History Notes: The French disease is better known to us as syphilis.
Syphilis got its name from a poem. Around 1530 Girolamo Fracastoro's imagination conjured a shepherd who offended the Sun God by worshipping other deities. He was punished by being inflicted with the disease. The shepherd's name was Syphilis.
There are academic arguments about how it came to Europe. It seems most likely that Columbus and his sailors brought it back with them when they returned from the New World.
There is a very nice passage on the spread of the disease in Voltaire's Candide:
"O my dear Candide, you remember Pacquette, that pretty maid, who waited on our noble Baroness. In her arms I tasted the pleasures of paradise, and they produced these torments of hell which are now destroying me. She was infected with a disease and perhaps has since died of it. She had received this present from a learned Franciscan, who had derived it from its source: He was indebted for it to an old countess, who had it from a captain of the cavalry, who had it from a marquise, who had it from a page. The page had it from a Jesuit, who, during his novitiate, had received it in a direct line from one of the fellow adventurers of Christopher Columbus. For my part I shall give it to no one, because I am dying." (I did not remember the quote from Canidide, I found it here: http: / www2 .hu-berlin .de /sexology /ECE4 /html /a_lesson_in_epidemiology_1 .html )
The timing of the first waves of this particularly virulent disease coincides well with Columbus's return from his first voyage. It is hypothesized that Columbus' sailors gave it to Spanish port prostitutes who in turn gave it to mercenary soldiers to spread around. However that part went, while Charles VIII of France was invading the Kingdom of Naples in 1495, his soldiers came down with the disease. From that point on, the spread was rapid.
The French called it the Neapolitan disease. The Russians called it the Polish disease. The Turks called it the Christian disease. However, the French must have been the most effective at spreading it because the name that stuck was the French disease.
References note: Information on this subject is readily available and the same things are repeated in dozens of books and articles. I did not really feel a need footnote any one source, other than the reference where I found the Candide quote. If you want more references, just let me know on the comments thread.
Chapter 2
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
November 17, 1811
Elizabeth sank gratefully into her bed and immediately blew out the candle. She must appear to be asleep. Jane had been hinting all evening that she wanted to converse privately. However, this was no time to listen to her shy sister gushing over Mr. Bingley. No. Elizabeth had too much to think about. Jane was temporarily on her own.
How Elizabeth had managed to make it through the day, she knew not. I actually accepted him! When she had opened her mouth to ask for time, at least a night to think over such a momentous decision, 'Yes. I will marry you.' had come out instead. At least I tried to discourage him at first!
Indeed, Elizabeth had used all sorts of arguments to talk him out of his proposal.
Her station in life HE had defended. He was a gentleman. She was a gentleman's daughter. They were equals. And what of my mother? I do not even know her name, only that she was a gentlewoman who died when I was born. "That is enough. Even if you did not know that much, it would change nothing."
The behavior of Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth's younger sisters was distressing to him, but would not sway him against her. Even if they caused some gossip, he would not worry. The Ton might be vicious. It would be about Georgiana's marriage. However, the Darcy name was powerful. In time the Ton would curry favour as always. Additionally, it mattered not. He had always cared for only two things, his sister's future and honoring his forefathers. Georgiana's future was irrevocably changed. Honoring his ancestors meant choosing a mistress for Pemberley who would care for its history and its dependents. Elizabeth blushed in the dark as she recalled how he had praised her at that point. How had she been so blind? How had she missed that he thought so very highly of her? He must be blinded by love. He loves me! He had not said it, but it must be true.
That thought led Elizabeth to remember her only argument that had given him pause.
SSSSSSSSS_
"But, sir. We do not love each other." Even as she said it, Elizabeth realized that for her part, it may not be true. It was possible that she had already started to love this strange man.
After a quiet minute or two, he had stopped pacing and turned to her. He gently tilted her chin until she looked into his eyes.
"Can you love me?"
