserve to be treated with such deference.”
Lord Elderton nodded his agreement, and rang to have Lady Catherine summoned to his study. He asked Mr Bennet to move to a chair that was not directly in front of his desk. Next a compromise, of sorts, was reached that allowed Miss Elizabeth and Miss Lydia’s father to observe; but not participate in what would surely be a humiliating experience for his sister.
When Lady Catherine arrived, she—as her brother expected—objected to Mr Bennet’s presence. They debated the issue for a few minutes, until Lord Elderton closed the discussion with a steely glance to his sister and the words, “Catherine, you insulted his daughters in the presence of a servant. If you would prefer, I am sure we could bring in one of my footmen to substitute for Mr Bennet. Perhaps Arthur—who you are forever threatening with your cane—would appreciate hearing the sordid story of your marriage to Sir Lewis de Bourgh.”
Lady Catherine now knew the exact nature of the humiliation she could expect. She donned her most imperious countenance and glared at her brother in preparation for his admonishment. It came from another.
“Lady Catherine, there are four young people who are marrying on Thursday. One is your nephew. You perpetuated the myth that Lady Anne wanted him to marry your daughter. You, your brother and I all know; nothing could be further from the truth. Your sister and her husband married for love and wanted the same for their children. They were the talk of the ton, as were Susan and I. I believe you objected to your sister’s marriage to the untitled George Darcy.”
Lord Blessing was secretly pleased she chose not to reply. He was tired and preferred to get this nasty business over without an argument. “You pursued me relentlessly all in the hope you could marry an earl and become a countess. No attempt was made by you to hide your goal. Those who observed you knew you had no true feelings for me. You were a vulgar huntress, as were many young women of our age. More and more the exceptions to that style became appreciated by a small band of young men who wanted their marriages to be something more than increased wealth and improved social status. Your nephew is following in his father’s footsteps. He plans to marry Miss Elizabeth for the content of her heart and her character. My son Jon has chosen her sister for similar reasons.”
Lady Catherine could not keep quiet at that statement. “Miss Lydia Bennet eloped with the son of Mr Darcy’s steward, and was alone for several days with him. She is a harlot.”
The Earl of Blessing could hear Mr Bennet’s gasp at her words, but was pleased he restrained himself from speaking. “Lady Catherine, she was a fifteen-year-old child led astray by a cad… the same cad, I might add, who persuaded your fifteen-year-old niece to elope with him. Luckily, Mr Darcy was able to stop them and saved Miss Darcy’s reputation.” For a few seconds, he paused remembering Lady Sarah’s youthful folly. “My own sister, as you know, eloped. She now regrets her decision, but she did not run away because she was a harlot. At the time, she believed she loved Captain Rowley… just as Miss Lydia believed she loved Lieutenant Wickham. He was even more dissolute than Captain Rowley, for he had no intention of ever marrying her. But with the help of my sister, Mr Darcy saved the day. This Mr Wickham was a true degenerate and was planning to sell Miss Lydia to a brothel.”
“Why would that change my mind about her being a harlot? Lady Sarah… Mrs Rowley runs a brothel. I know for a fact that both my nephew and your son have spent a great deal of time at her establishment, over the years. That is why I felt it important to let Mr Bennet’s daughters know of their betrotheds’ depraved behaviour, and to warn them to expect a continuation of their lascivious habits after marriage.”
“Not only did your nephew, Mr Darcy, frequent my sister’s establishment; but both of Lord Elderton’s sons and my other son, the Reverend Holmes, did as well.” Again Lord Blessing seemed to be remembering something in the past. “I believe George Darcy did as well after Lady Anne died. I did not after Susan’s passing. Sarah’s house was very different than the others in London. My sister was scrupulous at protecting the women and customers from disease. One of her motives for opening the brothel was to provide a safe place for my son, Jon, a great favourite of hers, to sow his wild oats.”
