The storyline, new character development, new events, and new characters are my intellectual property. Glorioux
A/N Sorry, I am not concentrating a little stress.
Jane's Surprise
"Lizzie, be ready to leave. I will keep your back with Michou's help. Wait," he rode close to the carriage and told them to be ready to leave with Jane.
"To leave?" William asked. Lizzie nodded. What else? William thought.
The riders were closer than the carriage; Alexis smiled. "The extra fighters are here. Your cousin and, well, you will see in a moment."
William was glad. Richard was brave but no match for the weapons and, he guessed, the magic, or whatever it was. When he saw the other rider and the ones with him, he breathed, relieved.
"Alexis, is there trouble? We are here. What is happening?" The rider asked.
The other carriage, with unknown passengers, stopped close to them. William saw inside two blond women and three men; one was Beverly. The ones in the carriage changed their minds when they saw too many men, probably soldiers, with William. The other carriage, the one that was coming too fast, took a side road away from them.
William wanted to question them, but it was winter, and it would be dark earlier. He suspected they weren't regular folk; if so, what did they want from him? He remembered Beverly asking to take her to Pemberley; he refused to do it. Who knew?
Lizzie greeted the riders. Richard told Darcy, "As I guessed, the shooting was staged, so Leonidas explained. I think I will demand a better explanation later. For now, I am glad to see him."
Alexis went over the recent attack. He spoke in German. Both William and Richard knew German, so they understood Alexis. After William made a face, Alexis switched to Russian, realizing Richard understood him.
William looked at Jane in the carriage; she wasn't happy, so be it. Lizzie whispered, "I am glad Leonidas is back. I don't trust Jane; she is blind and deaf to reason. I worry."
William heard the growl of an angry predator; it came from Leonidas; his face was changing. Nothing was left from the diplomat's veneer; the eyes were no longer human. "I will kill Asher, damn him, asking questions all the while; I should have listened."
Alexis answered in English, "Asher is a dangerous being, one hiding behind a perfect cover. He has already tried for Lady Francisca, the young L'Clej bride; they are still fighting him. Her grandfather, my parent's good friend, is after Asher; apparently, Asher wants powerful children. You know who Jane is; hence now, he wants your wife, and he, or another, wants Liza as well."
"I guess he will fight on his hands. I don't care if others know who I am, that is behind me. Neither he, nor the spineless Bingley, will have my wife. The sisters are tarnishing Jane's name, her father told me. I don't understand why, but I will stop it. What man tells his sisters about his private affairs? Let's go." Leonidas rode his horse by the carriage. He didn't greet Jane but greeted the other ladies. Leonidas decided to remind Jane later that she still liked his kisses. She kissed him at the church, like before the Bingley affair; he hadn't forgotten it.
He knew he should have not agreed to stage his death. The grandparents wanted to free Jane; he figured out why; they thought that Jane could be pregnant. If so, he knew the family would destroy the signed marriage page. He had to obey, all because of his idiotic remarks. But he was back; if she were with child, so be it; he would love the child, but Bingley would pay with his life. He had re
Lizzie turned her face, "I feel better; hold me tighter." She backed onto William who smiled happily. The new chance to be with Lizzie made life better; he wouldn't be lonely. He loved her since the second he set his eyes on her. How he wished he had acted differently, now he could, he was lucky.
They rode alert, in silence, until, at the entrance of Lambton William saw a familiar face. "Richard, look at the rider," William pointed at the blond man riding away.
Lizzie looked as well, and her blood boiled.
"It is Wickham but we cannot chase him." William shook his head angrily.
Lizzie wiggled, trying to jump, "I will do it; let me go; he must die."
"No, you come home; you promised." William held her tighter, but he was having a hard time keeping her still; she was very strong. Her uncle moved his hand; William felt as his hand was made out of steel; he bowed his head, thanking Alexis.
"Leo, make sure Jane cannot get out." Alexis knew Jane would also try to go after Wickham. He knew the story; now, he wondered if Wickham was part of William's problems.
When they entered Pemberley, Alexis liked what he saw. "Nice home, invite my parents when their guests leave."
