Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love-kindle (17 page)

“Your father can be very demanding.”

Richard laughed mirthlessly. “That is an understatement.”

She smiled wanly. “I… I do not like controversy—you know that.”  Richard nodded. “I have tried to keep peace among our family, even between those members of whom I am not fond.”

“Gisela?”

She nodded. “I do not wish to air our family problems for all England to see, so I have treated her with the respect that her marriage to Fitzwilliam warrants. However, she is being more and more ridiculous every day.”

“The Satterfield’s ball?”

“Yes. She arrived late with Lord Howard Attenborough, who was surprisingly sober, though Gisela was in her cups. Do you know him?”

“Earl of Wiltshire?”

“Exactly. A more pompous, self-serving man I have never met. They paraded around the ballroom, arm-in-arm like lovers! I think he enjoys flaunting it in your cousin’s face that he is sleeping with his wife. You know he could never best Fitzwilliam in any other way.” His mother began to fan herself with a piece of paper. “I was appalled, and since your father and Edgar were in the card room, I had to summon them. And you know how stubborn your father can be when he is winning. By the time Edward and Edgar appeared, Gisela and Attenborough had disappeared as quickly as they had come. It was almost as though they planned their arrival and departure precisely when your father and brother would be occupied elsewhere.”

“I would not doubt it. Gisela is no simpleton. She is calculating.”

“I have tried to give Gisela my approbation, if nothing else, since Fitzwilliam has cast her in such a bad light by his refusal to live with her, but I find that I cannot condone such behaviour.” She noted that Richard did not reply, but she understood. He had never liked William’s wife.

“I know that you and Fitzwilliam are close. Can you tell me what he plans to do about Gisela?”

“I cannot. Nor would I betray a confidence, Mother. I suggest you talk with him.”

“He will not talk to me. He resents that I recognise Gisela and invite her to family gatherings.”

“I can understand his position.”

“Richard, surely you of all people know what I face with the
ton
! I must keep up appearances for your sister’s sake. Alicia is still unmarried!”

Richard shrugged. “Perhaps if Father—”

“Do not say it! Your father will never allow her to marry that man!”

“I do not know what you and Father hope to accomplish by denying her the man she loves. Colonel Neilson is an excellent man and has much to recommend him, though he is a second son. ”

“Wealth marries wealth, and titled wealth at that, whenever possible—not second sons.”

“How well I know.”

Evelyn Fitzwilliam reached to take his hand. “Richard, your father and I will find a woman with a large dowry in need of connections. Be patient.”

He stood to leave. “Mother, I do not like being treated like a child any more than Darcy. I believe I have just had this conversation with Father. Now if you will excuse me.”

His mother stopped him at the door. “I am sorry that you are caught in this conundrum. It is not easy being a second son, but try to understand our position. If my mother had not left you an inheritance, I do not know how you would have survived once your father dies. Your allowance ends with him. Of course, Edgar could always decide to continue the stipend.”

“I understand completely, Mother. I am a pawn in the games of the
ton,
and my only worth is my name. I have no doubt that Edgar will cut me off. In any event, I believe I am going to learn how to survive without an allowance even sooner.”