She was drowning in those hazel orbs. He came closer and closer. Her eyes drifted closed as his lips tenderly played across hers.
He drew back and waited until she opened her eyes. "Can you love me?"
Elizabeth could only nod.
"Will you marry me?"
"Yes," she whispered. "I will marry you."
SSSSSSSSSSSS_
But Elizabeth's thoughts could not dwell for long on this memory, no matter how tender her feelings. No. The horror of Miss Darcy's situation swept over her. She is not Miss Darcy. She is married. Mrs. Wickham. I cannot call her that! She should not have that vile man's name. I will think of her as Miss Darcy!
Perhaps it spoke to an education that was a little too broad for a genteel lady, but Elizabeth had known what Mr. Darcy meant when he said 'French disease.' But I do not know enough! Not for the first time in her life, Elizabeth felt the unfairness of being a woman. Poor Miss Darcy. Elizabeth was sure that the young girl had known nothing of such a disease and probably known nothing of the marital bed before the elopement. Yes. It was true that Elizabeth's knowledge of these things was sketchy at best, but at least she had some. Poor, ignorant child. Tricked by a practiced deceiver and left in so terrible a situation. And poor Mr. Darcy! What will happen to him if she does not survive? Elizabeth shuddered remembering what she had read about the mercury.
She turned onto her side and adjusted her pillow. She must put it all from her mind for now and try to sleep. Mr. Darcy would come tomorrow morning to see her father.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Meryton, Hertfordshire
November 18, 1811
The general opinion of Mr. Darcy was certainly not improved on this morning. He rode very slowly through Meryton, following Thompson's directions on how to reach Longbourn. Sitting tall in his saddle, his public face firmly in place, he appeared to look around now and then, but he did not see. He was lost in his thoughts. He failed to notice that he slighted several people.
Goulding and Philips paused their conversation to greet the man. Darcy merely rode by. The two gentlemen acknowledged the insult by raising their eyebrows at each other, shrugging, and then forgetting it. They returned to their business.
Lady Lucas and Charlotte both blushed bright red. It was an affront and they felt it.
But to Colonel Forster, the Regimental Commander, it felt like a slap. He had been speaking with three of his officers. That arrogant bastard just cut me in public! In front of my men! How Forster wished he could go after Darcy and call him out.
Darcy noticed none of it. He rode slowly on.
As he came to Longbourn village, his senses sharpened. Here he did look around. This village would be a measure of Mr. Bennet. Not that Darcy worried about being refused. A country gentleman would not dare to do that. Still, it wise to learn something of Elizabeth's father. The village was not large. The cottages were well-kept. The roofs looked solid for the coming winter. The green was broad and treed. Darcy nodded his head in greeting to the villagers he passed.
In a moment, he was riding through Longbourn's gate and shortly the house came into view. It was much larger than he had expected, nearly the size of Netherfield. It appeared to be an older building that had been expanded by a modern wing on each side. It was well enough done and pleasing to the eye. The Master of Longbourn must be more wealthy than Miss Bingley has implied. I should not be surprised. The way that the eldest two Misses Bennet behave, the way they dress – I should have expected this. I should know never to listen to Caroline Bingley.
His new opinion was reinforced as he noticed how well cared for the house was too, how a stable boy was immediately there to take his horse, and how a proper butler greeted him at the door.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Elizabeth had never been so nervous. There were raised voices in her father's study. What was happening? Was Mr. Darcy being refused? She tried to calm herself by moving to the morning room and then the drawing room. It was no good. She found herself once again pacing the hall.
Enough of this! It involved her and she would have her say. She had just again turned toward the study, intending to knock and enter, when the door opened. Suddenly a pale Mr. Darcy came out, closing the door behind him.
"He has refused you." Elizabeth's voice was a whisper.
Darcy nodded. "I am to immediately leave and never return to Longbourn."
"But why?"
"He would not say."