"Lizzie can do it whenever she wishes; this is her home. Of course they will be welcome." William kissed Lizzie's head, and noticed she was crying.
"What is wrong, my love?" He was afraid she had already changed her mind.
"You didn't let me go to kill Wickham; you know he deserves to die; our little Lydia is gone because of him. I am not mad at you; I am glad I am home." She said.
"Me too, me too," William answered.
Alexis wrote next to them, "Is Miles trustworthy? Can we trust both young men?"
"Miles won't tell anyone about anything he saw, I believe the same from the coachman. Why?" William asked.
"We need those we can trust, but for now, I'll make sure they cannot tell anyone else." Alexis went back to ride with the other men.
William was going to ask how was he planning to stop them from talking to others, but he decided against it. He had too many questions in any case.
Welcome Home
When they arrived, his steward, a first cousin son of his father's brother, and Mrs. Reynolds, were waiting with news. "I caught Wickham trying to climb into a window. He wasn't alone. When they saw me, they ran." Fergus, his cousin advised William.
"We saw him at Lambton; we will talk in little while. Mrs. Reynolds, please get early tea ready; Georgie is in the carriage coming behind. We need rooms next to the family wing for the Russian footmen, the ladies maids, and the officers, let Miles assist. Mrs. Darcy is not feeling well; please get her some beef tea, maybe a tea to soothe her stomach." Michou licked Darcy's face, a reminder he guessed, "Also a juicy filet, fish and milk, and a slice of cake for my three new friends." He said pointing at the menagerie. "Lastly, please make sure Miles and the coachman eat well; the same we are served."
Brink and Nina came out the carriage to sit by them; the three animals kept their eyes on Mrs. Reynolds; Lizzie chuckled. "Beggars, they know who is in front of them, the food keeper."
"I don't see Mrs. Darcy," Mrs. Reynolds looked around, making everyone laugh. "Is she coming later? Those are good news: we miss our lady."
Lizzie took off her cap, letting her braid fall down her back, making Mrs. Reynold smile. "What a lovely boy." Her words made Alexis and William shake their heads, looking unhappy. "Indeed," William told Alexis, remembering Asher had called the sisters pretty-boys.
Lizzie moved to hold Mrs. Reynold's, happy to see her. Richard ran to help Lady Mari out the carriage; she smiled when she saw him. Lizzie took notice; she also noticed that Leonidas ignored Jane. "How can Jane choose Mr. Bingley over Leonidas? You know he is a noble. Besides he is charming; many ladies wish to be Jane; ladies have tried to win him forever; plus, his looks are superior. He said foolish nonsense and excused himself. You must know he only looked at Jane since he first saw her. Ah, best of all he only has one sister, a lovely person; moreover, his sister is not Caroline Bingley." She made William laugh.
"There is only one like her; you are right." William agreed.
An hour later, Georgiana arrived; she didn't greet anyone but ran straight to her room to change for tea. Richard whistled when he saw her, "Who is this beautiful young lady? Is she taken?" Georgiana looked grown-up; Richard was right; she was lovely, wearing a light blue silk and velvet gown; it suited her. It had a bit of fur around the somewhat daring décolletage. William recognized it; it had been his mother's, but it had slight changes to modernize it; she also wore her mother's pearls and matching bobs. Georgiana was tall and willowy; her lips and cheeks were rosy, her skin and hair glowed with health; no question, she was a beauty.
William smiled when he saw Georgie skipping everyone to greet Alexis. Richard looked at William, raising his eyebrow.
Alexis, as always, greeted her by kissing both of her cheeks. Georgiana glowed afterward. "How is the beautiful young dove? I guess breaking hearts wherever she goes. I need to be careful to protect my heart." Alexis always played with her; though Lizzie elbowed William, "Nah," William told her.
"No hearts to break; I was presented, recently, but I don't like anyone I met thus far. Those men were too young and immature," she answered breathlessly; she liked Alexis; it seemed that way.
William whispered, "Maybe."
Lizzie grinned, liking the idea, she ascertained "For sure." Sooner or later, she would need to say more; William would be sure to change his mind about Alexis.
Richard shook his head when he stood by William. He leaned and asked, "What is with our girl? She couldn't wait to get here. Is it Alexis? I hope not, he is too old for her, even older than Wickham. She is barely 18."
