Chapter 14: Miss Darcy
Mary stirred restless as her eyelids fluttered open. Darkness encumbered her from seeing where she was, but as she touched the large pile of books on her bedside table, she presumed she was in her room.
She slowly tried getting up but a terrible shot ran through her and she had to wait a few moments to get on her feet. As she fumbled blindly with her quilt she touched a rough piece of clothing at the foot of her bed.
It was a coat and it was not hers. She slowly pulled it up and she felt a strange scent that was somehow familiar.
Outside the stars shone weakly across the sky. Her petticoat was wet with sweat as she felt her cheeks cold and damp.
Mary made a few unsure steps around her bed holding the coat.
'At least take my coat, Miss Bennet…'
'Ah!' she exclaimed as she threw it on the bed once more.
'Why couldn't it have been a nightmare?'
She ruffled her hair and started pacing the room.
'It was all very real, was it not? It was he…and Anne…and Mr. Prowler,' she muttered to herself. 'Anne and Mr. Fowler. Mr. Fowler and Anne.'
She reached her window and pulled at the curtains angrily.
'Why? I should like to know why?'
Her palm touched the cold glass. 'If it was her all along what business did you have with me, Sir?'
She turned and plunged into the small stool in front of her dressing table.
'Why, Sir? Why did you play with me like that?'
She pressed her hands on the wood. 'No matter how dark it is, I can well see that I am plain. I have always been plain and I shall always be. I have no fortune, only my relations recommend me. I have no accomplishments, only the name of Bennet recommends me. I am not indeed the heiress of Rosings. But I did not deserve this mockery!'
Her hands touched the pearl necklace. She stiffened involuntarily.
'And this…it's beautiful and priceless, why would you ever sacrifice this treasure for me? Give it to Anne, Sir. '
She clutched it, as if trying to crush it, but the only thing she managed to cause was a sudden flow of tears.
'No, I will not cry.'
She rose and hugged herself tightly while she tried finding a warmer garment.
'Stupid….foolish, senseless…naïve, reckless, silly, puerile, ignorant woman!' she muttered to herself. 'And in fact I cannot even call myself that.'
'Already up and patronizing yourself?'
Mary turned and noticed a figure in the dark standing at the secret door.
Georgiana stepped in, coughing quietly as she sat on the stool Mary had just abandoned.
'Well, do not stop on my account,' Georgiana continued.
Mary sighed as she toyed with the lace of her petticoat.
'I am very apologetic if I woke you up.'
'I was not sleeping, fear not. But as I've honoured you with my presence you will explain everything which came to pass Mary Bennet.'
Mary smiled weakly in the dark and leaned against her wardrobe wiping away her tears.
'I called on Mr. Fowler as you advised me to. He…he was busy entertaining Anne de Bourg.'
From her shaken voice Georgiana understood it was no trifle.
'Anne de Bourg? What a laugh. That poor infirm nun…'
'I beg to differ. She seemed…very lively when I saw her.'
'What exactly happened?' Georgiana inquired as she noticed Mary's voice was growing weaker.
'When I entered his chambers she was there with him and he was…kissing her on the lips,' she said firmly, trying to sound as veridical as possible.
If someone asked her right then why she lied in such a tremendous way, she would not know how to answer. Mary only knew she could tell no one of what she had seen and whether a benefit to Mr. Fowler or not, she would keep quiet.
'Kissing her on the lips? Well that's a fine scheme! Are you sure you saw right, Mary?'
'I would not be calling myself stupid, if I did not, would I?'
'But a kiss…it depends, it may not be as bad as you think, Mary,' Georgiana stated as she played with a comb. 'It might have been a simple friendly kiss, did not you mention he stayed at Rosings whilst in Kent?'
Mary nodded, but her shoulders already sagged inevitably.
'Well then, it is likely they stroke up a friendship before he ever thought of courting you.'
Oh, Georgiana, if I could but tell you, you would understand and not torment me anymore.
'In any case, what in God's name is Anne doing in Derbyshire?' Georgiana continued absorbed in her own thoughts.
'I think the question remains why she ran away from Lady Catherine.'
'Ran away? Lady Catherine does not know?'
'Your brother has received a letter from her ladyship. It seems Anne is a very rebellious being indeed. Perhaps we have all been fooled.'
'I knew nothing of this. Of course, my brother does not wish me to know of such…dangerous things,' Miss Darcy replied sourly.
'I must talk to them at once and let them know. As much as I dislike that woman, not even Lady Catherine deserves such a fright.'
