Imperative: Volume 1, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice, page 45
Darcy smiled to see her lips curved but her eyes still closed. “Just some men who bothered me at the club. They are attempting to make eye contact.”
“And you are glaring?”
“I am studiously avoiding them.”
“hmmm.” She smiled, imagining his expression, then shifted uncomfortably. Naturally, he noticed, and she could feel his eyes on her. “No, I do not wish to go.”
“Would you like some refreshment? May I fetch you a cup of lemonade?”
Elizabeth’s eyes opened and she knew that he was feeling helpless. “Am I truly torturing you so much by remaining? Would it not be worse for you to have to face the people in the corridor?”
“I will bear anything for your comfort, dear.” His head tilted and his brows rose. “Punch?”
“If it will make you happy.” She sat up and he stood with a smile. “Go, you silly man.”
“I will not be a moment.”
“Where have I heard that before?” She started to reach for his watch and he quickly ducked away, giving her a fleeting kiss on her hand as he went.
Darcy stepped out into the crowd, and spotting the man selling punch, headed to the table, fingering some coins in his waistcoat as he walked. He was waiting his turn when he heard a familiar and acerbic voice behind him.
“I have been waiting for you to come pay your respects, Darcy. Clearly you are ashamed of your wife.”
“Ashamed?” Darcy turned, and looking around, saw that far too many eyes were watching. Leaving the queue, he moved to a relatively private place along the wall, and spoke very quietly. “Yes, I am ashamed, but not of my wife, rather of you. My mother would be devastated to see how you have intentionally harmed me. You, my godmother, who promised would always care for me. This is how you repay her for trusting you, by defaming the woman who would have been her daughter, who I chose of my own free will.”
Lady Catherine’s colour heightened, but she maintained her stance. “I looked out for you after she died. Your father was a shell of a man and I took charge until he was capable again. You owed me for that.”
“So this is the basis for your claims on my life? Since when does a child have to pay for a mother’s love? Does that unconditional feeling not apply to godmothers? I believe it does, and when Elizabeth and I have our children, we will be sure to choose their guardians very carefully.” He glanced around. “Do you have any other venom to spew? If so, I suggest that we move out of this public location so that the other patrons are not disturbed. They paid to see a performance of The Rivals, not The Taming of the Shrew.”
“How dare you!”
“It is appropriate, Aunt. Both are comedies, and your attempts to discredit Mrs. Darcy are laughable.” He raised his brows and looked to Anne. “Have you anything to say, Cousin? I would offer you my sympathy for having to bear such a parent, but then you participated in attempting to intimidate my wife. I assure you, it was not effective.”
“Then why does she hide in the box? Is she afraid to face public scrutiny? Come, Mama. There is nothing more to be done. He forsook his duty to his family.”
“Never question my commitment to my family.” Darcy growled.
“I suppose there is some truth in that, until this ridiculous marriage you have been above reproach.” It obviously took a great deal for Lady Catherine to make that admission, but Darcy was not feeling charitable enough to acknowledge it. Seeing his lack of response, she spoke tersely, “I understand that you have visited with my brother.”
“Yes; and his family will be joining us at Pemberley for Christmas.”
“Do not let his overtures fool you, Nephew.” She sniffed. “He wants something from you.”
“What makes him any different from you, Madam?” Darcy lifted a brow. “As I told him, I am very happily married, nothing will change that. If there is a separation in our families now, it is not my doing. The houses of Pemberley and Matlock are reconciling. You and I have managed to maintain a strained relationship, however after your concerted effort to slander my wife; I believe that it will be a cold day before you are ever welcomed in my homes again. You enjoy grovelling, Aunt. Perhaps you have learned some techniques.” He noticed that the queue for the refreshments had dwindled. “Pardon me, I promised my wife a drink. I hope that you enjoy the remainder of the performance.”
“Fool.” Lady Catherine muttered as she watched him make his purchase and return to his seat. “That woman has blinded him. My brother has wanted something from him since George Darcy died. He is forgetting that with this … gauze of love that he claims he feels.”