"Is he? He looks much younger than me or you. Though I agree; but don't worry, it is nothing, Alexis just plays with her. " Alexis was walking with Georgiana who was giving some of the visitors a short tour. William agreed with Richard and was worried since Alexis had to be over 45. Georgiana walked with him and Lady Mari to show him around.
"My mother says Georgiana is reserved and downright unfriendly at the balls. We don't get it; after she wanted the presentation and couldn't wait. As you know she has one of the biggest dowries, plus, mother says, few can compete with her in beauty. Many of the season's best catches have tried with her and failed. Mother says at the balls, Georgiana wants to go home almost right away. She dances once or twice before she is tired or feeling sick. I think I know why; we must talk to her. What is with her and older men? Alexis could be her father." Richard insisted.
At the table, Georgiana was all smiles, chatty, looking happy, glowing. She talked to Alexis every time she had a chance. Richard's eyes followed her interactions, neglecting Lady Mari, who rolled her eyes. William had to agree; Georgiana acted as if she were in love. What to say, hopefully Alexis was used to ladies falling for him. He was like Leonidas, perfectly handsome; whereas his hair was Lizzie's unusually streaked hair, Jane's hair was blond, like her father's. Both Bennet sisters looked exotic like the others from Russia; the sisters were elfin beauties, many said. Maybe that was what they were? He couldn't start to guess.
Michou sat on William's foot; he fed her biscuits and pieces of cake. Nina was full, no begging. Brink sat between William and Lizzie, his head over William's leg. Lizzie said, "I am right, they want to eat your food. Please no more sweets for Michou, she will get sick; she is a glutton. Or she will get in all kinds of trouble; she can be willful and disobedient."
William grinned. "Yes my dear, so, it is, they know who has the food; but today, they deserve whatever they wish." Both chuckled, until he nearly spitted his wine when Lizzie's hand caressed his upper thigh, moving up, to place her hand over his instant arousal.
"Today, many deserve what they wish, including me." Lizzie said, smiling and moving her hand to get a biscuit.
William hoped for more; but first, he wanted her to be well. Goodness, he wanted to be with her while she was awake; memories of their times made him burn with desire. Her hand had made him yearn for her touch.
Alexis was saying something; William tried to listen, his mind was in a fog, "William, let's talk; I might know what is going on, at least why are things happening to you. You might be surprised, very. Let us say, many of those I know had relatives that left and hid after some, err conflicts. Nobody heard about them again, though they had reasons to hide, mostly political. We believe they stayed close to each other, many marrying cousins, family friends, and so on. Today, I saw portraits that confirm those beliefs; come with me after tea; you will see what I saw."
"And what is that?" William asked; he had no idea.
"After you see it, we can talk." Alexis said.
Georgiana, sitting between William and Alexis, said eagerly, "I will go with you."
Alexis smiled, patting her hand like one would a child, "Thanks, my dear, but it is a private matter."
When William saw Georgiana's bottom lip quivering, he was distressed, thinking that Georgiana might cry. He hadn't noticed Lizzie looking green, "William, I must…" she was about to get sick. Georgiana stood up in a hurry, seeing a way to leave the table.
"Lizzie, darling, come," Georgiana took Lizzie's arm. Lady Mari also stood to help Lizzie. When she reached Lizzie, she touched her, and Lizzie looked better at once. William was already up, "Come my love, let me take you to bed."
Lizzie touched his shoulder; "No dearest, come later, stay here; I will go with Mari and Georgie." Georgiana looked at her brother, surprised at the change between Lizzie and him; nobody had said anything, but she liked it.
William wanted to argue, but Lizzie was already walking away. She was followed by the two footmen waiting for her, along with the Lady's maid. Leonidas asked, "Is Liza ill?" He looked worried, thinking of poisoning. One of the ways to kill one of them was by poisoning. His parents had been poisoned. What if Jane was next, his heart ached; that would be unbearable; it was the reason why he'd kept his heart closed.
Jane answered, "She is with child; she found out today."
Richard smiled, "A Darcy baby, William, congratulations. Remember what you promised me."
