Darcy's Voyage: A Tale of Uncharted Love on the Open Seas (30 page)

Darcy turned and told him, “There was nothing of consequence taken that cannot be replaced. Let Bingley know so he should have the rest of the house looked over in case he went through other rooms.”

“Yes, sir.”

Darcy was quite surprised by how little this upset him. He was feeling too intoxicated by the lingering warmth of Elizabeth’s embrace and their confessions of love to one another to allow a petty theft to annoy him.

George Wickham made his way through the darkness to the horse he had tethered in the dense grove of trees that formed a convenient cover for him as he stole away from Netherfield. When he returned to the solitude of his quarters in Meryton, he looked through the various items that he had liberated from his old chum’s room. But it was the simple piece of paper that proved to be most interesting.

A malevolent wave of elation swept over him as he thought back to the events of the evening. He could not determine whether he was more greatly satisfied at what he had been able to secure, what he had seen, what he had heard, or that he was able to accomplish it all without being caught.

He tossed aside the few pieces of jewellery that would garner him a more than adequate amount of gambling money. But in light of the other things he came away with, these small items were inconsequential. His eyes narrowed as he perused what was apparently a marriage certificate. He shook his head as he tried to fathom the circumstances of a marriage between Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. A sly smile crept across his face as he realized that no one in this trifling neighbourhood seemed to be aware of it!

Wickham chuckled as he considered how easily he had been able to charm one of Netherfield’s young servant girls into telling him which room Darcy occupied. He leaned back into his chair, giving this piece of paper his undivided attention. The brief thought crossed his mind to attempt to blackmail his old friend, but chances were Darcy would choose to do something noble, such as divulge the truth to everyone rather than pay.

He thought about the bits and pieces of conversation that he overheard as Darcy and this young lady, who bore the esteemed honour of being his secret wife, stood in the shadows.
Something about getting married only to have it annulled later. Must have changed their minds, although they obviously are not living together as man and wife.

Wickham shook his head, unsure how all this fit together. He was quite confident, however, that there was some scheme he could come up with using this little piece of paper and this most enlightening morsel of news to his best advantage; something that would pad his pockets at least for a while.

He put the certificate down and began to take off the dark clothing that he had worn to sneak into Netherfield. As he pulled off his shirt, a novel idea came to him.

“Ahhh, yes,” he whispered softly. “I
do
believe there is someone who would be most interested in what ol’ Darce has been doing these past few months. She ought to pay very handsomely to keep me quiet while she pursues her options to take care of this… problem.”

He ran his fingers over the paper and smiled. When he planned to sneak into Darcy’s room, he had been confident he would be able to garner a few items of value, perhaps shake him up a bit. But he had no idea he would find something like this.
And to think I was also able to witness their clandestine meeting!

As he thought about this piece of information that no one else seemed to be aware of, a new idea came to him. A sinister grin spread across his face as he dwelt more on this very promising thought.
This could prove to be even more lucrative than I first imagined! This can set me up for life!

He balled his fist and tapped at his chin several times as he considered this.
But first, I must get Darcy out of the way for a few days. I cannot let him find out I am here until my plan is complete.

He pondered the best way to ensure that Darcy would immediately leave.
What would make Darcy return to Pemberley?
Another smile, even more sinister than the first, touched his lips.
Of course! I shall use myself!

Picking up a pen and a piece of stationery, Wickham began writing.

Darcy – I think it would be wise for you to return to Pemberley at once. Wickham has been seen for several days now around Lambton and even once on Pemberley’s property. Am concerned for Georgiana, as you might imagine.

He wondered how to sign it and finally decided to simply scrawl an illegible signature.

“There! That should get Darcy hightailing it to Pemberley!”

He folded up the deceptive missive and made plans to have it delivered to Netherfield first thing in the morning.

***

The next morning, the topic of conversation around the Netherfield breakfast table dwelt mainly on the theft. There was much conjecture from the men about who would have done such a thing and some disparaging remarks from the sisters about the type of people that must live in this neighbourhood. But in all her remarks, for some reason, Caroline seemed unusually subdued.

When they were almost finished eating, a note that had just been delivered was brought in for Darcy. He looked at the writing and, not recognizing it, curiously ripped it open. As he read it, his jaw tightened and he slammed his fist down. “Heaven forbid!”

“What is it, Darcy?”

Darcy looked at his friend, in whom he had never confided about his sister and his childhood friend, George Wickham. “Some problems at Pemberley. Unfortunately I must return at once!”

Darcy stood up and summoned Durnham. He sent him up to pack a small bag and a change of clothes and then asked to meet with Bingley alone.

When the two men walked in his study, Bingley closed the door and turned to Darcy. “What is it, Darcy?”

“Bingley, I must ask you to relay a message for me. I can trust only you to do it and I would ask that you do not say anything to anyone, particularly your sister. Do you understand?”

“Yes, friend. Anything. What is it?”

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet must be told that I had to return to Pemberley because of an emergency that has arisen, and I most likely will not return for at least four days. Because of that, I will not be able to pay her a visit as I had hoped. I will put it all in a note. Will you be so kind and see that she discreetly receives it?”

“Of course.” Bingley looked at him oddly. “Darcy, may I ask a question?”

“Certainly.”

“Did something happen here at Netherfield between you and Miss Elizabeth that I was not aware of? Have you taken a liking to her?”

Darcy looked up into Bingley’s jovial face. “I have taken more than a liking to her, Bingley, but it did not happen at Netherfield.” Turning his head and looking out the window, he said, “It happened two years ago.”

***

Mr. Bingley came by Longbourn in the late morning. He brought along with him the note from Darcy, and was able to give it to Elizabeth undetected.

She stole away to the privacy of her room to read his words to her.

My dearest Elizabeth,

I hope this finds you well. Unfortunately, this morning I received some news that has disturbed me greatly. I find it necessary to leave immediately for Pemberley for the sake of my sister and my own peace of mind.

Please accept my regret at having to leave again. Trust that my thoughts will dwell on you for the duration of my journey. Once I have secured the safety of Georgiana, I shall return to Netherfield with her and hope that we can begin on that course that we determined. I look forward, as well, to you renewing your acquaintance with my beloved sister.

I leave the greater piece of my heart with you here as I depart for Pemberley.

Until my return,

FD

Elizabeth was disappointed, but her heart was touched by his words and she treasured them deep within her.

She returned downstairs and was able to visit with Jane and Bingley for a short time before they left to spend the day at Netherfield with his sisters.

Her distress increased, however, when Mr. Collins decided this would be the day he would make his declaration in form. On finding Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth, and one of the younger girls together, he solicited for the honour of a private audience with her.

With a wave of mortification passing over Elizabeth and forceful insistence from her mother, Elizabeth found herself alone with Mr. Collins.

The few minutes she hoped it would take to politely refuse his proposal became increasingly long as he would not believe that her “no” truly meant no.

Collins continued to prattle on and Elizabeth came to dread that the only response that might satisfy him was if she declared she was already married. Knowing not what else to do, she insisted she could not and would not marry him one last time, and turned to depart the room.

As Elizabeth quickly left, eager to seek the solitude of her own chambers, she encountered her mother, who possessed a rather congratulatory look about her. She joined Mr. Collins, offering up warm congratulations on the happy prospect of their nearer connection. Mr. Collins, however, related to her what happened, still believing Elizabeth’s refusal to be part of her bashful modesty and the genuine delicacy of her character.

Mrs. Bennet saw it otherwise, and soon Mr. Collins realized that he had, indeed, been refused. He then changed his opinion of this daughter and began speaking as though he would not reconsider her.

Mrs. Bennet knew she must appeal to her husband and quickly left Collins before he was able to say another word. Fortunately for Elizabeth, her father would have nothing to do with his wife’s insistence that Elizabeth marry Mr. Collins.

Elizabeth smiled with relief at the conclusion of such a beginning, but Mrs. Bennet was excessively disappointed. When she left the room enumerating the agonies she suffered, Elizabeth gave her father a hug.

“Now, now, Lizzy, enough of that. You should know me well enough by now to know that I am not inclined to give my consent to just any man who is silly enough to imagine he has regard for you and thinks he can simply ask for your hand. Presently I do not feel as though
any
man is worthy of you, let alone Collins. So, my dear, even if
you
had said yes to the man,
I
would have absolutely refused it!”

Elizabeth smiled, grateful for her father’s scrupulous opinion in this matter, but wondering how William would fare under it.

The household was in turmoil the rest of the day as Collins refused to be mollified and Mrs. Bennet blamed Elizabeth for ruining everything.

Elizabeth consoled herself with the fact that this would soon be all forgotten once her mother was informed of her marriage to a man of £10,000 a year!

***

While Elizabeth was suffering from the unsettling events of this day, Darcy endured, impatiently and fretfully, the long carriage ride back to Pemberley. His heart was tossed about thinking with joy on Elizabeth, but with trepidation on Georgiana. He did not trust Wickham one bit and would not put it past him to still harbour a grudge and resort to some revenge upon him, his home, or, as much as he did not want to think upon it, his sister.

Darcy rested his arm against the window of the carriage and let his head fall into his hand. Georgiana seemed so young then, and he wondered if her willingness to go with that charlatan had to do with the fact that Wickham had treated her like a grown lady, whereas
he
did not. She was his younger sister, and he zealously wanted keep her young and innocent. Darcy took in a long, deep breath.

If he arrived too late and Wickham did anything to Georgiana, he would never forgive himself.

Darcy watched the passing scenery, anxiously anticipating the first glimpse of the familiar landscape of Derbyshire. He knew it would be an all-day journey and he would be subject to every thought of apprehension for his sister. He allowed himself to smile as he thought of Elizabeth, his wife. His anticipation of bringing her back to Pemberley with him instilled in him great joy.

Needing a respite from his anxiety, he thought upon Elizabeth having walked the grounds of Pemberley, and it gave him a great sense of contentment. To know she had graced some of the rooms with her presence and even talked to his sister pleased him immensely. How he looked forward to returning with her in his arms. He knew Georgiana would think well of her.

His eyes narrowed as he considered what the rest of his family would say about her. His aunt… Darcy closed his eyes. She still clung tenaciously to that foolish notion that he would marry her daughter. She was fiercely protective of her name and her circle, and that sense of protection extended to Darcy and Pemberley. He could only imagine what might happen the first time he introduced Elizabeth to her as his wife. He was quite sure there would be enough sparks between them to start a fire in all of her fireplaces without any kindling.

Darcy determined that it would be best to inform his aunt of his marriage when Elizabeth was not in their presence. He had no idea if he would ever be able to sway her opinion of his wife, but he would make a gallant effort.

He allowed himself to ponder Elizabeth’s family. On the three occasions that he had been in their presence, there had been some markedly objectionable behaviour displayed.

Darcy sighed. Perhaps all Elizabeth’s family needed was a little exposure to genteel living. He absently shook his head. Her mother was probably too set in her ways to change, and the two youngest sisters, particularly the youngest, would need some sharp discipline! He held out hope for her father, however.

He consoled himself with the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were a decent, respectable couple. He regarded them highly from his visit and felt he could befriend them easily; in fact, he greatly desired to deepen his friendship with them. He believed them to have been one very positive influence in Elizabeth’s life.

He knew he would have to make a determined effort to view Elizabeth’s family with a little more tolerance.

Darcy arrived at Pemberley at dusk and immediately sought out Georgiana. He greeted his surprised sister warmly. It was too late to do any investigation into Wickham’s presence, although he did check discreetly with the household staff to see if anyone knew who wrote the note or if any had seen Wickham. None had.

***

The following day at Longbourn, Elizabeth was sitting outdoors with Jane and enjoying the cool, crisp day. It was good to be outdoors and far from the continuing outbursts of Mrs. Bennet over Elizabeth’s refusal. Jane felt the extent of her mother’s disapprobation toward her sister as much as Elizabeth did. They were both grateful that Mr. Collins had excused himself and was spending the day with the Lucases.