They stared at each other for a few moments, neither knowing what to say. Hearing a noise from the study, Darcy took Elizabeth's arm and steered her toward the front the door.
"We may have only moments. Can we meet somewhere? He may not let you escape today."
"Tomorrow just after dawn. There is some heavy shrubbery on one side of our park. Wait just beyond it, away from the house."
"I will find it."
The butler was frowning at them. Then, Mr. Bennet's voice was heard, commanding someone to find Elizabeth. Using his broad frame to block his actions from view, Darcy gave a small squeeze to Elizabeth's hand and disappeared out the door.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
"Elizabeth, you are never to see that man again."
When Elizabeth started to speak, Mr. Bennet raised his hand to stop her. "I will not discuss it and you will obey me. You are to spend the day in your rooms. Now go."
Elizabeth stared in disbelief at her father. Never had he spoken thus to her. She was the favorite; indulged, pampered and even treated as an equal.
Mr. Bennet had returned to his desk and now sat in his chair. He looked up at his daughter frozen in the doorway. "I said go!"
She did.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Mr. and Mrs. Hill stood in the hall. One looking toward the stairway up which Elizabeth had just disappeared and the other looking at the front door out of which Mr. Darcy had gone minutes before.
"Should I write to London?"
"And say what my dear? We could not hear their words. We do not know what just went on here. Let us wait a few days to see. It may be nothing. If it is important, perhaps Miss Elizabeth will confide in Akers."
Mr. Hill harrumphed. "What good would that do? Akers will not tell her secrets."
"If she thought Miss Elizabeth in real need, I think she might."
"You are right, Mrs. Hill. As always you are right. We will wait."
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Bennet's eyes remained on the empty doorway for some time before he rose, closed the door and locked it. Picking up his hidden key, he unlocked a drawer of his desk and pulled out a little treasure box. Then he undid and took off his neck cloth. Reaching under his shirt, he caught the edge of a chain and pulled it over his head. Using the key on the end of it, he opened the box. Right on top was the miniature.
So alike they are. The beautiful hair. Those green eyes. Perhaps I was too rough. No. It had to be done. He had another year with Elizabeth and he was not going to give it up. She may be angry for now, but she would soon forget such an arrogant man.
It would have been a good match for her and it was not my decision to make. Thomas shook those thoughts away. No one need know for a long time, at least until it no longer mattered, that this proposal had been made. Elizabeth would eventually forgive him.
Calmer now, he locked the portrait away. After retying his cravat and unlocking the door, he settled down with Hume.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Dinner was not nearly as amusing as Mr. Bennet had anticipated. Even his pleasure from surprising Mrs. Bennet with the imminent arrival of the hated heir had been lost. Darcy had taken it away when he appeared so soon after breakfast. Bennet's anger at Darcy increased.
Now Collins sat at the table. He was even more ridiculous than his letter had portended. But Bennet did not have his favorite child here. Without Elizabeth to share it with, the joke of Mr. Collins' conversation wore thin very quickly.
As soon as possible, Bennet rose to go to his study, ordering Collins to stay behind and enjoy the ladies' company. Let Fannie deal with him. Perhaps the fool will even marry one of her silly daughters. Then I will not have to hear her moan about hedgerows.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
November 19, 1811
Elizabeth slipped from the house as quietly as she could. She walked quickly. As soon as she rounded the final row of shrubs, she saw him.
"Are you cold? I hope you have not been waiting long."
Darcy felt warmth flow through him just at the sight of her. Maybe he had been cold but he felt none of it now.
"I am well." He held out his hand. His eyes seemed on fire.
Blushing, she cast her eyes down but she still moved forward to take his glove.
"What did your Father tell you?"
"Nothing. I was sent to my room for the day. I was ordered never to see you again."
"Yet you are here."
She raised her eyes to meet his. "I am here."
