My Dearest Mr. Darcy: An Amazing Journey Into Love Everlasting (7 page)

Lizzy was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. Darcy shuddered in memory but then laughed as well. "He completely blindsided me. I do confess it was rather inspired maneuvering, and his goal of humiliating me worked brilliantly."

"Did you trip or forget the steps?"

"Very amusing, Mrs. Darcy. No, I did not. I was graceful and flawless." He grinned. "So elegant and debonair that I believe it is fortunate we departed the next day as I may have caused the entire assemblage to fall madly in love with me."

He meant to elicit further laughter, but she smiled into his eyes instead and caressed his cheek. "Yes, I am sure they did. A host of broken hearts once again." She pulled him down for a deep kiss, Darcy happily complying. The spell was broken when he reached to embrace her waist and Georgiana's letter, still clutched in his left hand, crumpled against the swell of her belly.

"Oh dear!" he exclaimed, "I should finish this before mutilating it."

"What does she have to say?"

"You must read it, dearest. Of course, it is addressed to you as well. She is having a marvelous trip. When she dispatched this, they were at Aunt Madeline's brother's home in Rhayader. I believe they have probably moved on from there to Aberystwyth by now, but she says the mansion is enormous with all sorts of secret passageways, unused wings, a bell tower, and supposedly a ghost from the twelfth century. Listen: 'Suzette,'--one of the cousins--'declares with firm belief that the ghost is a woman who died from a suspicious fall from the bell tower. She swears, brother, that she has seen her gliding about the north wing with flowing robes of white and a sad face. I asked why all ghosts are required to wear white. Is it a metaphysical law of some sort? Suzette did not find my cheekiness amusing. Needless to say, I have not seen this ghost, although despite my skepticism, I do not intend to wander the empty corridors in the dead of night--this being, naturally, according to those laws previously mentioned, the only time the ghost will appear!'"

Chuckling, Darcy paused. Lizzy read ahead to the following paragraph, asking, "Who is this Lord Gruffudd that she mentions horseback riding with?"

Darcy frowned. "A Welshman who lives in the vicinity and is obviously close friends with Mr. Dawes, Madeline's brother. That is the fourth time she has noted his presence involved in some activity partaken. Why would she remark about an old neighbor?"

"Perhaps he is not old. You came into your inheritance young, as do others sadly. Maybe she is smitten. Did you read this? 'Lord Gruffudd is nearly as excellent a rider as you, dear brother. You always told me that a person born in the saddle is instantly recognized. Lord Gruffudd has such a demeanor. It was an entertaining ride about the moor with all in high spirits despite the drizzling mist as Lord Gruffudd's wit and humor is enlivening.' Sounds like a wee crush to me!"

Lizzy giggled, glancing to Darcy. Her laughter froze at the thunderous expression on his face. His eyes skimmed over the remaining two pages, counting Lord Gruffudd's name five more times ere her best wishes and signature. Lizzy opened her mouth to ask what was wrong, but the words failed when Darcy abruptly launched from the chaise as if sprung. Her jaw clamped shut from the sudden jolt as she fell into the space vacated by his absent body, sprawled into a bizarre angle.

Darcy commenced pacing as if caged, muttering and clenching his fists. As typical when deeply disturbed or perplexed, he ended by a far window, staring sightlessly. Lizzy struggled up from the chaise, approaching him cautiously. "William, whatever is the matter?"

He did not glance to her, shaking his head brusquely before responding in a flat, icy tone. "I never should have let her go. It is my duty to protect her from such things, and I allowed my selfishness to overrule my reason."

"I do not understand, dearest. What 'things' are you concerned about? She is having a delightful time, and so what if she has an infatuation? She will be eighteen in two weeks. It is rather normal for a girl her age to notice a handsome man, assuming that is even the case here."

Darcy pivoted her direction, the anger and self-loathing on his face propelling her backward a pace. "Need I remind you how the last infatuation she experienced concluded? Think, Elizabeth! I am aware it was before your time; however, surely you know enough of the details to comprehend why I do not wish for her to suffer such heartache again?"

Lizzy's anger flared and she placed her hands onto her hips, answering him with equal vigor. "Do not talk to me that way, Mr. Darcy! Georgiana has shared all her emotions of the Ramsgate affair with me, probably to a degree not even shared with you, but that is beside the point. You are being idiotic to equate a few mentions in a letter with the Wickham incident, and you grievously insult both your sister, who is far wiser than you give credit, and your aunt and uncle!"

"Idiotic? Really?"

"That is the least harsh term I could conjure." She crossed her arms and cocked her head slightly, a tiny smile lifting her lips at the sight of her husband attempting to glower and rage while dressed in naught but his breeches. "What truly bothers you, love? That she may experience a mild heartbreak or that she is admiring a man besides her idolized older brother?"

"That is ridiculous, Elizabeth." His denial was speedy, but the tone betrayed him. He glanced back out the window, avoiding her eyes, and ran one hand through his hair. "I feel helpless so far from her. What if she needs me? What if he is a scoundrel? What if...? Aach! I shall go insane!" He dropped his hands futilely to his sides.

