Hi Everyone! This is my first time writing JAFF, I hope you enjoy it! please feel free to let me know your thoughts. I went ahead and updated chapter 1 with some of the feedback I got! :) :)
Col. Richard Fitzwilliam looked up from his book to appreciate his unappreciative audience. The rain outside was no longer vicious sounding, its soft rhythmic pattern no doubt had a hand in lulling his Aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and his cousin Miss Anne de Bourgh to sleep. He could not conceive that the book he was asked to read The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne would be considered boring- they were just getting to the part where Osbert realizes he is madly in love with Mary- the daughter of the man he murdered most foul, and yet even his conscious` cousin, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, seemed completely unmoved. Anne and Catherine are excused- unconsciousness due to weather is hardly their fault- but Darcy has no excuse. Richard looked at the vacant gaze of Darcy with contempt. Clearing his throat and a bit louder than previously he spoke looking directly at Darcy "And then Elizabeth Bennet danced with…"
Mr. Darcy immediately looked up, "I am sorry what was that? I seemed to have lost myself in my thoughts…"
Richard put down his book with a smirk on his face. "Yes I wonder when I lost you-when the castle was sacked or when I opened up the book? Perhaps you would have been more attentive had the storm not picked up forcing our guests to leave right after dinner? Course if they had stayed I imagine we would be delighted in a performance of Miss Bennet on the pianoforte likewise accompanied by Mr. Collins singing ample compliments to our Aunt instead of a book reading by me." He teased leaning forward in his chair.
The parlor was warm and although leaning closer to the fire made the Colonel uncomfortable he hoped to receive satisfaction from his cousin about his confusing behavior as of late. He wondered why Darcy continually delayed their return to London, why he agreed that the Collins and Miss Bennet should leave rather than stay the night as the storm worsened, and most alarming of all, why the mention of HER name should bring him out of his mental fog. If he could get the answer to one of those questions at the very least he would consider this evening a victory. The answer to all three, he supposed, were one and the same, needing only his cousin to confirm his long-standing suspicion.
"I was just thinking how happy I will be to see my sister again- this will be our last night here at Rosings," Darcy replied.
"I have decided that tomorrow if the roads are good we shall set off to London. I have already sent word to prepare the house earlier this morning and also to see that Georgiana come and stay with us. She is sullen that you and I have agreed she will not be out in society this season. Summer in London may help to cheer her." Darcy said, offering a weak smile.
"Pishposh- If that were the case we would have left a fortnight ago. Unless there is something you are keeping from me as Georgiana's co-guardian.." the Col said trailing off.
"Nothing of the sort," replied Darcy straightening up in his chair.
"Ah, then your odd behavior may be explained more simply- here I shall help. You have a strong affection for Miss Bennet. There, I have said it for you. Now you are permitted to speak freely as you like," Richard said matter of factly.
Fitzwilliam paled at his cousin's words. He immediately glanced at the ladies on the couch. They remained still at the turn in conversation.
"Richard, nothing could be further from the truth. I can ardently assure you I am the last person with whom Miss Elizabeth desires any connection." Darcy replied with a snort.
"I wonder, on what grounds would Miss Elizabeth rebuke you so? I have heard that love and hate are two sides of the same coin- perhaps a game of chance left you with a poor man's take?" the Col. asked. Secretly Richard was relishing in the sight of his ever reserved kin finally agitated with the marks of love.
"Fine, if you insist on being my confidence.." He growled. "She blames me for the undoing of her sister's happiness and of ruining a man's prospects out of spite. She is correct in both if not misled in the conditions. I am confident that my actions were proper. This detesting of my character by her only became known to me recently. So you see, it is not of a friendly interest; it is that I am forced into a defensive posture that her name rouses me." Fitzwilliam replied in a hushed voice.
"I see. This is very serious, and cannot Miss Bennet fully understand the conditions that lead you to ruin them? The lady seems to be intelligent and reasonable when we conversed- surely you can speak with her…" Richard asked in a soothing voice. His eyebrows scrunched with concern over the unrequited love his cousin felt.