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
November 19, 1811
Fannie Bennet looked hard at Elizabeth. Fannie had never liked this child. Even as an infant, the girl had been trouble. Crying all night. Mr. Bennet had even left Fannie's bed to walk the girl and quieten her. The master of an estate walking an infant! She should have been sent to the village until she was older. He would not even let me dismiss that worthless wet nurse. I was his new wife and he left my bed! Jane had never been any trouble. Fannie easily loved that sweet little girl. But the other one!
And now, this. Not only had Elizabeth missed dinner last night, the uppity Miss was refusing to walk into Meryton with her sisters and Mr. Collins.
Heaven only knew why, but when Mrs. Bennet had informed Collins that Jane was not available, the man's interest had gone to Elizabeth. He only saw her for a few minutes at breakfast! Well, there was no accounting for tastes, especially the tastes of a man. Fannie had intended him for Mary or Kitty. She did not want to grow old with Elizabeth for company. It is better than not having Longbourn. There was no arguing with that.
"Now you listen to me. You will accompany Mr. Collins into Meryton."
"Thank you, Mother. However, I am unequal to the walk this morning."
"Since when are you unequal to a walk? I insist that you go."
"With all due respect madam, I cannot oblige you. Shall we ask Father's opinion on the subject?"
Fanny was livid. Mr. Bennet always took Elizabeth's side.
"Very well. However, you will attend us at dinner and in the drawing room after. You will pay special attention to Mr. Collins. Do you understand me?"
"Yes Mother. I understand you very well."
Fanny turned and went out to the waiting party. She would tell them that an obligation held Elizabeth at home. With her missing dinner yesterday, Fannie could not take the chance of Mr. Collins thinking his future wife was sickly. Well, that might not be so bad. Maybe then he would choose Mary or Kitty. No. No use taking chances.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
As it turned out, Elizabeth did not leave her rooms for the rest of the day. She and Akers had much to discuss.
When the party returned from their walk to Meryton, Elizabeth was not there to hear her youngest sisters swooning over the handsome Mr. Wickham.
Elizabeth left her rooms the following day only to meet Mr. Darcy at dawn.
No matter how much Mrs. Bennet pleaded, Mr. Bennet would not make his favorite child venture forth, not even to attend the Philips' party.
When the Bennets returned to Longbourn that evening, Elizabeth was not there to hear them cursing the evil Mr. Darcy. Only a monster could have been so cruel to such a fine officer as Mr. Wickham.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
November 21, 1811
Mr. Darcy, after seeing Elizabeth again, tried to call on Mr. Bennet. Darcy was turned away.
Elizabeth tried once more to speak with her father. She was turned away.
They had a little time to work on Mr. Bennet, but not very much. Georgina's doctor had said that she should be able to travel in little more than three weeks.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
November 24, 1811
Caroline Bingley sat in the drawing room with only her sister for company. Her fists were balled tightly in lap. On, this is not to be borne! How was she to capture Mr. Darcy if she never saw him? Since the departure of those Bennet chits, he had all but disappeared. Sometimes he does not even dine with me!
Her furious musings were interrupted by a loud rap on the door. Another messenger for Mr. Darcy, no doubt. What was he doing with all those messengers coming and going at all hours? He was a gentleman. What business could he possibly have that was so urgent, that kept him from paying proper due to his hostesss? And it is Sunday! The rain is pouring!
Caroline's anger got the best of her. All her plans, all her careful attention to his every need, all her hard work at proving she thought him a man without fault, all of it fell by the wayside. Suddenly all she could see was another mess in her hall. And it was all the responsiblity of Mr. Darcy.
Marching out to the vestibule, Caroline saw what she expected, another drowned rat.
"Out! Out now! Go around the house! Use the rear door! What do you think you are doing, imposing on my entrance? Out!"
The very wet man looked intently at Miss Bingley and then turned his eyes to an embarrassed Nicholls. Taking his hat back from the butler, the man said "It is alright. I will walk around back. Would you please let Mr. Darcy know where I am."