Lizzy smiled, planting herself squarely in front of him and placing her palms onto his chest. "I think you are worrying for nothing, William. Georgiana will not be leaving us anytime soon, although it shall happen in due course so you must prepare yourself for the eventuality." He grunted, staring over her head, but he did clasp her waist with both hands. "I promise I shall forever idolize you and need you, my husband. I will even endeavor to do something stupid now and again so you can protect me! That way you shall never feel worthless." She smiled dazzlingly, Darcy unable to maintain his vexation. With a sigh and faint chuckle he embraced her, deciding with effort to relinquish his fear and trust his uncle and aunt, although he did hastily dispatch a sternly worded response.

Dear William and Elizabeth,

Greetings from Devon! Yes, I finally made it, warning Estella of my pending arrival a whole five days ere I barged in. Forgive me for not writing sooner, although I have no excuse for having not done so other than my raging irresponsibility. I trust you both adore me, worship the ground I walk upon adequately so as to not require I fabricate false pretexts or humility. In fact, be overjoyed as this will likely be the only correspondence you receive from me! In an attempt to placate, I shall endeavor to make it an extensive one with witticisms and information. Here goes:

The ride was uneventful, as you undoubtedly have heard from Col. Fitzwilliam or Mr. Bingley or Miss de Bourgh, all whom are likely to have written prior to me. We tarried at Netherfield for two days. It has been longer than I can recall since I visited Hertfordshire. Elizabeth, your home Shire is lovely. Like William, Derbyshire will always be dearest to my heart, but the lush farms of Hertfordshire are beautiful. Meryton so reminded me of Lambton that I had the most annoying sensation of deja vu! We dined with your parents, Elizabeth. I must say again how delightful I find your father! Capital fellow. Quite an impressive library for so small a room. Be prepared, William, as he is chomping at the bit to ramble through Pemberley's bookshelves. Your mother, Elizabeth, bless her heart, seemed all atwitter by my presence. Odd, as I rarely have such an effect on folks, being so calm and serene of spirit.

Lizzy and Darcy snorted simultaneously at this blatant falsehood.

I did my best to be charming and endearing, and believe I succeeded as she actually smiled and blushed when I said my adieus. I seem to have this effect on women despite my attempts to submerge my natural magnetism. It is a Darcy trait, do you not agree, William?

Only Lizzy snorted at this point, Darcy nudging her in the ribs.

Leaving Hertfordshire we leisurely drove to Kent. Miss de Bourgh did not strike me as being too anxious to return home. She continues to thrive, her color improving daily, even the trip not upsetting her health. Raja is thrilled. I do hope you have no qualms as to the nature of the relationship between him and your cousin, William? I know how dear she is to you. I shall confess that initially I was concerned as it is not an unusual phenomenon for patients to become enamored with their physicians. Happens to me all the time! Ha!! Seriously, as the weeks progressed, I have realized that Raul's feelings are genuine. Thus, my greatest concern was that Miss Anne's feelings may not be reciprocal and that my dear friend would be hurt. I no longer entertain this notion, as I have seen the affection between the two.

Now here is the fun part! We arrived at Rosings, Lady Catherine as enchanting as always.

"I cannot imagine my aunt ever being enchanting," Darcy grunted, Lizzy opting not to respond beyond nodding her head.

Raja and I were ignored. Col. Fitzwilliam and Miss de Bourgh were both embarrassed, bless their souls, by our obvious slighting, but Raja and I found it highly amusing. I do not think either of you grew to know Dr. Penaflor well, but let me assure you, the man has a backbone to rival even you, William. We settled at the inn in Ashford, happy to bide our time for one evening. Raja, however, had a plan with no intention of being waylaid. I do not know all the details, but it was clear to me by this point that he and Miss de Bourgh had reached an agreement of sorts. I know he has not formally proposed. You see, formality and propriety are vitally
essential to a man such as Raul Penaflor and nothing short of a proper courtship will do.

Lizzy interrupted to envy the fortunate Anne in enjoying a regular courtship as befits a lady. Darcy replied that courtships are a waste of time, Anne preferring to just get married and skip to the fun part. He grinned salaciously, eyes raking over her body, which raised a blush to her cheeks and halted any further snappy comments.

You two may not quite understand Raja's circumstance. He was raised in the courts of Madrid and Palencia. His blood is as blue as it gets and his wealth transcends yours, William; radically transcends. I honestly do not know how affluent he is, but I have gathered much and it is extensive. Additionally, his connections are superb. I do not think any of these facts interest Miss de Bourgh in the least, but Lady Catherine is another matter entirely. However, I am getting ahead of myself in the tale.

So, day two: We are invited, by Miss de Bourgh, to dine. She is showing strength beyond merely physical and I do not judge Lady Catherine is wholly pleased by that development. Nonetheless, we arrived for dinner to the sweet charm of Miss Anne, the booming effervescence of Col. Fitzwilliam, who I believe intended to stay around at the risk of court-martial for abandoning his post rather than miss the spectacle and the sour disposition of Lady Catherine.

Darcy laughed aloud, certain that this was about the truth-knowing Richard and his delight in subtly tormenting his aunt.

Most delightful dinner engagement I have ever been a part of! Lady Catherine had invited her vicar, Mr. Collins, and his wife. Lovely woman, Mrs. Collins, but more on her later. Her husband, however, I am sure was included on the dinner list as an ally in the anti-foreigner and strange distant relative front.