Mary sat down on her bed and rested her elbows on her knees pensively.
'Well…it was simply a kiss…I am sure there must be an explanation. Perhaps, it is not…' Georgiana ventured to say.
Mary looked away and frowned sadly. 'It's no use.'
Silence engulfed the room.
'What happened then?' Georgiana asked at length.
'What happened what?' she asked bitterly.
'After you left Mr. Fowler.'
Mary remained quiet for some moments. 'It was raining outside…'
Another stream of tears threatened to break but she rubbed her eyes hard as if trying to get a piece of dirt out.
'I ran into Mr. Prowler and…he brought me home.'
Mary looked at the coat once more and she suddenly remembered how he had taken the trouble of carrying her in his arms.
'Mr. Prowler? Well, I should say that was quite lucky. He was in the area then?'
'Most likely…' she mumbled.
'So that coat belongs to him?' she said pointing at the dark object on the bed.
'You have good sight in the dark,' Mary spoke sardonically.
'Then I guess Mary, you must pay your thanking to him. He saved you from having to lie in bed for a month.'
Mary groaned. 'I actually have to show gratefulness to that man?'
Georgiana got up and scurried next to her, placing an arm round her shoulders softly.
'It's the sensible thing to do.'
'But not the most pleasant…'
Some moments passed in silence. 'You are a very strong girl, Mary Bennet. A man has deceived you and played with your hopes, on the face of it and yet you remain calm and determined.'
Mary repressed a sob.
Georgiana smiled knowingly. 'It's alright to cry, Mary. There is no shame in that, it never was. Let it out, or it shall torment you more.'
Mary felt her cheeks warm up with small tears. Georgiana's embrace intensified.
'I do not know if it will be alright, so do not expect me to say that,' she whispered softly.
Dearest Catherine,
I was more than grieved when I heard the wretched news and I must but only assume Jane is taken care of as best as possible and that she will be soon out of any danger. I cannot imagine who could have done such a terrible thing, but it shan't be long in the dark. I regret, my love, that I was not there to give you comfort, but fret not, you will be happy to hear everything is well and fine in Hertfordshire. The weather has been quite splendid for the winter time.
I am currently staying at Parker's Inn however, because it simply cannot be that a groom should reside at the bride's dwelling before the wedding. I have already been in talks with Netherfield Hall for the wedding. You shall find me waiting ardently for your return.
Your faithful,
Colonel Fitzwilliam
'Oh, my dear Colonel! He must be waiting my reply, poor soul! Oh, I must write to him at once!' Kitty moaned as she walked across the drawing room with the letter in her hand.
'Calm down, Kitty, there's plenty of time for that,' Lizzie spoke as she put down her book. 'I think I should go check on Mary. It's almost noon.'
'Oh, I went to see her at nine and she was still in bed,' Kitty replied looking slightly worried. 'It is as if a curse has been cast upon our family. First Jane, now Mary…for one happiness, double sorrow comes. It is simply unthinkable!'
'I agree, so much misfortune is not …'
'But Mary had her blame in this. Walking in the rain like that! No matter how much she wanted to call on Mr. Fowler, it could have waited better times!'
At that moment the doors opened and Mary, accompanied carefully by Georgiana walked into the room slowly.
'Mary! What in Heaven's name are you doing up?' Lizzie exclaimed.
'You need your rest, sister,' Kitty replied bowing to Miss Darcy.
'I am quite well, at the moment,' Mary replied in a small voice. 'I've had the luck not to catch a cold.'
'The luck? What were you doing out on that weather? You must tell us what occurred at once!' Kitty bellowed.
'Do not make such haste, Miss Bennet,' Georgiana replied. 'All in their due time, but I think my brother should be called as well, as he can reply to Lady Catherine.'
For the next hour Mary sat in front of the fireplace and retold what she had previously said to Georgiana in as little words as possible, but trying to sound as clear and precise as she could.
Mr. Darcy who had come immediately sat baffled upon hearing Anne had eloped willingly and was in Mr. Fowler's company.
'But why did she run to him, mad woman?' he asked.
Mary paused.
'It is possible she has taken to him since his visit at Rosings some time ago. She probably wanted to see him…and took the morning hackney, arriving here promptly,' she said at length though she was not quite so sure of these.
'You mean she was professing her love?' Lizzie asked disconcert.
Mary trembled slightly but breathed deeply as she answered.
'I suppose so since Mr. Fowler was very much engaged in showing her his affection and she was…very happy to receive it.'