"Sir, please take this umbrella."
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
"Woolridge. Forgive me my good man. You travel for me on a Sunday, in such wretched weather, and my hostess throws you out in the storm again."
Nicholls stood a little behind Darcy. The butler had wasted no time in going to find Darcy and telling him what had become of his man. Both men had quickly made for the kitchens and found Cook and the good Mrs. Nicholls helping poor Woolridge out of his wet coat.
"Mrs. Nicholls, is there a room for Mr. Woolridge? Can we get him a warm bath?"
"Of course, Mr. Darcy, sir." Mrs. Nicholls liked this serious young man. The neighborhood thought little of him, but he had always treated all the servants with respect and he was never any trouble. Well, except for the mess all these wet people caused coming and going. Even then, Mr. Darcy never forgot to thank the servants who helped and they always received some welcome coins.
Now, perhaps this new man was more than a messenger. It would be embarrassing to ask his status. Nicholls would give him a guest room. She never thought about asking Miss Bingley's permission. Anything that was for Mr. Darcy was to be done at once. Miss Bingley must have told all the servants that at least a hundred times. "I'll send Maggie up with the first of the warm water and to start a fire, sir. Mr. Woolridge, you stay here by the kitchen fire until all is ready."
"I'll go find Thompson. You will need something dry to wear. You look soaked. Did the storm do all this between the carriage and the door?"
"It is alright, Mr. Darcy. I had to help dislodge a wheel from the mud. I have dry clothing in my bag." Woolridge looked over at the kindly Mrs. Nicholls. "But mam, when my driver Perkins gets in from the stables, he will be a right messs."
"Don't you worry, sir. We will take care of him."
Darcy noted with pleasure that Mrs. Nicholls was handing Woolridge a mug of warm tea. He shook hands with Woolridge. "I cannot thank you enough for coming today. I will be in my rooms when you are ready. Anyone can direct you. Mrs. Nicholls, you are an angel."
Darcy kissed the old woman's hand. She blushed bright red.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Later, by the toasty fire in Mr. Darcy's rooms, their stomachs full and brandies in hand, Darcy and Woolridge went over the state of all the plans. Everything was in place.
Reaching into his satchel, Woolridge withdrew a stack of papers. "Here is the settlement, sir. It is all as you ordered. However, if after you read it over you want any changes, I can do them tonight."
Darcy set the papers aside, thanking Woolridge. However, he still looked anxiously at his man.
"I did not forget, sir." Woolridge drew out two jewelry bags from his pocket. "Fresh from your safe. I am fairly certain they are the ones you wanted. Your drawings of them were actually quite good."
Mr. Darcy raised his eyebrow at the unusual tease from Woolridge. However, when he opened the bags and let the stones flow into his hand, his face broke into a broad smile.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
November 25, 1811
Elizabeth watched the steady rain. Four days it had been. Four days of heavy rain. Four days without Mr. Darcy. At least it was not so stormy today. Maybe it would clear for the ball tomorrow.
Elizabeth had managed to talk to her father. Twice. He was unmoved and would not discuss his reasons.
"Father, will you not speak to him again? His sister is ill and he must away soon."
"All the better Elizabeth. You will not marry that man."
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
November 27, 1811
Elizabeth's door flew open.
"Wake up child!"
"Mother, what is it?"
"Call for a bath. See that Akers dresses you well. Mr. Collins will want a private audience with you this morning. I am sure of it. Wear your yellow muslin. Hurry. You must be downstairs waiting for him. I am back to bed. I must get more sleep."
With that, Mrs. Bennet was gone. Elizabeth moaned. She had done her best to discourage Collins. Well, I will not avoid that scene.
Her mind could spare no more thoughts for Collins or Fannie. Elizabeth did need to get dressed. She had an early morning meeting with Mr. Darcy. If, after last night, he still comes.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Edward Street, London
November 27, 1811
George Wickham winced as he tried to use the chamber pot. This bloody new pox does not go away. The old one, so many years before, had finally disappeared. George had been sure that bedding Georgiana would have cleared this new one up.