Darcy stood up and began pacing. After a moment, in as much of a loud whisper as he dared, "Of course she does not know! The man in question is that scoundrel Wickham. When she told me all of this it was all I could do to not raise my voice against her. To think I owe him anything? The only thing I might owe that terrible person is a bullet from a duel. As far as hurting her sister I confess that I did meddle. I would meddle again if given the chance. The lady was lukewarm at best toward Bingley and having a family with so many failings... Bingley would have been miserable. If she at least had better prospects I would have kept my peace... He was in love with her but there was no passion on her part."
COl. Richard Fitzwilliam looked thoughtfully at his cousin. Wickham? With Elizabeth? Such a vile name in connection with a lady he had come to respect, Darcy must be mistaken. This cannot stand, surely. Careful not to raise his voice, Richard continued to press Darcy for more details.
"Wickham? Surely he must have deceived her...I cannot see why there is any connection between the two- how did she come to know him?"
"Did you forget? Or is that you are not reading my letters as you should- no doubt your life is far too exciting to be bogged down with a boring letter from me… " He said with clear annoyance." He was at Merryton with the regiment. Seems he has enlisted, no doubt to escape creditors. I do not think there is any danger with Wickham and Elizabeth, her family has too many failings for there to be any risk of him targeting them.."
All that could be heard was the crackling fire and the soft fall of rain. Richard's face took on a serious expression realizing the full gravity of his cousin's feelings towards Miss Bennet. It all made sense now- the delays of departure, the increase in walks, his severe attitude at dinner this evening- all signs of a man dejected and in love. To know that Darcy struggled with his feelings- only to be bitterly rejected by the object of his desire was enough to pity him.
Having collected himself, Darcy continued with his eyes lost in the roaring fire. "I apologize for my temper- it seems you have found me out and my reasons for behaving nonsensically. I have thought about that for some time now- I think Wickham intended to avoid humiliation- we had a few moments where I observed him in the company of the Bennet's. He must have used my brashness and sudden departures as a pretext for his deceit. It was my carelessness for acting so."
Richard wanted to give words of encouragement- it was clear to him that Darcy still cares for the Lady. Elizabeth was a handsome creature- full of wit. If she had the fortune to go along with those fine eyes he would be in just as much danger as his cousin. This was the first time that Richard had ever heard of Darcy being in love with anyone. He just needed a good pep talk.
"Given up, have you? Seems to me that this is all a misunderstanding. Go explain things properly. If these are her only misgivings about you then the way is clear. After All her family is not so well off she must know that this is likely the best match that should ever come her way. To think that odious man has hurt our family again. That dastardly villain - I should have him flogged now that I know he is in the service. I have connections you know. And she must understand that you acted out of interest for your friend, that is a virtue!" spat the Colonel.
A look of defeat sat on Darcy's face as he continued to look at the fire. "If it were that simple...It is a wonder anyone would have accepted my proud proposal, so full of condescension. I not only offended her family but confirmed that I had helped to end the romance between her most beloved sibling and Bingly. No, I shall forget the affections that elicit such a volatile reaction from Miss Bennet. Even if I were to attempt again, I fear she shall only hear ridicule when there is none," Darcy lamented.
The two gentlemen sat in silence for some time. Whatever relief Darcy felt having shared his failed proposal was little if anything. Whatever victory Richard felt having learned Darcy's secret was eclipsed in that he contributed to its inevitable failure... The worst of it was that he, Richard Fitzwilliam may have been an unwitting conspirator in his cousin's rejection. It was Richard who told Elizabeth that Darcy had saved a friend- he suspected Bingley- from an unfavorable match. Pangs of guilt hit him like porcupine quills - gossiping about his own family...While considering the actions that had led them to this place- a feminine voice of reason interjected what the two men could not resolve themselves.
Sitting upright without the slightest trace of slumber in her face Anne spoke, "Cousins your conversation seems to have run dry. I hope you forgive me but I cannot disregard such an obvious conclusion hanging in the air. As it stands the reason for your rejection is that you are incapable of properly addressing a lady you admire and that she is incapable of divining truth from myth. So sad, I thought she seemed a better study of character."
