Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love-kindle (82 page)

While Elizabeth blushed crimson, Richard scratched his chin, pretending to concentrate on answering his previous question.

“I would wager a month’s pay that Aunt Audrey and my mother could plan the ordination of the next monarch in less than a week, so why should a simple wedding and a breakfast be difficult? Besides, Darcy, you are wealthy and money is a great persuader. I dare say that if you offer enough incentive, you can command an abundance of flowers, food and even wedding clothes in as little time as you wish.”

“What a mêlée shall ensue when word gets out!” Bingley crowed, “The
ton
will vie for invitations just to see the woman who has captured the heart of the elusive Fitzwilliam Darcy!”

“I could probably make a goodly sum selling tickets!” Richard parroted.

Elizabeth’s brow furrowed at Charles’ jest, and when Richard added his teasing remark, she paled.

“Do not fret, Elizabeth.” William leaned forward to assure her. “The majority of those invited will be our friends and family—at least, those family members who have supported us.”

As an aside, he chided Richard and Charles. “Your teasing goes too far. You frighten her.”

“Forgive us, Miss Elizabeth!” Richard exclaimed. “We were trying to have fun at Darcy’s expense and did not mean to scare you! I am sure that my cousin’s scowls, whenever things do not progress as he wishes, will be frightening enough for you.”

This made even William chuckle, and everyone else joined in. Seeing the man she loved so happy warmed Elizabeth’s heart. He had laughed very little in the few short months she had known him, and the sound of it lifted her soul. She was looking at him with an expression of such love that once he noticed, his entire being transformed.

I love you
, he mouthed.

I love you
, she said in return.

Bingley and the colonel pretended not to see their last display of affection. After all, they had been too meddlesome already. For this reason, Richard began to speak quite loudly to Charles of other matters.

“Bingley, do you still have that red stallion that I admired when I encountered you in the park?”

Stumped as to why Richard was now talking about a horse, a nod towards the blissful couple finally caused Charles to comprehend. “As a matter of fact, I do! Are you still interested in purchasing him? A squire from Lancaster has recently written me regarding a price, but I would rather give you first choice.”