The Earl of Blessing took a drink of water from the glass Lord Elderton had provided. He had been talking a great deal and was feeling parched. “Your brother-in-law had a very well thought out plan when he took young Darcy to her. He wanted to both protect him from the pressures of marrying just to have an itch scratched, but more importantly, he wanted his son to learn how to please a wife he would marry for love.”
“George was a romantic fool, and I believe his son is just like him.”
“Yes, but he and your sister were happy, and I believe the same will be true for Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth.”
Lady Catherine did not immediately come up with a rejoinder. Instead she stared at Lord Blessing with contempt.
His lordship’s look was devoid of emotion on the outside, but inside he was anticipating his final blow. “If I am not mistaken, you chose to marry for other reasons. George and Anne had been married for two years before you chose a husband. You were the older sister and rapidly approaching spinsterhood.” He watched the woman beside him squirm a bit in discomfort before he continued. “When you were unable to find an earl, you decided, instead, on great wealth. Sir Lewis de Bourgh was only a baronet, but I believe you thought his great wealth would compensate for other deficiencies.” Another pause and another sip of water allowed his cut to find its mark. “I heard from my daughter that among the disgusting things you said to Miss Elizabeth was that Mr Darcy and Jon wanted the naïve Bennet sisters to play the beard for them. Their marriages would give them the cover to dally.”
Lady Catherine pumped herself up to her full height and spewed forth some provocative and unwise words. “That is precisely what they are planning. Why else would they marry silly country girls who were raised with no governess? They know nothing of the ways of men.”
Again Lord Blessing heard a sound of distress coming from Mr Bennet. He, however, was not distracted. He knew he was getting close to destroying this woman with his next revelation. He had given her the rope with which she would hang. “Lady Catherine you really should get your story straight. You accused both of these young women of being very knowledgeable in the ways of alluring men. You even said—for all to hear—that Miss Elizabeth had secured your nephew by allowing him to come to her and share her bed before marriage. Which is she… a naïve young woman that your nephew is able to trick… or a wanton seductress?”
As he expected, Lady Catherine did not reply. “Let us take both possibilities and examine their potential. Miss Elizabeth is staying in what will become her room on Thursday, but Mr. Darcy is staying at my house. All of the young women, including my daughter Eleanor, are staying at Darcy House; and all the young men, including Lord Elderton’s son Richard, are staying at Blessing House. Miss Elizabeth is well chaperoned. I think your accusation is just so much bombast. If you try to spread such a rumour, I will ensure it is countered with the truth of the situation. The newspapers that write snippets of information about the upcoming weddings could probably be persuaded to expose your lies with the facts.”
Lord Blessing, knowing that his next words would be the ones that devastated, took a deep breath. “You accused my son and your nephew of toying with these two young women in order to continue seeing courtesans after they marry. You, of all people are uniquely qualified to know what that is about. Sir Lewis was probably the most degenerate man I have ever known. I believe he was considered more dissolute in his habits than even the Prince Regent. His depravity often provided entertaining gossip for many of the ton while he was alive. Was the wealth you gained worth being married to such a man? My son and your nephew have no such intentions. My sister would never have allowed your husband to visit her house, as he was obviously diseased. How fortunate for you he died after only a few years of marriage.”
He could not say he felt enjoyment humiliating this woman, but she had to be stopped from spreading her falsehoods. “It is also fortunate you had the good sense not to let him near you once your daughter Anne was conceived. You appear quite healthy, so I believe you were spared. I have heard your daughter is not a very robust young woman. Do you fear he infected her?”
The Earl of Blessing prepared to deliver his ultimatum. He was exhausted, but knew he must continue on until she surrendered. “Catherine, you were wise to keep a low profile when you came to London, and to never visit during the Season. Staying in Kent, and allowing the talk of his depravity to die with him, was a sensible choice. I suggest you choose a similar course now. If you spread rumours about your nephew and my son in order to ruin their marriages, I will see to it that gossip about you and Sir Lewis is renewed.”
He saw the fear in her eyes, but still she persisted. “I could counter with tales about Lady Sarah and her brothel.”
“You could, but unlike Sir Lewis, she has always been very circumspect. There are many peers who would not appreciate such talk. Her house had a very elite cliental who appreciated the discreet way in which she ran her business. You would definitely incur some well-positioned wrath. It is not in anyone’s interest to talk about those who visited her establishment.”
During the course of their conversation her anger had been displaced by apprehension. She appeared to deflate with his last pronouncement.
Her brother attempted to smile at his sister, but she rebuffed his look. She was ready to concede in fact, but not in attitude. Lord Elderton said, “Cathy, go back to Kent. No one will notice you did not attend Fitzwilliam’s wedding. You have been blaming everybody but yourself for the unhappiness of your life. Shut the door on this thirty-year-old delusion, and let these young people have the lives they have chosen.” Once again he attempted to make eye contact with her. He had one last piece of information to deliver, and he feared the knowledge would cause her to renew her struggle. “Anne would like to attend the wedding. She came to me this morning to solicit my support. As she is of age, she does not need your permission. However, she is a dutiful daughter and asked that I intervene with you on her behalf.
His sister said nothing so he proceeded with his last bit of devastating news. “She will stay with us in London during the Little Season, and then return with us to Derbyshire for the winter.” His voice became consoling. “I do not believe Sir Lewis caused her illness. As you remember, our sister also suffered from similar symptoms. Anne should see doctors to get their opinion of her health. Catherine, please, she also deserves some happiness; and I plan to help her achieve just that. If you fight me on this, I will be forced to break with you forever.”
Lady Catherine could do nothing but nod in silence. The handwriting was on the wall. Anything she would attempt would be checked by her brother and Lord Blessing… they were both in the House of Lords. They had the power to see she was hurt far more than those silly Bennet sisters.
Fitzwilliam Darcy had decided to wait to see Elizabeth’s response to her conversation with Bella. If they were to wed, he must allow her to tell him in her own way
Five hours after she left the park, James delivered two items. One was a substantial wooden box and the other a book wrapped in brown paper. He opened the box first to find a beautiful hand carved chess set. Though not an outrageously expensive one, it had portability as its chief recommendation. Still, the carved and polished wood—he believed one set of pieces was walnut and the other ash—made it a very handsome set. She had asked for a chess set for the cottage. He took this as a good sign, but decided not to make any evaluation of her decision until he read her dedication.
He tore open the paper, and saw before him the copy of The Rivals she had bought to aid Lydia. He held his breath as he opened the cover. The dedication page pasted into the front had been folded and was a bit worse for wear. Certain it was the paper he had given her to hold the lock of his hair, he smiled with the knowledge she still carried it with her. When she had written her letters, the quality of her script had been the last thing on his mind. This time he noticed its girlish quality. Sometimes he forgot she was closer in age to Georgiana than to him. Her intelligence and wit often caused him to perceive her to be older than she was. He began to read.
September 1812
To my dearest Will,
“I own the soft impeachment.” For all her twisted and misused words in the end Mrs Malaprop atones so eloquently. I owe you an apology, but I am unable to think of anything poignant or poetic. Instead I will speak plainly and from my heart. I have been guilty of twisting—not my words—but yours. I have not been listening as you told me of your love and constancy, but instead replaced them with remembered words from the assembly and the Grecian temple in Kent. Even though you redressed the error of your remarks and your apologies numbered more than one hundred—still, I would not hear. This my one true attempt at owning the soft impeachment is paltry compared to your many.
I will never be able to take back my words this morning that implied you were not honourable and said with such certainty that you are degenerate. But now I must tell you the truth. Will, you are the best of men. You saved Lydia and my family from ruin, and I ignored that as I cast my cruel words.
You have told me it excites you when I become angry. Still, I never again want us to express ourselves the way we did this morning. As I remember back to that day in Kent, I must admit I was, indeed, titillated when you almost kissed me despite my furious words. Perhaps if you had, and I had responded the way I was inclined… we would be in our cottage playing chess. When we initiate this new set, the stakes should be appropriately high. Right at the moment, I am unsure what I would want should I defeat you—and know dearest, I will. Should you be forced to write or read me a sonnet? I have forgotten what we concluded that day. Was it your pen or your sword that was mightier than your tongue, my beautiful Achilles? I am all a quiver just trying to remember.