With that, Richard opened the door and left the house, never looking back, though his mother followed him to the foyer with a puzzled look on her face. In the background, Richard could hear his father shouting orders to one of the servants about finding him and demanding his return. 

~~~*~~~

London
Holmes House
The Study

As newly promoted Colonel Steven Neilson waited in the foyer at Holmes House with his friend, he studied the other officer in meticulous detail. Observing Richard Fitzwilliam’s bearing, he smiled to recall that, with the exception of when they were training new recruits in survival techniques, he had seldom seen his colleague dressed any less smartly than at this moment.  Still, regardless of Fitzwilliam’s state of dress, he considered him the epitome of an officer—someone who took his job seriously and expected the same from every officer. He was someone Neilson admired enough to emulate.

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the butler’s return and the invitation for both men to follow as he proceeded down a hallway. Up ahead a door opened and a tall, boyish-looking man with mischievous green eyes and sandy hair peered into the hall before stepping out with a wide grin.

“I am surprised to see you, Richard!”  Lord Holmes, Viscount Moreland, proclaimed, grasping his friend’s hand and slapping him on the back. He practically pulled Richard through the door, as Neilson followed. “The last time we crossed paths, you were supervising new recruits in manoeuvres near Wales. That was over a year ago!”

“That is because you have spent the majority of your time in the service in Weymouth, relaxing by the sea while I actually had to work!” Richard teased.

“True! But what was I to do? My commanding officer would not issue an order without my assistance!” Still chuckling, he addressed the other man, “Welcome, Colonel Neilson!”

“Steven, please,” the officer replied.  “After hearing the tales Richard told for the past few months of your shared adventures, I feel that you and I are old friends!”

“Steven it is! Please call me Walter,” Lord Holmes declared, shaking the man’s hand before chiding his friend. “I hope you did not tell him
everything
!”

“Only the respectable parts!”  Richard confirmed with a chuckle. “I said nothing of the adventures we shared on leave in Brighton when I was first commissioned!”

All the men laughed heartily as Holmes motioned for his two visitors to sit. Then focusing on Richard, he challenged, “As happy as I am to see you, I must ask what brings you here today. You have not exactly been a steady visitor in the past.”

“I am here to convey my concern regarding your father. I just learned upon reaching London that his health has worsened, and he has returned to Satterfield Manor. He has been like a father to me, and I wondered if there was anything I could do to be of service to him… or to you.”

“You are too kind, but I fear there is nothing anyone can do,” Holmes murmured, his smile fading as his expression darkened. “His physician states that his heart is weakening, but he cannot say if he will succumb in another month or another year. I wanted to travel with him, but he insisted I stay here and fulfil my duties, as there is no way of knowing how long he may survive.”

The Viscount slammed his fist on the desk.  “It is so hard to wait, not knowing when to go to him.” Richard moved to stand beside his friend, grasping his shoulder and squeezing it in support. Holmes’ voice was quieter as he continued, “It was difficult succeeding Harrison as the viscount, but I cannot imagine succeeding Father.”

“How does one prepare for that?” Richard said quietly and then remembered his cousin’s similar situation. “I have no experience to draw from, but Darcy knows well what you are suffering.  He could not be here today but asked me to offer his assistance. He may not be titled, but he is well acquainted with running an estate.”

“Darcy is a good friend. Tell him I am appreciative, and I will certainly consult him. By the way, I am not in the frame of mind for such an event, but nevertheless, Penelope and I are hosting a ball Saturday.  She insists that we must reciprocate for all the soirées given on our behalf since our arrival. And, if Father is only going to get worse, we must do it now rather than later. I insist that both of you come, as it will be easier for me to bear. And bring that hermit Darcy. I have not seen him in ages!”

“I will try to persuade him, but you know how my cousin hates being on display. And since you,” he glanced to the other officer, “and Neilson are both aware of the circumstances, I must caution you that he will not attend if there is the least possibility that Gisela will be present. Are you aware that she is in London?”

“All of London is aware! I cannot imagine why Mrs. Darcy enjoys being the target of jokes, but emphasise to Darcy that she is not invited. I merely want to renew our friendship, especially as I will likely need his advice.  Besides, we are now neighbours—I could hit his townhouse with a rock if my arm was still good and my aim true!”

“You once had the best arm among us!” Richard declared, walking back around the desk to take his seat. “Remember the time you broke the window at Matlock, and Father though it was Darcy. It was a wonder he did not turn you in and save himself the tongue lashing.”

“Darcy was always too kind for his own good. I do not think I would have been so honourable if the tables had been turned!” He grinned lopsidedly. “Your father always frightened me. He still does.”

Richard chuckled mirthlessly. “He still tries to frighten me!”

Just then, the study door opened and Penelope Holmes stuck her head inside. “Walter? I hope I am not disturbing you, but when I learned that Colonel Fitzwilliam is—”

A wide smile split Lord Holmes’ face when his beloved wife interrupted the conversation, and when she rushed into the room upon seeing Richard, he began to chuckle.

“Oh, Colonel!” The petite woman gushed, stopping before him. “I was so pleased to learn from your mother that you were transferred to London. You must not be a stranger now that we are in the same town. And you must attend the ball!” She looked over her shoulder. “Tell him he must attend, Walter.”

“I am no longer in the military, dear, so I cannot give orders. I may only request.”

“Then I shall be forced to give the orders. You MUST come, Richard.”

Richard stood to take her hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss. “Had I more commanding officers like you, Lady Holmes, the army would be a much more pleasant occupation!”

“We are old friends—it is still Penelope.”

Richard nodded. “Penelope.”

As she turned to study Steven Neilson, Holmes and Richard exchanged amused glances. Both knew what she was thinking—this tall, good-looking fellow with blond hair and blue eyes would make an excellent dance partner for some lady. Nonetheless, before she could utter a word, her husband intervened.

“Penelope, may I introduce Colonel Neilson, and, yes, I have already asked him to the ball. Colonel Neilson, this is my lovely wife.”

Before Neilson could reply, she bobbed a curtsey. “Colonel, so good to make your acquaintance. Please tell me that you dance! ”

Everyone, including Neilson, laughed. “Yes, Lady Holmes. I do dance, and I shall attend the ball with pleasure.”

“Good. Then, that is settled. I shall expect you and Richard!”

Suddenly, she faced her husband. “Oh, I almost forgot. Elizabeth and Alfreda purchased muffins while they were in Town. I had Cook make tea, and we were just going to enjoy them in the parlour. We would love for all of you to join us.”

Before anyone could object, Lord Holmes accepted and both colonels followed Lord and Lady Holmes as they led the way to the parlour.