They kept up a steady conversation until the coach arrived at Darcy House a quarter-hour later. Meanwhile, on the other side of the coach, William and Elizabeth communicated entirely without words.

~~~*~~~

Darcy House
The Library

For the poor souls waiting in the library at Darcy House, the atmosphere in the room had changed considerably from what it had been when they had entered. Having prepared themselves for the imminent arrival of William and Elizabeth, when that couple did not appear forthwith, it was perplexing and, for Mr. Bennet, a bit suspicious.

Consequently, where once a feeling of eager anticipation permeated the room, fear and doubt was now paramount. And though nothing untoward had been said, Lady Ashcroft could not help but wonder if, from the look on his face, Mr. Bennet might utter a sardonic criticism at any moment.

In fact, she noted that Elizabeth’s father had become so uneasy that he actually laid down a book on astronomy that he had been pleased to find earlier, in order to walk over to the tall floor-to-ceiling windows that faced the road. There, he positioned himself with his hands grasped behind his back, as though fully expecting to observe the coach’s return from that vantage point.

As he stood in silent vigil, Audrey’s eyes happened to meet Jane’s. Without uttering a word, Elizabeth’s sister pleaded for understanding, and Audrey obliged, nodding almost imperceptibly and offering a faint smile. Of the Bennets she had met, this young lady seemed most like the woman her nephew loved, and that alone made Audrey predisposed to like her. While she considered this truth, her niece’s voice penetrated the stillness.

“Aunt,” Georgiana whined, “when do you think they shall—”

Sounds in the hallway, heavy boots and men’s voices, instantly silenced her, and she stood up and turned towards the door, gasping. Suddenly, it swung open, and her father stepped into the room with Mr. Barnes close on his heels. Smiling from ear to ear, the butler seemed well pleased as he pulled the door shut and backed out.

“Father!”

Instantly, Georgiana ran towards him, crying and laughing at the same time, totally unconcerned with how unladylike she might appear. Crashing into him, it took all Landingham’s strength not to stumble as he caught her. Closing his eyes against the feelings that engulfed him, he kissed the top of her head and soothed her with gentle rocking motions as she cried. 

“Shhh, none of that, darling girl! All is well.” Inside his heart sung—
I have my daughter at last!

While still holding Georgiana, he opened his eyes to search the room for Audrey. Half dreading that she might have changed her mind since declaring that he would return to her, he was thankful that genuine love shone in her expression. Holding out a hand, she came forward to grasp it.

“I… I am so thankful you are home.”

It was clear that if they were alone she would have been in his arms at that moment, but having given the room a cursory glance, he knew that Elizabeth’s father was present and a young woman, perhaps her sister. Therefore, fixing his gaze on the woman he loved, Landingham answered, “I thank God that, in His mercy, He has brought me home.” Whispering, “To you,” he was hopeful that she heard.

A loud cough from the vicinity of the windows demanded his attention, and as he focused on Thomas Bennet, he stiffened. Obviously unapologetic for interrupting, that gentleman’s posture shouted of distrust. It seemed to Landingham that he was spoiling for a fight, and he began to fear what that could mean for Fitzwilliam.

“Sir, may I interrupt your
merriment
to ask the whereabouts of my daughter?”

Not one to take kindly to being spoken to in that fashion and by a visitor, no less, Landingham’s ire rose. However, he felt gentle pressure as Audrey squeezed his hand and forced himself to answer civilly. “She occupies the coach with my nephews and Mr. Bingley. They should all be along presently.”

“And why did that coach not arrive with yours? Surely, they left at the same time.”

“They were detained when one of their horses threw a shoe. We decided not to wait, as they are close to Town, and we were transporting one of the officers who had been injured. The Earl of Matlock insisted Colonel Neilson recuperate under his roof, so they brought me here before making their way to Matlock’s townhouse.”

“Would that not have been justification to transfer my daughter to the coach that would arrive first? Obviously, her sister and I are frantic to ascertain her welfare.”

“Having seen her, I can assure you that Miss Elizabeth is well. As for having her change coaches, I dare say there was no conspiracy to keep you apart longer than necessary. It was just never taken into account.”

Mr. Bennet faced the windows again, mumbling under his breath, “Never taken into account! Humph!” 

Trying to restore a modicum of gentility, Jane addressed Landingham, “Sir, I am Elizabeth’s sister, Jane Bennet, and I wish to thank you for your service in affecting her release. We—all my family and I—are grateful beyond measure.”

Jane’s statement garnered another
humph
from Mr. Bennet, though he did not turn. Ignoring her father, she smiled wanly at the others.

Lady Ashcroft spoke up. “Forgive me for not making a proper introduction, Miss Bennet. I was so overcome to realise that Lord Landingham had returned safely that I forgot my duties as hostess.”

Simultaneously, Jane and Landingham both began to defend Audrey and ended by talking over one other. Chuckling, each bade the other to continue.

“Ladies first,” Landingham said.

Jane blushed, performing a small curtsey. “I just wished to say that no introduction was necessary, Lord Landingham, as I immediately knew who you were from the descriptions in my sister’s letters. Lizzy is very good at describing those she admires!”

“Thank you, Miss Bennet. I am just as fond of Miss Elizabeth, I assure you.” Landingham then let his gaze fall on Audrey. “And I, too, wish to set Lady Ashcroft’s mind at ease, for at a time like this, proper decorum is often overlooked, and no one thinks a thing about it.”

Audrey smiled her appreciation at Marshall then proceeded to return to the sofa she had abandoned earlier. He followed her lead, escorting Georgiana and helping her to the seat next to her aunt. Then he sat down on the opposite side of his daughter.

Jane sat back down as well. Then her expression became serious. “Lord Landingham, if it is something you feel that you can share, would you tell me what transpired in Teddington? I find myself both eager and fearful to know, though I dare not ask Lizzy. I would not want to upset her by asking her to recount the ordeal.”

Lord Landingham’s face sobered. “I shall try to remember everything that I observed, just as it happened.”

And with that, Marshall Landingham began to speak of what had taken place at Stillwater Manor. During the narration, Mr. Bennet moved from his position by the windows to stand behind Jane. By the time Landingham had reached the part describing Gisela’s demise, everyone was spellbound.

“So, Mr. Darcy put himself in jeopardy to save Lizzy.” It was a statement made for her father’s benefit, as Jane was well aware that he blamed that gentleman for her sister’s ordeal.

“Yes. I have no doubt that Fitzwilliam would have died saving her, were it necessary.”

Mr. Bennet was preparing a retort, when the door flew open and in walked Richard, Charles, Miss Elizabeth and Darcy, in that order, each of them scanning the occupants of the room with trepidation. Immediately, Jane stood and hurried to Elizabeth, motivating her father to do likewise. Jane reached her first, falling into her sister’s embrace. Tears, kisses and laughter were shared before Jane moved aside to let their father have his turn.

Charles waited patiently for Jane, knowing that greeting her sister took precedence. Immediately after relinquishing Lizzy, she allowed him to take her hands and pull her towards him. Subsequently, he kissed the knuckles of each of her small hands while their eyes devoured one another, both aware that a more satisfying reunion would have to wait.

Of course, Lady Ashcroft and Georgiana hurried to welcome Darcy and Richard, each in turn bestowing hugs and kisses on their loved ones. Georgiana, being already emotional, began to cry anew while simultaneously laughing with relief.

William pulled her into an embrace. “There, there, sweetling! No need to cry!”

All the while he kept one eye on Elizabeth’s reunion with her father.

From the relieved look on that gentlemen’s face, it was obvious that he had been terrified of losing his child, and that touched William deeply, for he understood the fear of losing Elizabeth. However, once Mr. Bennet opened his eyes to see that William was watching him, his manner altered and his expression became stormy again.

Feeling his entire posture change, Elizabeth pulled back to look at her father and noted that his gaze was fixed on someone behind her. His expression, now a stone-like mask, left no doubt who it was.

“Papa, all is well. I am unharmed. And, to be truthful, I never despaired, as I knew that Fitzwilliam would move heaven and earth to find me.” Mr. Bennet did not reply, so she continued, “Had it not been for him, I would likely have perished.”

“If it had not been for
him
, you would never have been kidnapped in the first place!” Mr. Bennet snapped.

“You cannot know that!”

“I can and I do!” Thomas Bennet declared as he began to pull her towards the door, calling over his shoulder, “Come Jane! It is time I took you and your sister home to Longbourn. At least there I shall be able to keep you both safe.”

Elizabeth pulled away from him and stepped back. “No, Papa.”

The room went silent, and Richard glanced to Darcy. Noting the fierce look in his cousin’s eyes, he took a step closer. Lord Landingham rose to his feet but, almost imperceptibly, Lady Ashcroft shook her head, effectively halting him.

“Georgiana, I have no doubt that your father and your cousin would love to hear the new song you learned yesterday,” Audrey said amiably. Her inflection, however, implied that it was an order, not a request.

Georgiana was in a daze, nevertheless, under her aunt’s firm gaze, she stuttered, “I… I should be happy to play for Father and Cousin Richard.”

Landingham held out his arm for his daughter, and they walked towards the door. Immediately, Lady Ashcroft threw a pointed look at Richard who had not decided whether to obey or stay and support his cousin.

William settled it. “I think you shall enjoy hearing her play as well, Richard.”

Overruled, Richard followed sullenly after his cousin and Landingham, but not before gaining Bingley’s attention and tilting his head toward William. Then scowling at Mr. Bennet, he vacated the room.  Charles whispered something to Jane and let go of her hand to stand next to William as she moved to take her sister’s hand. Lady Ashcroft was satisfied. Those left behind were Bennets or soon to be part of the Bennet family.

Mr. Bennet had frozen in place at Elizabeth’s boldness and watched wordlessly as the number of people in the library dwindled. Astonished at Lizzy’s refusal, his voice was less confident when he spoke again. “Are you defying me, Elizabeth?”

“I do not wish to defy you, but I feel that I must! I cannot go back to live with Mama or the Gardiners. They shall never forgive me for what has happened. I wish to reside here until Fitzwilliam and I can be married.”

“Married? Oh, so now that his wife is dead, you think you shall just marry and all will be well! A proper mourning period must be observed, and even then, there is no guarantee that the scandal will die. In the meanwhile, you cannot just live with him. I forbid it.”