He winced a little remembering her tears. He had not meant to be so cruel to her. It was Darcy bursting in with all that haughty indignation that had set Wickham off. He struck out but he had intended to wound Darcy, not Georgiana. Wickham had always had a soft spot for little Georgie. He was sorry she had heard all that.
Anger soon burst forth. It is not my fault she was hurt. If her brother had been respectful, she would not have been. Darcy was to blame for Georgiana's pain.
Amusement at the situation in Hertfordshire soon took over Wickham's mood. He chuckeled, not believing his good fortune. He had been right under Darcy's nose for a full week. The arrogant bastard did not even know! Too high and mighty for the locals, are you not? Even better, Darcy had somehow made himself hated before Wickham arrived. His tales of woe had fallen on very receptive ears. Meryton held much promise.
A momentary fear hit Wickham. Not if Darcy lets it be known that I am married! Then there will be no more money from the spoiled militia officers and no chance with the local wenches. The fear disappeared as quickly as it had come. Darcy was too protective of Georgiana. He would not speak of it, especially if he did not know Wickham was there. Wickham was sure.
It wasn't just safe to go back, it was wise. Richard Fitzwilliam was the really dangerous one. He would never think to look in a place where Darcy resided. Wickham would just have to stay out of Darcy's sight.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
November 27, 1811
He was there. He has not changed his mind. Even after my family's performance at the ball last night, he has not changed his mind.
Darcy's face broke into a wide smile as soon as he saw her. He gathered Elizabeth's hands into his. While seeing Elizabeth last night, dancing with her, had been a balm to his soul, Mr. Bennet had hovered always nearby. Darcy and Elizabeth had been unable to have more than one or two private words.
"Your father, has he relented?"
She shook her head.
"Then, if you have not changed your mind..." He was so nervous. "The moon is still full. Tonight we are for Scotland?"
Suddenly shy, she looked down, but nodded.
Darcy could feel her hesitancy. It was more than understandable. No one as kind, loyal and loving as Elizabeth would relish going against her family. He put his hand on her cheek. "If it helps, I will cherish you. I will do all I can to heal the breach." Although I would prefer never to see those Bennets again.
Looking up and into his eyes, she nodded. "Will you try once more, this morning?"
"Yes, love. I will go to your father again. I have little hope, but I will do my best. For now, I must go and take care of a few things." He smiled. "Just in case I am refused once more."
Then, he was not smiling. He slowly leaned down to her. Then, his lips were on hers, moving, claiming. Before she could collapse into his arms, he stepped back. He held onto her shoulders to keep her steady.
"Have you come up with a way to give us a head start?" Darcy's voice was husky.
A small smile formed on Elizabeth's face. "Akers figured it out. The post for London leaves at two. We will board in full view of those in town. Then, we stop in Saint Albans, the Black Lion. Can you meet us there?"
He winced. "Must it be the post?"
Elizabeth laughed; a clean, clear, happy laugh. "I told Akers you would object. I am afraid it must be the post. If we take a Longbourn carriage and driver, it will be quickly known that we did not go to London. If your carriage takes us, the town will know we disappeared at the same time. No. The only way is for me to appear headed to my uncle. You must be seen leaving much earlier. It will buy us at least a day, probably two or three."
He was frowning, but he finally nodded. "I will already be in my travelling coach when I call on your father." Darcy saw no reason to tell her that he would set two men to discreetly follow the post coach. No. Better. He would put a man inside to travel with them, an armed man.
"I will leave a note that I am gone to the Gardiners. It will easily be believed. Not only will Father's refusal of you be seen as reason by him, but I…"
"What is it?" His voice was gentle.
"I have reason to believe that Mr. Collins will offer for me this morning."