“Did you see the way he looked at me?” Anne murmured. “Can you blame him for taking her? He is not blind, Mama.”
“He is a man, of course he is blind.” Lady Catherine glared at the door once again and spun away. “We are leaving. I have no interest in remaining here. Come, Anne. It is time we returned to Rosings. We have been too long away.” Walking past the door to Darcy’s box, they stole a glance inside.
“mmmm I admit now that I am grateful for this drink, thank you.” Elizabeth set down the cup and took a good look at Darcy. He was staring pensively at his hands, but looked to her with a slight smile. “I had an interesting conversation with Miss Dryden while you were away.” His brow creased and she nodded to the neighbouring box. “She and her mother were visiting there, and she was clearly not enjoying the discussion, so I struck up a conversation.”
“Oh.” He sighed and took her hand. “I am sorry dear; did you have to defend yourself once again? I hope that my aunt has given up her campaign of bitter disappointment.”
“No, it was cordial. Her mother is more interested in gossip than she. Miss Dryden assured me that there was never anything between you or any other woman as far as she knew. And no, I did not ask for that information, it was volunteered. I will not lie and say that I am unhappy to be so assured. A few other ladies approached as well. It was good to see that I am not the universal butt of a joke, some just wished to leave us alone on our honeymoon.” Elizabeth was glad to see him smile again. Wrapping her arms around his, their fingers entwined, and she rested against his shoulder. “My pillow is back.” A flurry of activity caught her attention and she looked to where Lady Catherine and Anne had returned to their seats. Elizabeth unflinchingly met the elder woman’s eye.
“What is it love?” Darcy whispered and tried to see her face. “Your grip is suddenly surprisingly strong. Has the pain returned?”
“Your aunt is trying to intimidate me, I think.”
He glanced to see his aunt looking at them. “No doubt. And?”
“As you see, I am not cowering under my chair.” Darcy smiled and squeezed her hand. “What happens if I break eye contact? She is obviously not Medusa; I have not been struck dead.” She heard a rumble begin in Darcy’s chest as he chuckled. “Will … how long can she keep this up?”
“Oh hours, I believe.” He tapped her shoulder and she turned to look at him. “Enough dearest. She wants attention; do not give her the pleasure.”
Elizabeth began to argue and watched Darcy’s gaze. She knew that cold glare, and she knew precisely where it was directed. Looking back to Lady Catherine, she saw her eyes drop, then she ordered Mrs. Jenkinson to hurry up with gathering their things, and the three women swiftly vacated their box. Elizabeth’s eyes lit up with admiration. “How did you do that?”
“I am a man of many talents.”
“Really? Will you describe them to me?”
“I would prefer to demonstrate them, preferably privately.” He smiled when her cheeks coloured. “You made me feel better again.”
“I assume this has some connection to your aunt and the nearly empty glass of punch I received?” His eyes widened and his pale features coloured to match hers.
“I thought I took a sip.”
“You took a fortifying gulp.” She laughed and resumed hugging his arm.
Darcy at last relaxed, and brushed his lips over her brow. “How do you feel?”
“Lovely.” He snorted. “Hush!” She admonished and closed her eyes. “I hear Mr. Bingley coming.”
“You do?” His head turned when he heard a knock.
Bingley’s head appeared. “Ah, the newlyweds!” He noticed Elizabeth and his voice lowered. “Oh! I am sorry! Is Mrs. Darcy asleep?”
“No, Mr. Bingley, just resting my eyes.” She sat up and took his hand. “Please join us.”
“I was afraid I would never make it up here, the crowd is thick, and so many friends are milling around.” He laughed and sat down. “I wished to greet you while I had the opportunity.”
Elizabeth’s head tilted. “You are returning to Hertfordshire?”
“Oh. I meant before you left for Pemberley.” He looked away from Elizabeth’s gaze and glanced at Darcy. “My sisters wish to remain here for Christmas, and through to Twelfth Night.” He shrugged. “I cannot say that I blame them, the masked balls are not to be missed. Have you ever?” He saw Elizabeth’s head shake. “Oh.” Drawing a breath, he bit his lip and looked to his hands. “Well, you see Mrs. Darcy, the reason that I … well I had told … the people of the neighbourhood …” He looked at her briefly and back down. “I had mentioned that I would be returning in a week or so after finishing my business, and … well, not that it should matter so much to anyone …” He looked at her again. “I just was wondering if you know of anyone in the neighbourhood who might be disappointed in our delayed return. Anyone at all?”