I am looking forward to Thursday.
Love from your luscious Lizzy.
First he laughed. When the laughter subsided, it was replaced with a smile. The smile reached his eyes and probably his ears and scalp as well. Quickly, he gathered the box and book, and headed across the park to Darcy House. He whistled as he walked and wished he could dance a reel… with her.
When he reached his house he asked James to find Miss Elizabeth and have her join him in his study. James’ smile was almost as broad as Darcy’s as he went in search of the woman who would become mistress of this house.
She entered cautiously, and he could see the telltale tracks of tears. But he also noticed she had come prepared with a brave smile. He returned the one he had been wearing since reading her dedication. She ran to him.
Picking her up, he sat with her in his lap—not on the chair in front of his desk from this morning—but on the sofa by the fireplace. He kissed her. His kiss was soft and filled with reconciliation. They were occupied thusly for several minutes when she pulled away and said, “Does this mean you are accepting my apology?”
The boom of his laughter filled the room. “I am. But, I would be dishonest if I did not admit that when I read your dedication, I thought of turning you over my knee and spanking your soft impeachment. Of course, next, my thoughts turned to punishing you with kisses.”
Her laugh tinkled rather than boomed, and once again they shared a kiss. This one was slightly more passionate than the last. She drew apart and her look was serious. “We must wait until Thursday. We have tested God’s forgiveness enough.”
Her words prompted a hug, followed by another kiss… this time with his tongue exploring her mouth.
Pulling back to see the intent in his eyes, her expression was serious as she said, “I meant what I said, Will.”
“I know you do, and I am not suggesting anything more than cuddling for a few minutes.” Suddenly his face became contemplative and he said, “However, I believe a candid conversation with some additional confessions might be in order. I am willing to go first.”
She looked sceptical, but agreed. At least she had time to think of what she wanted to say. At this moment the realization of her cruelty this morning was still fresh on her mind. She had not totally digested everything Bella had said, despite the fact she had finally become aware of the depth of his love while listening to her words. Next her mother had visited, and her revelation had been the topic of her thoughts when she was summoned. Could she handle more confessions?
Darcy pulled her back to him, and rested his chin upon her head. His voice belied little emotion. He had a similar story telling style to that she had heard this morning. “I believe you deserve an explanation of the exact nature of my friendship with Bella. I am not even certain she knows the reason I have turned to her when I am troubled over the years. In the beginning, we were just two young people with similar temperaments who grew to a certain maturity together. Yes, our acquaintance began through the giving of sexual pleasure… or perhaps it is more precise to say she pleased me. Over the years I recognized pretence in her eyes; so I am not certain how she felt about my ministrations. Many times over the years, she did assure me my wife would enjoy my skill. As time went by, it was spending the night and talking of our youthful hopes and dreams that quickly became what I craved. My certainty that I was destined for a great love and a magical marriage intrigued her, but she could not imagine it was for her. Besides, the fact she was convinced no decent man would wed a woman who sold her body, she had some ambiguity to the very idea of marriage… and men. She refused to concede it could ever be blissful or magical. She once told me her idea of being wed was shortly after the honeymoon, women become with child, and sooner or later they die giving birth. Her notion did give me pause. Had my mother been weakened when bearing Georgiana?”
“Will, her view is extreme because of her own circumstances. She told me of her mother and stepmother. There are plenty of women who do not die in childbirth.”
Darcy kissed her hair and continued with his confession. “I agree, Lizzy, but I want you to understand the kind of conversations we had grown accustomed to having. You have four sisters, a mother, a father, and a very loving and understanding aunt. People in whom you can confide have always surrounded you. When my father died, I was lonely. I wanted to talk with someone in whose presence I could cry. Bingley told me, when I met him, that he never shed any tears for either of his parents; and Richard would have been appalled at my weakness. Georgiana was a child, and it was my responsibility to be strong and comfort her. Bella is where I turned.” His eyes clapped on to hers as he asked, “Have I shocked you with my confession?”