William nodded, looking worried, "Yes, of course; it is a wondrous event, yet I worry. Her mother was very ill. About my promise, we must ask Lizzie." He saw Richard's face; a promise was a promise; he knew his cousin, so he was glad for the twins.
Leonidas declared, "I hope to be the next lucky father; I'd love a son or a daughter." He still hadn't looked at Jane, not once. William almost smiled, looking at her tight lips and narrowed eyes. She opened her mouth twice, started to say something, but didn't. Leonidas wasn't begging, but he was ascertaining that Jane was his wife. He had already asked for a room with her, according to Leonidas, Jane was his wife, and couples slept together. Lizzie had said the same; he remembered.
Alexis asked, "Jane, kitten, do you have something to say?" He looked amused.
Jane didn't answer, instead gave both men an evil eye. Alexis looked at William conspiratorially, the corner of his mouth turned up. A new side of Alexis, he was naughty like Lizzie. Though William understood, Alexis didn't like Jane pining for Charles.
William saw his Scottish cousin, Fergus, admiring Jane's companion. William's uncle had left him a large inheritance, but he liked working and living in England. He had a steward taking care of his lands. He had gone to Eaton and Cambridge, and was of the opinion he would never find a suitable wife if he stayed home. Tonight he wore a dress kilt; he always changed to formal wear for tea around guests, or in the evening. Leonidas liked it, "It is becoming and practical," he looked at Jane, who was ignoring him. "I want at least one; maybe we can go to your tailor?"
"We could; perhaps a short trip to Edinburgh, or you can have one of mine. I have several new ones. You could try one; after all, we care about the same size." Fergus offered.
Richard chuckled, "Yes, you are the same size, giant." They all laughed. It was true; they were all very tall, Richard at 6' 2", was at least three inches shorter than any of the other men.
Lady Alesia turns turned towards Richard, "You are also tall, compared to me you are a giant." It was true, she looked petite, but William had seen otherwise. Then she turned to Fergus, "Mr. Fergus, don't worry; I know that ladies like tall men. And yes, Leonidas is right; your attire is rather fetching; it suits you." She flirted, surprising Alexis and Leonidas; she never flirted. She was beautiful and charming; so, many men wanted her favor, but she never showed interest before.
Fergus, a shy man, turned dark purple, "Thank you, my lady." He said without looking at her, hurrying to eat a biscuit.
Leonidas asked Jane, "Dushka, do you think Fergus's clothes will look good on me, as well?" He didn't look at her, not once; instead, he sipped his tea.
Jane exploded, speaking between gritted teeth, "Leonidas, if you are talking to me, look at me. In case you haven't noticed, I am sitting at this table, next to you. I am not surprised since you have yet to greet me." She moved her chair back and left the room in a huff. Her Lady, Alesia, stood up to follow, covering her mouth to hide a smile.
Richard looked at William and winked.
Alexis guffawed as soon as Jane was out of sight. "Leo, I must say I like your style, don't beg; this is better. By the way, she could have greeted you as well."
"My same thought," Leonidas didn't crack a smile, but he was enjoying it, "I wasn't trying to anger her, not really; but if anyone must apologize, it is her. Though, I will ask for her forgiveness for my ill-spoken remarks that I didn't mean. Now, I will say it again, she is mine; she is my wife. Let Bingley try to come close, he will regret it; the same goes for anyone else, not while I am alive. Now let's drink to Lizzie's health."
William, again, hoped that Charles had not been with Jane. He was glad they were no longer friends. He wasn't going to go against Lizzie's family or Leonidas. Leonidas had been as unwise as he had; he deserved a chance. Let alone that Leonidas wasn't someone you wanted as an enemy. None of them were enemies you would wish; they all could do things he didn't understand: things that could easily kill you. He excused himself; they would meet later for a light supper.
Alexis had other ideas, "William, you can wait to see Lizzie. Let's go and look at the portraits; Leonidas, do come along."
Richard went with Fergus to check the room George Wickham was trying to access.
"Bingley was your good friend. Are you two still close friends?" Leonidas asked William casually, "I just want to know where your sympathies lay." Thequestion caught Darcy by surprise.