Darcy looked stricken and Elizabeth, smiling, reached up to caress his jaw.
"It is not so bad, sir. My mother will be very distraught by my refusal. The rest of house will be sure that I have flown to London to avoid her anger."
He visibly relaxed and allowed a grin. "Very well. If your father surprises us and gives his approval, we will celebrate at Longbourn tonight. If not, I will be waiting at the Black Lion with our travelling coach." Suddenly he frowned. "Clothing. How will you manage until we can buy more?"
Elizabeth laughed again. "Now you think of this! Do not forget we have Akers and Thompson. She assures me that it is taken care of. I am sure some of my items are already in your trunks."
Darcy at first bristled at being laughed at. But she was so charming, he could not take real offense. He did not resist his next impulse and pulled her back into his arms.
Long minutes later, he stopped their kisses. His conscience was roaring. Leaning his forehead against hers, he whispered, "I am so selfish, asking this of you. But you must know by now. Elizabeth, I – I love you. Please, if you cannot stand this breach, I will – I will let you go." There. He had managed to say it. He awaited his doom.
She reached up to touch the face that now looked so haughty and disdainful. He was hiding, hiding from the pain he was expecting her to deliver. She gently cupped his jaw with her hand and waited for his eyes to meet her own.
"Mr. Darcy, Fitzwilliam. It is too late for that. Thank you, but I believe you now have my heart. I belong with you and your sister."
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Later, as they arrived at the place where he must leave her for now, he reached for her hands. "Thank you. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for what you will do for Georgiana. Try not to worry. All will eventually be well with your family, even if I have to work for years to make it so."
Darcy gave a lingering kiss to her hand, mounted his horse and turned to go. Suddenly he stopped and looked back at her.
"Elizabeth, your sister Jane, does she care for Bingley?"
Elizabeth searched his eyes, remembering their cold hardness at the ball last night. "Yes, Fitzwilliam. She is much in love. I have never before seen her so."
He nodded and rode away.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
November 27, 1811
Blast! Darcy could not believe it. Bingley, who never rose before nine, was already gone.
What if he does not return? What if I am responsible for breaking the heart of Elizabeth's most beloved sister? Oh, that I had not spoken last night!
The Bennets had been the last to leave. As soon as they were gone, Caroline had rounded on her brother.
"Charles! You cannot be serious. That family is in every way ridiculous. We will be shunned."
Louisa joined in. Darcy turned his back to the room and stopped listening. Hearing Caroline and Louisa voicing the very thoughts that had been his own was unnerving. It was Bingley's voice that brought him back to his hosts.
"Darcy! Surely you do not agree with that! It cannot be."
"Forgive me, Bingley. I was not listening to your family conversation."
"Of course Mr. Darcy agrees. Jane Bennet is a sweet girl but she is not in love with you. She will marry you because her mother tells her to do so."
"Darcy?"
Bingley's earnest face looked at Darcy. He had been shocked during the ball to discover that the whole neighborhood expected Bingley to marry Jane Bennet. Wrapped up in his own affairs, Darcy had completely missed what was happening with Bingley. Watching Jane Bennet as much as possible for the rest of evening, Darcy had not seen a besotted girl. There was no way that he could withhold that truth.
"Bingley, she clearly takes pleasure in your company. However, I did not see any symptoms of peculiar regard."
Charles became pale and visibly smaller. His voice was defeated when he spoke. "I am for London early. I will see you in a few days."
Footmen coming to carry out Darcy's trunks brought his attention back to the present. He had complete faith in Elizabeth's words. Jane Bennet must be one who kept her feelings hidden. Well, there was nothing to be done for now. He would speak to Charles as soon as he could. Given the circumstances, Darcy knew that it might be weeks before he met Charles again.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
November 28, 1811
Thomas Bennet poured himself a brandy. Rarely did he indulge in anything stronger than port, but after the last day and a half, a celebration was in order.