Elizabeth answered him by tightening her grip on him and whispering, “No.”
“I spent time with her after his death. Lady Sarah allowed her to fulfil my request for a fortnight of exclusivity. As I have recently learned, she had been a friend of my mother and father when they were young. I believe she could see my agony. My obligations at Pemberley were legion. When I visited Bella next, she could not wait to tell me of her love. I was shocked at her revelation, but I could see in her eyes how serious she was. The pretence that had always been there when we made love was replaced by a look of genuine affection when she spoke of Susan.”
Lizzy chuckled at the image of Bella telling him of Susan. “She described your words about me similarly. In fact, it was when she told me you described my eyes while we were making love as looking like a child viewing a flaming Christmas pudding… that image finally wiped out all thoughts that I was only tolerable, and the realization of just how very tempting you find me solidified.”
He moaned and insisted he be allowed another very passionate kiss. She indulged him for several minutes, but then disengaged and asked, “So you did not see her that often?”
“No, not in the years following my father’s death, as I rarely came to town. Pemberley took a great deal of my time and energy. It was only after Ramsgate that I felt a need to talk to her. Again, I saw her daily for nearly ten days and often spent the night. What brought me back was the need for comfort and the hope she might share a woman’s perspective on how to restore Georgiana’s confidence. Any insight she might have due to her experiences with the squire, was solicited. I believe she told you about her ruination since you talked of The Vicar of Wakefield.”
Elizabeth giggled. “Yes, I requested she tease you about our discussion without revealing the results. Was she successful? It was my idea to tell you we discussed books—and then Bella decided to add that we discussed the Bible.”
Will’s mirth at her confession was much more than a giggle. “She was successful! The only clue I had of a successful outcome was her reference to Saul’s conversion.”
Darcy enjoyed the laughter for a few seconds before he returned to his confession of sorts. “The visit after Ramsgate was a little more than a year ago; and I told her of my plans to travel to Hertfordshire. Elizabeth, she encouraged me to be open to finding love.”
“Was her advice helpful with Georgiana?”
“Yes, but it was only after Georgie met you that she accepted she was not alone in believing Wickham; and with that knowledge, she began to gain confidence. You and your sisters are what she needs. Her extreme reaction this morning to Lady Catherine’s words was due to her fear of losing all of you. Kitty was very helpful in reassuring her all would turn out right—and Jane was masterful in taking charge.”
Elizabeth prepared herself to make a confession. “Will, Lady Catherine’s words found my Achilles heel. As you know, I have struggled with my guilt about anticipating our vows. No matter how I look at the facts, I am not able to deny the truth. I initiated our love making in the cottage, and her words of luring you were the arrow that hit the mark. Your rejection at the assembly was a blow to my pride, but it also made me wary of your motives.” Her face and the tip of her tongue reflected contemplation as she spoke, “It was unfathomable to me how, despite your insult, a desire was unleashed that refused to go away. Bella’s words were the salve that healed my punctured vanity. Please forgive me for my lack of trust.”
“You are absolved, but I also must beg your forgiveness. I allowed myself to become angry and petulant this morning. My pride was also wounded—by your accusations of being less than honourable, being deceitful, and yes, even of trifling with you. I also know that there was some truth in everything you said
Darcy raised his most difficult admission. “I did trifle with you. It was my intent to dazzle you with my lovemaking before I confessed going to Mrs T’s. I also wilfully decided not to disclose my friendship with Bella. My fear of your reaction was no excuse for something less than the truth.” She was staring at him with her head tilted looking very much like an innocent Eve being given to Adam by God in Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights. “Your only accusation that was unfounded is that I am depraved. I am just a man who was, perhaps, a bit too eager in his anticipation of having you forever.”