“Besides Mrs. Bennet?” Darcy asked with a smirk.
“Yes, yes.” Bingley gratefully looked at him and smiled. “Well, she does like the house.” His eyes lit up. “Have you heard from your family? I imagine they are most interested in your new home. Your sister, Miss Bennet, you are particularly close to her, that was clear when you came to her aid at Netherfield. How is she, I mean, how are all of your sisters? I am sure that they all miss you.”
“Mr. Bingley,” Elizabeth bit her lip and tried to think of an answer. “I know that all of my sisters greatly enjoyed your company while you were in the neighbourhood.” Bingley’s head swivelled and he looked at her intently. “But I have not heard a word from them since we left.”
“Oh.” He deflated. “Nothing?”
“No, I have written home, and I know my sister Jane has written to our aunt, but I suppose that she did not wish to bother us as we are so newly married.” Elizabeth saw his disappointment. “But, as you assured the neighbourhood that you expected to return within a week or so, they have not had any reason to repine.”
“Of course, of course, it has not been so very long, has it?” He stared at his hands.
“I cannot believe we are having this conversation here.” Darcy sighed and sitting forward, spoke very softly. “Dearest, what Bingley is trying to avoid asking and what I have never been able to discern for myself to answer him is; does Jane like Bingley?” Bingley’s head popped up and he looked from Darcy to Elizabeth.
“She has always enjoyed your company, sir.” She smiled.
“I never saw it.” Darcy opined and sat back.
Elizabeth shot him a look. “You are not her sister.”
“Bingley never saw it.” He waved his hand at him. “Did you?”
“I thought I might, but she is so … content.” He coloured when Darcy coughed. “She really has never said anything to give any indication.”
“I never said anything about liking Mr. Darcy, yet here I am married to him.” Elizabeth offered and ignored her husband’s sharp stare. “Mr. Bingley, I cannot offer you more than what I have said. My sister, like me, keeps her own counsel in these matters.”
“Of course, and it is completely out of order for me to even try to ask.”
“I did the asking, Bingley.” Darcy’s lips lifted.
“On behalf of a friend.” He smiled in return. “Well … I cannot break my promise to my sisters and leave now, can I? I cannot return alone.”
“What would your intentions be if you did return to Hertfordshire?” Darcy asked softly. He glanced around; people were beginning to take their seats. “Whatever it is, I suggest that you make it very clear from the outset. Unlike my sister Jane, Mrs. Bennet is quite sure of her feelings and is not hesitant about expressing them.”
“I do not know.” He sighed and ran his hand through his unruly blonde hair. “If only everyone had just stayed at Netherfield, but now they are all here. Mrs. Darcy, when you next write home, could you tell her, them, that I am unexpectedly detained? I would ask Caroline to write to her, but I honestly do not think that I can rely on her. She is … she has … I would prefer you telling her, them, please.”
“Tell them that you will or will not return in mid-January, sir?” Elizabeth met his eyes and held them.
Bingley looked to his friend, wishing that he knew his heart as quickly as Darcy had, long before he ever acted on it, and then met Elizabeth’s eyes. “Could you tell them that I must stay in London through Twelfth Night?”
“I will tell them that, and I will tell them that you enquired after my sisters specifically.” Elizabeth bit her lip. “But I will do nothing else, sir.”
“Very well then, I think that is sufficient. It is only a month.” Bingley stared at his boots.
Frustrated with the game, Elizabeth spoke to her hands. “I would be honoured to call you brother, Mr. Bingley.”
“Lizzy.” Darcy said softly.
“I would.” Elizabeth said quietly.