Both men stared at their younger cousin, perfectly abashed! Not only had she heard their entire conversation but that she was joining in as if it were a comment on the weather! As far as they were concerned she knew nothing of what had happened years ago with Wickham. Panic set in as each man took time reviewing the conversation - was there aught that should not be said? Richard was sure they were fine- although there was that part about having hurt the family again.
"Anne, have you been awake this entire time?" Richard said leaning back in his chair in disbelief. "You were completely out, you didn't even flinch when I was reading the part about the castle sacking- I didn't miss a single inappropriate part thinking you were slumbering. Had I known I would have censured myself. " He hoped that he could end this conversation quickly without too much embarrassment.
"Not at all Richard, I prefer to visualize when I am being read to, I find restricting my physical senses allows me to fully involve myself in the storytelling. Never once did you say 'Anne are you awake?' You believed what you wanted! Do not forget, I was the one who suggested the book. Mother falls asleep so easily when it rains- I knew she would be snoring by the time you got to the violent parts. I beg you not to fault me." She said. Then looking directly at Fitzwilliam she continued, "I was not blessed to be born a man that can go about as he pleases. I have my books and occasional correspondence to keep me occupied."
After another long pause, Anne sighed and throwing her hands up in the air said "Write her. You are best at putting down on paper what you mean to say. I do not know the particulars about the offenses she has accused you of, I am sure they are grave indeed for her to refuse a life of comfort with you. It may not remedy the rejection but at least you will have been vindicated of wrongdoing... save for a haughty disposition." Anne said with a giggle. "And before you say it will not change the situation you find yourself in- if you care for Miss Elizabeth you owe her and yourself the respect of honesty- If you do not take the time to educate her then that makes you just as at fault for her misguided decisions. ."
Richard leaned forward and smiled at Anne. "Are you the same sickly little cousin that never utters a word of disagreement in front of her mother? Surely mine eyes deceive me, this is not the shy quiet young girl I know... Who are you and what have you done with cousin Anne?" He teased.
"Do not tease me so- you know I must mind everything I say. The last time I disagreed with Mother she called for the doctor and I was confined to my room for weeks. Fatigue of the spirit they said...Besides if Darcy is to write a letter to Miss Bennet it will take him at least another day- so I am grateful at the chance to prolong your visit at Rosings," Anne said looking triumphant though blushing.
"I shall not hope for anything other than to vindicate my name of wrongdoing…" Darcy muttered to himself. Then as lightning strikes so did Darcy's mood change. Louder so that his cousins could hear, " I will not lower myself to solicit Miss Bennet for a response- this is merely a letter of explanation. Yes, I think this is the best that I can do to settle things. Thank you, Anne. Richard, I must ask your permission that I may tell Miss Elizabeth the particulars of what happened with Wickham."
Although Darcy said that he would not hope for anything other than to clear up the misunderstanding, Richard thought he saw too much determination in his expression for someone who has given up the chase. The guilt he felt swelled up once again. If only he had not gossiped to Elizabeth about Darcy saving Bingley from an inappropriate match. Perhaps then the lady would not see Darcy as being so proud.
With a small smile, Richard shifted his attention to Fitzwilliam. "Do not be so stiff Darcy. You were willing to wed her- surely we can trust her discretion. You may want to have Anne read over your masterpiece of vindication- YOU may not be desiring to change Miss Bennet's mind but there is no reason to reaffirm her estimations of you as being overly proud...'' Richard said wagging his finger at Darcy.
After some argument, Darcy promised to allow Anne to read some parts of his letter before delivering to Miss Elizabeth- no guarantee of taking counsel- only if Richard continued to read The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne despite his reddening face. Oddly enough everyone compromised except Anne, who gets to hear the inappropriate story from Richard and the contents of Darcy's letter. Richard mused that if his aunt ever allowed Anne to join them in London for the season she would rule every ball she attends!