They looked at her confused.
'They were kissing,' Georgiana clarified and all looked even more surprised.
If this causes such a shock the truth would be unbearable, Mary thought.
'Well, I must admit I never thought my cousin…' Mr. Darcy trailed off.
'She seemed such a feeble creature, indeed,' Lizzie affirmed.
'Well, it so happens that people can deceive us easily,' Georgiana replied.
'Ah! So you see, I was perfectly right! That man is nothing but a wily git with no good…' Kitty spoke up.
'Kitty, there is no need to insult…' Mary said weakly.
'But Mary, was not he interested in your company?' Lizzie asked unsure.
'I suppose not. We were mere friends.'
'Yet the way he addressed you was not quite common for friends,' Lizzie insisted.
'Well, then, I should go and write to Lady Catherine immediately,' Mr. Darcy spoke as he kissed his wife and left the drawing room.
'Mary...' Lizzie tried again. 'This has affected you more than you mean to say. Mr. Fowler almost professed…'
'Enough, sister, it is only useless to dwell upon it,' Mary interrupted her.
'No matter what you say, Mary, you can not defend him any longer, I always knew he was an arrogant prick,' Kitty said angrily.
'Perhaps he had been more of a prick if he had abandoned Anne who, if your sayings are correct, is infatuated with him,' Lizzie added pensively.
Of that I cannot be sure…Mary mused worriedly.
In no time the entire household knew of what had come to pass with Mary and all were sure Mr. Fowler and Anne were secret lovers, against Lady Catherine's wishes.
Even Jane had learnt of it and expressed her sadness for Mary as she knew her sister cared for Mr. Fowler more than she would admit.
'My dear sister must probably be in very low spirits since most of us expected he would declare his affection to Mary,' she used to say to Charles while he sat at her bed, caressing her forehead.
'It was quite unexpected indeed…I do not know what to say of Anne de Bourg, only that Lady Catherine shall be infuriated by her behaviour.'
And Charles was very right indeed. Mr. Darcy's letter to his aunt was very clear in stating Anne was having an apparently secret affair with Mr. Fowler.
Lady Catherine came storming to Pemberley in just a matter of two days and was so indisposed that she yelled and bellowed at any one standing in her way.
She settled at the Darcy residence whilst she waited for Anne to return. She dared not call on Mr. Fowler as she expected her daughter to come willingly.
One cloudy afternoon, Miss de Bourg finally knocked at the Pemberley gates as she looked as fit as a fiddle.
Mary shut herself in her room and watched her from her window with knitted eyebrows. Anne was wearing a dark, violet gown with black veils as she sported a most scandalous cleavage. Her face was expressionless but for a slight quirk at the corner of her mouth.
Yet what caught Mary's sudden attention was the sparkling-white, incongruous almost, pearl necklace placed round her long neck which was glinting perversely.
Anne was made to walk to the front doors where Lady Catherine and Mr. Darcy were expecting her.
'I see you are in good health, Miss Anne,' Darcy said shaking her hand politely as a gesture of displeasure.
'Very well, Sir, thank you…' she replied meekly. 'Mama…'
Lady Catherine's lips were pursed as she stepped forward and looked at her with disgust and disappointment.
'Come here, Anne,' she spoke coldly.
The girl bowed in front of her expecting to be chided but worse was to come.
Lady Catherine grasped her locks of black hair tightly and without a word stepped out into the grounds, dragging her along.
'Mama! It hurts terribly! Let go!' she cried, tears in her eyes as she was being pulled helplessly.
'Disgrace!' Lady Catherine yelled angrily. 'You shall follow me this way until we reach Kent, you miserable, fowl girl!'
Anne tried to disentangle herself from her mother's grasp, pulling at her arms but it was no use.
She looked back at Mr. Darcy but he stood still as a rock, looking far into the horizon.
'But you cannot judge so quickly, Mary my dear!' Mrs. Bennet spoke alarmed as they all sat in the drawing room. 'See what scandal has been caused? Lord, should I have to take my daughter in such a way…'
'Mama, Anne needed to be punished accordingly for acting so reckless,' Lizzie said firmly.
'Well, I very much approve of that, but let us not make haste about Mr. Fowler! Now, he has treated Mary most gently and has not erred but in this! Ah! And it was but a kiss…' she continued.
'And is that little to you madam?' Lizzie inquired. 'If Anne cherishes him then he cannot play with the feeling of two young women.'
'That scoundrel of a woman is ill and insane, probably! Have you not seen her look? Most certainly, Mr. Fowler took pity on her and…'
'Mama, please, let us talk of something else,' Mary said as she leaned her head against Georgiana's shoulder.
'I shall not rest until I get to the bottom of this,' Mrs. Bennet spoke acridly. 'I can vouch for Mr. Fowler's guiltless behaviour.'
'Why do you esteem him so?' Lizzie asked.
'How can you ask this Lizzie? What other man has paid such attentions to Mary? And now that my poor daughter has a chance…with a man of fortune and manners! It is a lost luck I tell you!'
'And what should you have me do, mama?' Mary asked slightly annoyed.
'I'll have you write to him, at once! You must demand an explanation and assure him you are not refusing his affection.'
'Affection which he never truly proclaimed?'
'Mary, what other man could proclaim it?' Mrs. Bennet asked angrily.
She looked up, turning white with shame and surprise.
'Mama!' Lizzie spoke. 'Mary…'
She rose and left the room hurriedly not looking back. Georgiana followed her promptly.
'What was it that I said?' Mrs. Bennet inquired worriedly.
Lizzie rolled her eyes and dropped in her chair upset.
'Mary!' Georgiana called in the empty corridor. She ran towards her chambers only to find her getting dressed.
'You are going for a walk?' she inquired.
'Yes, I need a breath of fresh air. I see my clothes have dried up.'
She put on her green dress and snatched the coat on her bed as if wanting to hit someone with it, all this done in a fast pace.
'I'll take this with me to keep me warm. I should make use of it until I must return it,' she spoke angrily.
'I'd rather you did not. What if it rains again?'
Mary smiled weakly. 'I shall walk very near the Park, fear not, I have no intention to catch a nasty illness on account of Mr. Fowler.'
'Mary, what your mother said…'
'Is of no importance, even if there is truth in her words. It bothers me not.'
'She has mistaken.'
'I shall return soon,' she continued and pecked Georgiana as she left her room.
The deep forests surrounding Pemberley were charming indeed as they sparkled with rain and shook with fury as the wind swept up the dead leaves and fallen branches. Green was now grey but she occasionally found one or two pines to marvel at.
The paths were clearly outlined as Mr. Darcy had gone hunting many times and the puddles of mud threatened to cover the tracks. She walked slowly, stepping over each inconvenience.
The sky was white and sombre, no cheerfulness escaping its grief.
Some ravens flew wistfully over her head and she shivered slightly pulling the coat tighter around her.
She could see from that fair distance the great, blue lake and she wished it could be summer and she could take a swim.
As she was walking deeper in the woods, brushing off twigs and bushes she heard some strange words coming from a small distance.
As she got closer she realised someone was cursing most intensely.
'Blasting bloody, Devil, now how do I get out of this one?' the voice spoke angrily.
She looked around but she could see no one. Through the thick ferns she saw she had arrived at a beautiful sad meadow, vast and wide, lengthening towards the village.
'Oh, a lady! Bless the Heavens! Could you please be of assistance to me?' the voice spoke suddenly.
She looked around frightened as she held the hems of her dress tightly.
'Who is there? Come out, show yourself.'
'I cannot. Look, I'm up here!'
She turned slowly and when she looked up she noticed that in a fairly tall, proud oak stood a young man in a very odd position with his feet up in the branches.
He seemed to be in pains as he was held tightly by the legs, with his upper body dangling in the air. A tight rope could be seen gliding down the trunk.
The unfortunate fellow had fallen in a rabbit trap.
'If you could but pull at that rope and set me free!' he spoke loudly in order to be heard.
Mary looked at him unsure.
'Please, dear lady, I shall give you money if necessary.'
She frowned. 'There is no need for that, Sir. I am not a poor beggar.'
With that she pulled at the rope hard until he almost fell from the tree.
'No, no! Slowly or you shall end my days. Now pull slowly until you see my body lower!'
She listened to him carefully and, supporting her feet against the trunk she pulled at the rope, sweat emerging from her forehead as her hands burnt.
'Just a bit more!' he said loudly.
Using all her might she made a final pull and he landed on the ground with a loud thump.
She fell with him as they both rolled in the dust and leaves. The branches cracked as if frightened as he cursed once more.
He slowly got up and seeing as she had collapsed as well, helped her get back on her feet.
'I am terribly sorry for the inconvenience, but as you can see hunters are as thick as the prey.'
She shook her head slightly annoyed but took his hand and managed to rise.
'I thank you for your services, however. I do not know how long a time I would have been stuck up there had it not been for you, Miss…' he continued.
'Mary,' she replied.
'Miss Mary, I am very much in your debt,' he bowed and she noticed he was quite young and handsome, as his blond hair reached his shoulders and his brown eyes smiled warmly.
'Oh, you seem to have dropped something,' he said as he noticed a small piece of jewellery sparkling on the ground.
He picked it up but remained transfixed with the object in his hand. His whole face whitened as in a spasm and his hands shook terribly.
'Sir, what is the matter?' she asked concerned. She looked at his hands and noticed he was holding a locket.
It was Miss Darcy's locket. The same one Mr. Darcy had placed in the pocket of Mary's dress and now it had fallen in the hands of this man.
'Miss…how do you… you reside at Pemberley?' he asked trying to steady his voice.
'How do you know that?'
His face broke in a grin as he grasped the locket tightly to his chest.
'Oh, you have made me the happiest of men,' he said as he pulled her in a brotherly embrace.
'Sir, control yourself!' she protested.
Miss, do you know Miss Darcy then? Oh, please tell me you do, otherwise you wouldn't have her picture.'
'Yes, I am quite well acquainted with her. Why do you…'
'Oh, please then inform her that Theodore has arrived for her. Please tell her that I am here in Derbyshire. Tell her that I could not keep longer away!'
'Your name is Theodore?' she inquired curiously.
'Yes, I can tell you no more. She will understand immediately, I assure you! But please, have pity on me and send her this message. Tell her I know I should not have come, but if she only could walk into these woods, we could meet safely.'
Mary tried following his rapid words but was lost in a storm of questions.
'Meet? Miss Darcy? You know her well?' she asked.
'More than anyone, that is why you must tell her, I beg you! And please inform her that I am safe and well, she might worry.'
'Sir, this is all…I cannot simply…'
He embraced her again. 'Please, kind lady, you saved me once, you cannot refuse me again, her happiness depends upon it; I entreat you!'
'Oh, if you insist so I shall see what I can do. After all, it is not great business delivering a message, but I must know who you are.'
'When she hears my name she shall know,' he spoke smiling softly. 'And she shall smile as I smile, now that fate has smiled upon me.'
She looked at him baffled.
What in the world…
'Very well then…but do not expect me to encourage her to meet a stranger in the forests!'
'I am no stranger, I am he who waits for her and shall no matter what,' he spoke firmly.
She saw the skies darken as the wind swept her dress.
'I must go now, but fret not, Sir, Miss Darcy shall know.'
'Oh, thank you, a thousand times thank you!' he exclaimed kissing her loudly on both hands.
'Oh, enough, how silly,' she said pulling away. 'Adieu.'
'Do not forget!' he yelled after her as she walked away rapidly.
Georgiana walked through the garden morosely, keeping Jane, who now dared a walk in the gardens, company. Mrs. Bingley held her arm softly as she strolled happily through the burnt grass.
'Thank you Georgiana, for helping me walk about, I truly needed to get out,' she said softly. 'I hope I have not caused you too much trouble.'
'Not at all, Mrs. Bingley, I enjoy walking myself, especially in the company of a dear friend.'
They both saw the skies darkening and they knew their walk must come to an end soon, but neither moved as a sight to behold caught their eye.
Mary was running hastily across the stony alley which led to the entrance doors.
'Mary!' they both called.
She turned in her step as she noticed her sister and her friend coming slowly towards her from the opposite end of the garden.
'Oh, there you are!' she exclaimed.
'Mary, are you alright?' Jane asked worriedly. 'What was all the haste about? Has something happened?'
'Oh, no Jane, do not trouble yourself I had merely gone on a walk. I feared the rain would come so I rushed home,' she said panting for breath.
'Well, let us get inside then.'
All three entered the house and Georgiana led Jane to her chambers as Mary waited calmly for her return. She went to her room and discarded her coat as she stepped into her friend's chamber through the secret door.
Looking around she saw nothing that could hint she was acquainted with a man, but she knew Georgiana could hide things very well and that all this time had not wanted to trouble her, a thing for which she felt guilty.
Miss Darcy was surprised to find Mary pacing her room up and down, but smiled pleased to see her in better spirits.
Mary stopped when she noticed her friend and fixed her with a serious gaze.
'Georgiana, we need to talk.'
Her smile fell and her eyes darkened with worry.
'Has something come to pass? You did not encounter Mr. Fowler, did you?'
'Nothing of that sort. I did encounter however, Theodore.'
Georgiana barely managed to keep on her feet at hearing the name. If his face had whitened, hers reddened with such power that Mary almost smiled.
Her voice was shaken as she turned towards the window.
'Theodore? I have not heard this name before.'
'He sent me a message for you, Miss Darcy,' she spoke amused.
She turned surprised as her eyes glinted with hope.
'Then let us hear it, immediately,' she spoke flustered.
'I thought you knew not who Theodore was…' Mary trailed off.
Georgiana sighed. 'Oh, nothing can be hidden from you! He is a gentleman I know…but what in God's name is he doing here?'
'What do you mean?'
'He should not be here! Oh, it is not safe.'
'He said he could not keep away any longer,' Mary said smiling knowingly.
Georgiana's face brightened. 'Oh, he has come for me! Oh, how insane yet…'
'Now, you'd better tell me all, or else I shall tell you nothing myself,' Mary said sitting on the bed.
Georgiana turned and sighed relieved. 'It is such an odd story.'
Miss Darcy walked slowly across the green valley which led to the sea as her feet thumped loudly on the yellow, dusty stones. Mrs. Brimstock, one of the ladies of Bath, accompanied her, holding a charming, blue umbrella for the both of them as the sun pierced their faces. Another group of young ladies followed behind as Mr. Doiners, the pastor guided them closely. Mrs. Doiners joined Mrs. Brimstock in front, as she wiped her forehead with a large worn handkerchief.
'Oh, dreadful heat, indeed and I, in such demanding clothes,' she spoke through ragged breaths.
'I can only imagine, dear lady, but you are too humble for any sort of garment, I see,' Mrs. Brimstock spoke. 'If I could but have your will, but I have this dear child to make me feel less of a woman of society. With children one always feels closer to the Lord.'
Georgiana rolled her eyes as her eyes swept across the blue, stormy sea.
Her feet were sore from walking in such a stiff way and Mrs. Brimstock was the most boring companion once could ever imagine. She had tried conversing with the other ladies, but all were sisters from a convent, preparing to take the veil and all subjects seemed immoral to them.
She felt alone and dreary and cursed her brother for thinking Bath would do every damned year.
They reached the town which was crowded and noisy as ever, now more that the merchants from London had arrived with the latest fashion and trinkets.
The streets seemed an endless hoard as she walked precariously next to the ladies, dust and soot dirtying the hems of her dress.
The ladies walked towards the ribbons shop which seemed less crowded and offered some shade from the sun. The hosier welcomed them happily.
Georgiana stood in line outside the shop playing with her locket from time to time.
'Oh, Miss Darcy, take care of these please,' Mrs. Doiners spoke as she dropped four umbrellas and two hats in her arms.
'With pleasure…milady…'she spoke sardonically.
Sighing she leaned against the wall, as a soft breeze started playing with her hair. She noticed nothing stirred around her, everything was heat and sunshine.
Then she realised there could have been no breeze.
Turning abruptly she saw a young man running away rapidly.
Touching her neck she noticed the necklace was gone.
'You! Come back here!' she screamed annoyed. 'Come back at once!'
She knew however it was useless, thus she dropped the umbrellas and hats, grabbed the folds of her dress and broke into a refreshing run.
She followed his figure across the crowd as she noticed him going deeper into secluded alleys. An intricate labyrinth of dust and cobble lay in front of her and all people moved about like busy ants rushing to their ant hill. She would have stayed to admire the bustle had it not been for the young man.
'Stop this instant, thief!' she yelled after him. 'Stop, I tell you!'
He ran into the busy streets, pulling at tables and stalls as he went in order to stop her, but she avoided them carefully as she noticed him turn a corner.
'Pardon me,' she excused herself as she bumped into the merchants. 'Pardon me.'
Georgiana avoided the huge crowd that had gathered to see some caged animals as she turned into a dark street which smelled oddly of fish.
'There you are!' she exclaimed as he stopped near a liquor shop.
'Now, give that back this instant, you scoundrel!' she spoke as her hair fluttered angrily.
He looked at her smiling unsure and bowed politely.
'Ah, you do not fool me with that petty act.'
He smirked pleased and spoke in a sly voice.
'On the contrary, I always try to be polite around pretty ladies such as yourself.'
'Yes, yes and the Sun is actually a dot in the sky! Give that necklace back!'
He stepped closer and took off his hat, letting his blond locks flow freely.
'I shall give it back on one condition, milady.'
'And what is that?'
'I've noticed your elderly companion had a silver brooch, adorner with sapphires, pinned at her breast. If you manage to steal that for me, I shall give you the necklace back.'
She looked at him baffled. 'How dare you?'
'Come now, you do not seem to like her so much.'
'How would you know?'
'Who could like such a woman anyway?'
'You ask me to do a very disgraceful thing,' she spoke angrily.
'And the blame falls on me completely; all you have to do…'
'No, it is absurd!'
'Do you want to see your necklace again?'
'But I cannot!'
'It's the easiest! You are close to her and she trusts you. What could be simpler? At least try, Miss.'
'Ah! And then you shall give it back?'
'You have my word as a fellow thief.'
She scowled and they both turned back towards the ribbons shop. As she reached it she noticed with relief a cabby boy had taken the dropped objects respectfully and placed them in a carriage which Mr. Doiners had called.
'Now, I shall wait behind the shop,' he spoke as he smiled at her mirthfully.
She sighed and entered the shop.
'Ah, Miss Darcy there you are! Oh, you simply must see this beautiful golden ribbon, it would go perfect with your white dress,' Mrs. Brimstock spoke as she placed a ribbon in her hands.
She smiled complacently. 'Oh, but this one is far too flaunty! I'd rather take something softer in colour,' she spoke trying to distract Mrs. Brimstock.
'Here this one, madam,' she called her as she stood behind her. Georgiana brought the pink ribbon in front of her eyes and Mrs. Brimstock took it between her fingers.
'Well, well how nice indeed…' she mused as she examined it.
Georgiana slowly lowered her head towards her nape as she placed her arms round her neck.
'Oh, please buy it for me, Mrs. Brimstock,' she said kissing her cheek loudly.
The lady laughed good-humouredly. 'Oh, child…'
Miss Darcy carefully placed her fingers round her brooch, which stood erect on her breast and with a soft clink managed to take it off as she pulled it swiftly behind the lady's armpit. She hid the piece of jewellery under her dress as she followed her to pay for the ribbon.
'Oh, I shall be so happy wearing it!' she spoke as she embraced the lady once more.
'Dear, child, well aren't you a darling?! What good joy has gotten into you?'
'Bath is just so splendid,' she spoke as she turned towards the door.
'I shall see if the carriage is ready.'
As she exited the shop she breathed deeply, wiping her sweat from her forehead. With steady steps she turned the corner where the young man awaited.
'You …you've got it?' he looked at her baffled.
'Of course,' she smirked. 'Here it is.'
She took it out of her dress and stood expectantly in front of him.
He looked at her surprised, not believing his eyes.
'You actually succeeded. Why, milady, I only put you through such a task thinking…'
'I could not do it? Well, now, be a gentleman and keep your word,' she said smiling amused.
He grinned and took out the necklace.
She approached him rapidly to snatch it but he grabbed her arm slyly and brought her mouth to his.
Their lips met in a kiss that was so unexpected that she almost dropped the brooch as he pulled her closer. Her eyes opened as she stared at him and she grabbed her necklace as he took the brooch from her clasped hand. Their kiss ended and they pulled away surprised.
'A true princess of thieves…' he whispered smiling.
'Georgiana! Georgiana! Oh, where is that girl? Miss Darcy!'
Everyone was calling for her as they needed to leave.
'Miss Darcy…' he spoke as he kissed her hand. 'I see… it was my pleasure to do business.'
'Likewise,' she spoke softly and laughed amused.
Miss Darcy quickly ran away as Mrs. Doiners caught her by the arm.
'Oh, there you are Miss, heavens we were worried you might have been lost. Come now…' she said leading her to the carriage.
As she stepped in she saw the young man coming out of the alley and smiling at her slyly.
As the carriage moved away he called after her.
'When can I see you again?'
'Never!' she yelled back as she leaned out the window.
'Miss Darcy what are you doing?' Mrs. Brimstock asked alarmed.
'Oh, nothing at all, madam.'
They arrived on the coast at noon time and settled in the red-bricked villa that had a beautiful view of the seaside. She was in high spirits all throughout the evening as they placed their luggage and made themselves comfortable.
She fumbled across the house uneasy and looked out at the sea when other things needed to be done.
They all went for a walk across the beach later on but she saw and met no one at all, but for a stray dog which had taken a liking to her as he followed her staunchly.
A sudden feeling of sadness enveloped her as she realised she would never truly see him again.
As night came she lingered in her room sadly, kicking small stools out of her way as she blew out the candles.
'I should have told him where I am staying. But what for? He's a…'
'Pssst!'
The sound came from the balcony.
'Miss Darcy!' someone whispered. She turned abruptly and opened the French windows.
As she stepped on the low balcony she saw, down in the garden the young thief.
'Sir!' she exclaimed happily.
'Come down,' he entreated her.
'No, it's madness!'
'Life is madness itself,' he whispered smiling mirthfully.
'How did you find me?'
'You belittle my capabilities, milady. Please, come down.'
She would only have to jump and land on the ground safely for she stayed on the ground floor.
'Come on, then!'
She braced herself and skipped the railing as she jumped with all her might.
He rushed to help her as she almost fell but his strong arms protected her as she steadied herself against his chest.
They shared another quick kiss before she pulled away.
'No, this is insane. You're a thief!'
'And you're a beautiful lady of the Shire, I suppose.'
'Right you are, Robin Hood…'
'Then let me introduce myself,' he said bowing. 'Theodore Stoddard, merchant by day, thief by night.'
She laughed as she bowed herself.
'And you are Miss Darcy, lady by day and princess of thieves by night,' he spoke as he took her in his arms again.
'But I know nothing of you!'
'And I know nothing of you! Isn't it marvellous?' he laughed kissing her on the forehead.
He placed the brooch in her hand. 'Take it back, I shan't steal from my mistress.'
'Theodore, I am only staying for a week.'
He embraced her as her feet left the ground. 'That's plenty of time to teach you everything about the art of theft.'
'How can I trust you?'
'You cannot, but you can trust that you have bewitched me from the first minute.'
Georgiana landed on the bed next to Mary who listened in shock, her mouth agape.
'And from then on we met every day at night fall…he told me of his business. He sells liquor and brews it as well, but sometimes he cannot make ends meet. He was raised by a hoard of thieves as a child with his sister and thus he manages to steal for a living as well, since he cannot support her. They are orphans living in London all by themselves in an old, tatty maisonette.'
'But how did he know about Pemberley…?'
'I told him everything of my home and family and he promised to come and take me away some day soon.'
'But that's very dangerous, Georgiana!'
'He's a very kind man, I assure you, he would not steal if he did not have to, but his sister is very sickly and always needs care and medicine as well as money for dowry.'
'There must be other ways!'
'In London there isn't. He cannot get another employment other than a liquor merchant no matter how hard he tries and he's already in trouble there, has a reputation with the officers and is watched over constantly! My poor Theodore…'
'Oh, Georgiana this is a complete mess! He came here to see you when he is in danger of being discovered!'
'Do you not think I worry myself? What did he say?'
Mary managed to compose herself and told her exactly what occurred.
Georgiana smiled saddened. 'If he says he is safe he must be, he gets around very well, but he must take great care or I shall fear the worst.'
'But surely you will not go into the woods to meet him?'
'Of course I will, I can hardly wait to see him! I must let him know at once that I still love him.'
'You love him?' Mary asked as her eyes widened.
'Well, how else do you call it? He's always been in all my thoughts, as if I travelled with him wherever he went.'
'I think you are being too hasty…You know him for such a short time. Surely…' Mary continued but Georgiana ignored her.
'Ah, the locket remained in his possession, after all.'
'Georgiana, why was the locket in my dress?'
'I have no idea…but…the last time I saw it…it was in my brother's possession.'
Mary suddenly reddened.
'Do you think that he came after you and accidentally…' she ventured.
Georgiana raised an eyebrow. 'Came after me?'
'Oh, alright, I didn't tell you something as well. I heard the conversation that took place between you and your brother in his study.'
'Why did you never tell me?'
'Why did you never tell me of Theodore?'
'I thought I would trouble you…'
'Well so did I!'
They stared at each other for some moments before bursting into a good-humoured laugh.
'Oh, but you must tell your brother of Theodore,' Mary spoke between laughs.
'He already knows that…but he doesn't know him, or his character, he thinks I am being courted by another Wickham…He found out from Mrs. Brimstock that a man was coming to see me every night. Apparently, that hag did actually notice some things.'
'But Mr. Darcy shall listen to you if…'
'No, he shall not. Not yet…I cannot yet. I must see him first, I must see Theodore. After that I'll be able to face the world.'
They were both interrupted by a loud knock which was heard in the other room, at Mary's door.
'I should go and see…' she mumbled as she exited through the secret door.
A maid was waiting for her with a letter.
As she left, Georgiana came in and looked at it curiously.
Mary's face dropped as she looked at the writing.
'It's from Mr. Fowler.'