“My sisters hope for me to marry Miss Darcy.” Bingley murmured then glanced at Darcy. “It seems many people hope for you to be my brother, one way or another.” He noticed Elizabeth look away and blushed. “Forgive me.” The bells rang signalling the play was about to resume. Bingley stood along with Darcy and shook his hand then took Elizabeth’s. “I will inform Darcy of my plans. Have a very safe journey to your beautiful home, Mrs. Darcy. I wish I could be there to witness your first sight of it. I am sure your husband will be so proud to take you there.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bingley. I hope that your time in London is pleasant. If I learn anything of value, I will be sure to have my husband inform you.”
“Very well.” Bingley winked at Darcy. “And you are to be the diplomat in the middle.”
“Marvellous.” Darcy sighed and they embraced. “Be well, friend.”
“And you.” Smiling, he waved and disappeared.
Darcy looked down at Elizabeth and shook his head. “How did this mess happen?”
“Sit down, dear man.” She tugged his hand and he resumed his seat. “I wish that I could tell him more, but Jane has never said her feelings to me, it is all my observation that tells me she likes him. I can hardly give him that to pin his hopes on.” Her head tilted and she looked up to Darcy’s face. “Now, tell me. Did you hope for Mr. Bingley and Georgiana as his sisters do?” He sighed again. “I see. And Georgiana’s behaviour ruined that possibility.”
“What sort of future does she have now, Lizzy?” He blinked hard and stared determinedly at the stage as he fought the overwhelming sadness. Elizabeth moved closer, once again hugging his arm and squeezing his hand tightly. His gaze moved to their entwined hands, studying the outline of her ring through the glove, and felt her head nestle onto his shoulder as her free hand found its place over his waist. Drawing a deep breath, he relaxed into her loving embrace as the performance resumed. “Thank you.”
“I have done nothing.”
“Of course you have, I am not facing this alone.” Darcy looked down at her and smiled a little. “I hope that there is success for Bingley and Jane.”
“It is between them now.” Elizabeth watched Bingley resume his seat down below, his arms crossing as he stared up at the stage. A ripple of laughter moved through the crowd, and she was pleasantly surprised to hear Darcy’s voice among them. She caught his eye and was glad to see his smile. “Will?”
“Zounds!” He whispered in her ear. “I love a laugh.”
Elizabeth lifted her chin and whispered to him. “Think of the past only as it gives you pleasure.”
Darcy kissed her hand and clasped it to his heart. “No, learn from the past, live in the present, and plan for the future.”
“Hope is for the future.” She nudged him.
“That, my love, is part of the plan.”
Chapter 19
“Check.” Darcy moved away from the chess board and folded his arms.
“Do not look so smug, sir.” Elizabeth murmured without lifting her head. “I am not finished.”
“How do you know how I look? You are staring at your woefully depleted pieces.”
“Hush!”
Chuckling, he picked up his steaming mug of cider and took a long draught. It had been an exceptionally relaxing day. No visitors, no shopping or sightseeing. They had returned from the theatre to a cold supper and a warm bed, and fell asleep very quickly. That morning he had finished up his remaining business while Elizabeth spent the time with their housekeeper, insisting that she be told what was necessary to supervise Darcy House, and especially what she would need to do when it was fully reopened in February. She had appeared in his study, armed with a sheaf of papers covered in copious notes, both proud and intimidated by all she had learned. He was relieved to see her return to her normal self. This first brush with the realities of living with a woman had not been too terrible, but he was unquestionably thankful to know it was nearly over. Darcy watched her working out possible moves and let his imagination drift to other thoughts. Slipping off his shoe, he slid his foot up her leg. At last her eyes met his, and his brows rose innocently.
“Yes, dearest?”
“Behave, Mr. Darcy.”
“It is increasingly difficult to do.” He leaned forward and smiled. “I am hoping for very good news tomorrow from Samuel.”
Elizabeth squealed as his toes moved up to her knee, and wriggled between her thighs. “Fitzwilliam!”
Chuckling, he relented and shrugged. “I am doing my best, love, but I am afraid that the best of intentions fail when you are anywhere near.” Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled, and groaning, he slipped his shoe back on and determinedly scanned the board, looking for a distraction. “The move is obvious.”