The resulting kiss was long, slow and passionate. Both tasted the magic.
Strict observance of the rules of propriety dictated that they should not remain in his study behind a closed door for such a length of time. With their wedding in less than two days, the doubt and anger unleashed by Lady Catherine’s public accusations, Will’s revelation of the success of Lord Blessing’s mission to plug the leakage of her ladyship’s lies and their need to speak candidly about their past and their future meant… they were both beyond caring about their reputations. Elizabeth’s one demand with regard proper behaviour—that she was required to enforce several times during their conversation—was that they would check their passion from culminating in unlicensed acts. She had made a pact with God that she would refrain from making love until after they had said their vows.
Elizabeth and Will continued to discuss all matter of things until they were summoned to prepare for dinner. Many of their topics resulted in laughter, but others were serious issues that were dealt with appropriately. Elizabeth was pleased to find that Lord Blessing had insisted her father accompany him to the Earl of Elderton’s home.
Will explained the dying man’s reasoning, “He told Jon and I that he sees your father playing the role of patriarch for the two of us. It is his assumption that Lawrence will marry Mary and perhaps Bingley might marry Jane… your father will then have four fatherless young men to counsel.”
Will’s words caused Elizabeth to shake her head. “I hope all of you do not expect too much in the way of words of wisdom from Papa. He would be stellar as a source of quotes, but practical advice might be beyond his reach.”
“Elizabeth you are too hard on him. You have told me he is a good landlord and his tenants respect him. Where I think he has been lackadaisical in increasing his revenues, he and I have had numerous talks about his plans to continue the growth. They are solid; and each time I talk to him I detect less cynicism and more optimism. He is no longer hiding from disappointments, but instead is planning for the future. He has plans to teach all of his grandchildren to play chess.”
The conversation drifted toward their siblings. Will expressed his pleasure at gaining additional sisters and brothers. He looked forward to never being lonely again.
It reassured Elizabeth to see an excited Will—filled with plans for the future of his enlarged family. She felt the need to caution him that before long, he might be craving the peace and quiet of his current life.
Will smiled politely at her words of warning and continued on with his plans. “Have you heard Georgiana and Kitty want to take drawing lessons together from a master? I think it a marvellous plan; and I also plan to speak to your father about allowing Kitty to be presented with Georgiana next spring. My observations agree with Lord Blessing’s. I too believe Lawrence and Mary will soon become betrothed. Jane and your uncle will certainly make a man of Bingley; and then they might wed. Richard and Lady Eleanor seem growing closer every day. That leaves only Kitty and Georgiana who are in need of our help in finding husbands.”
Elizabeth stared at him in wide-eyed wonder, “Will Darcy, you are turning into my mother. I had no idea you enjoyed matchmaking.”
“I just want everybody to be as happy as I am.”
Lizzy prepared to reveal another confession as her mother came to mind. “By the way, my mother is here. She came to give Lydia and me the mother-to-daughter-talk on the eve of our wedding. Instead of giving me advice on how to be a dutiful wife, she confessed to me that she and my father had anticipated their vows. Much like Georgiana—who needed to know others had been charmed by Wickham—I feel much calmer knowing that I am not alone in my improper behaviour. In fact, I suppose I could persuade myself that I inherited the trait of wantonness. Have you noticed my parents seem to be more loving and respectful towards each other of late?”
Will could not contain his joy and said, “I have, I have. I tell you love is in the air.”
Elizabeth smiled at his exuberance. “Do you like the chess set? I found it in a little shop around the corner.”
“It is lovely. However, my favourite part was your challenge, and the thought of extracting a reward.”
Lizzy set her eyelids at half-mast and traced her finger over her lips seductively. “Yes, I have been contemplating my strategy of how I will defeat you. If we played naked, I believe bending over and distracting you with my bottom just might be my most successful gambit.”
Just hours ago this very room had been filled with acrimony. Now it exploded with laughter, and as Mr Bennet contended, the love that shone in their eyes could very possibly illuminate the space.