~~~*~~~

Thirty minutes later, Richard sat mute, astonished by two things—the proficient manner in which Colonel Neilson entertained the room with his tales of life in the army and the identity of one of the young women introduced to him.

While he had certainly found Neilson humorous around a campfire, he had never witnessed the effect he had on respectable company with less bawdy tales. And were he not aware that the colonel was in love with his sister, Alicia, he might have deduced that the man was trying to win the attention of at least one of the eligible ladies in their company. And
that
lady was eagerly paying attention to Neilson’s tall stories, her fine eyes sparkling with merriment.

When Penelope had introduced the women earlier, Richard had discovered that he was already familiar with Alfreda Wilkens. Though they had never met, he had seen her about town with her late father. In addition, he was quite familiar with her brother, the Earl of Hampton, having encountered him at White’s often when accompanying Darcy. Neither he nor his cousin cared for the earl’s attitude of self-importance, nevertheless, Richard had to admit that he saw nothing of that flaw in his painfully shy sister.

In contrast, the pretty, dark-haired woman had him acting like a schoolboy until he learned her name. Had Darcy not uttered that same name, Elizabeth Bennet, only weeks before, Richard might have been in great danger of falling under the spell of the lovely ebony orbs that now studied him. Thus, it was with a great deal of effort that he had mumbled a reply and scurried to the furthest seat from which to observe her while he recovered his senses.

From his vantage point, it was quickly evident that more than just beauty had stolen his cousin’s heart. Miss Bennet’s complete lack of affectation was as refreshing as her sincerity. Feigning occupation with his food and drink, Richard was free to enjoy her lively conversation, impertinent questions and infectious laugh. Moreover, she impressed him with her attempts to draw Miss Wilkens into the discussion, showing compassion for the shyer lady’s feelings. His conclusion? How could Darcy NOT fall in love with her?

Consequently, as everyone readied to leave, he moved in her direction, determined to learn if she remembered his cousin with the same fondness Darcy displayed.

She raised a quizzical brow when he called her name. He glanced at the other occupants of the room. They were talking and would not likely hear what he had to say.

“Lady Holmes mentioned that you live in Hertfordshire, Meryton specifically.”

“That is correct.”

“Then perhaps you have met my cousin’s best friend, Charles Bingley? I understand that recently he rented an estate there.”