Yesterday was one of the most entertaining days he had ever had. He did not know which had brought him more pleasure, the buffoon Collins with his ridiculous proposal or the proud Darcy as Thomas refused him once again.
Remembering Fannie's screeches over the loss of Collins gave Thomas another smile.
However, his enjoyment of that delightful day had been tempered with his worries about Jane.
Thomas had actually lost a little sleep after the Netherfield ball. As much as he was distracted by enjoying the foolishness of Fannie and the younger girls, he had not been blind to Jane. Though she was no blood of his own, Thomas was very fond to the girl. Who could not love and protect such a gentle, sweet creature? And now, she was attached to that young Mr. Bingley. Thomas knew he should have interfered earlier. There was no way that Jane would be allowed to wed the son of a tradesman. If Elizabeth had not made so much trouble, Thomas would have spent less time in his study. He would have been able to stop Jane's romance before her heart was touched. Well, maybe not. I would have been in my study regardless. This is not the fault of Elizabeth. For perhaps the first time, Thomas had wallowed, just a little, in bitterness at his own indolence.
Then, this morning, a reprieve! A note from Miss Bingley arrived. It informed them that the whole party had left Netherfield with no intention of returning. The note provided an immediate balm for Thomas' conscience. Jane's broken heart could be laid at Bingley's door. Thomas would bear no share of the guilt.
Elizabeth's flight to the Gardiners was also welcome. Arrogant Mr. Darcy would never venture into that part of Town. Just to be sure that Elizabeth was now safe, Thomas had sent off a letter to his brother, commanding that Darcy not be allowed into the Gardiner's home.
Most relaxing of all, Elizabeth's absence from Longbourn let Thomas be safe from her silences and her recriminations.
Taking a sip of his fine French brandy, he smiled.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Two days later, he was not smiling.
An express arrived from Gardiner. Elizabeth had not come to them. In a moment Thomas knew what had occurred.
I must send a letter to the Duke. Thomas reached for pen and paper, but stopped. No. I can wait a few days for such an unpleasant task. They must be in Scotland, or at least nearly there by now. There is nothing the Duke can do now anyway.
Grimacing, Thomas thought of what the letter to the Duke would bring about. He will bring Jane's other relations into play.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_
Sion Hill, London
December 4, 1811
"Your Lordship, His Grace the Duke of Leeds is here to see you."
Holderness would have been less surprised had his man told him that Napoleon had come to call. However, the earl's Darcy blood ran true and his face showed none of his shock.
"You put him in the Blue Parlour?"
The butler nodded.
"Very well."
Holderness rose and moved from behind his desk. These bones ache worse every day. Wincing, he made his way to greet his august guest. After all, a duke was a duke.
The greetings had been perfectly correct and all the civilities followed. Leeds indicated the need for privacy, so the men returned to Holderness' study. They now sat in comfortable chairs near the fire. While Holderness had wanted to place the man in the subservient position of a guest chair at the desk, he had overcome this little desire to needle Leeds. After all, this was the first time that an Osborne had called on a Darcy in more than thirty years.
"Alright Leeds. To what do I owe the honor of this call?"
"Your cousin has run off with my ward."
Good grief! Had Holderness been a lesser man, he would have moaned. Another Darcy involving the Osbornes in scandal. Whichever Darcy it was, Holderness was going to skin him or her alive. The Ton had a long memory and all the old scandal would be brought once more to the fore.
"Forgive me, Your Grace. But, which of OUR cousins has run off with which of YOUR wards?"
Leeds fumed at the use of the word 'our,' but could not deny its truth. As much as he wished it was not so, the duke was half Darcy.
"Very well. OUR Pemberley cousin has run off with OUR ward."
Our ward? There was only one ward that the two men held in common. This time Holderness did moan. "Not Elizabeth?"
"Yes, Grandfather. Fitzwilliam has eloped with Elizabeth."
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS_