A/N - this has been updated to correct grammar and spelling - a big thanks to my beta reader Ann ( goclimbatree), who has begun reading through and helping me fix errors and ensure clarity.
Let me know if you continue to see any issues. This story will be published on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited at some point once it is finished (August?).
Chapter 4
Almost too soon for Elizabeth's comfort, the carriage arrived in Mayfair and stopped in front of Darcy House. It was a large imposing structure built of white stone, several stories tall, and one of only two houses on that block. Directly across the street was an entrance to Hyde Park.
Before Elizabeth could exit the carriage, the front door opened, and Mr Darcy himself stepped out. Waving away the footman who opened the carriage door, he held out his hand to help Elizabeth down. "Welcome to Darcy House, Miss Bennet," he said in his deep voice, sounding grave and serious, his eyes reflecting his turmoil. "I simply wish it were under better circumstances."
"Thank you, sir," she breathed, suddenly shy of the man. " I thank you for the arrangements you made on my behalf. Lady Catherine insisted I was to blame for your abrupt departure and for your refusal to marry her daughter. She demanded Mr Collins kick me out of the parsonage immediately, and he was pleased to do so. I honestly do not know what I would have done had the carriage not arrived at the door."
He scowled at his aunt's actions, then smiled as he offered his arm and escorted her into the house and to the drawing room. On the way, he asked a footman to call his sister down in a few minutes. He sat beside her and said, "I must apologise for my aunt, Miss Bennet. Before we left for London, Richard suggested Aunt Catherine may take out her anger on you. He told me I was as circumspect in my admiration for you as I believed and thought our aunt had noticed, especially since she brought your name up when I refused, once again, to marry Anne. Although I told her it was not due to you, I began to worry she may take action against you after I left and wanted to ensure you were protected if she did. I apologise if I was officious in any way; it was not my intention to be high-handed, but I do try to protect those I care about." He blushed slightly as if he had not meant to blurt out the last part of his statement.
Elizabeth also coloured at the implication of his words. "Again, I thank you. The notes you wrote me assured me of your good intentions, and I do appreciate the steps you took to ensure both my reputation and my safety. I realise Lady Catherine was not concerned for either, and my cousin, miserable toad that he is, was more than happy to cast me out without concern for my safety or reputation. I believe he, and likely Lady Catherine as well, was hoping for my ruination and was pleased by the prospect of getting retaliation for refusing him. He seemed confused and dismayed when the carriage arrived and was obviously displeased to learn the carriage had been sent for me."
He scowled and muttered something that sounded like a curse under his breath. Just then, a lovely blonde-haired young lady walked into the room, her eyes wide in surprise. Elizabeth and Darcy both stood, and Darcy reached his hand out toward the girl.
"Georgiana, allow me to introduce you to Miss Elizabeth Bennet," he said. "Miss Bennet, this is my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy."
They curtsied to each other, and Miss Darcy mumbled, "It is a pleasure, Miss Bennet," barely glancing up from her feet.
Elizabeth immediately realised Miss Darcy was extremely shy and likely embarrassed. "I am so pleased to meet you, Miss Darcy. I have heard so many good things about you from your brother and your cousin. I have been looking forward to making your acquaintance."
This startled the girl, and she looked up at Elizabeth. As Darcy encouraged everyone to take a seat, Georgiana spoke again, slightly louder this time. "I confess, Miss Bennet, I have been looking forward to meeting you ever since my brother wrote of you when he was in Hertfordshire last autumn." Darcy and Elizabeth both flushed at this revelation, but Elizabeth recovered more quickly than he.
She laughed. "I can well imagine what Mr Darcy may have said about me then," she teased. "You will have to tell me what he wrote so I can counter it and correct your opinion of me." She grinned at Darcy as she said this, and he laughed out loud at her archness.
Georgiana looked between the two of them, uncertain of how to respond. She was surprised to hear her brother laugh in company, especially with a lady, and was somewhat shocked by Miss Bennet's teasing of him. He seemed to enjoy it, so she smiled and relaxed a little more.
"My brother told me you walked to Netherfield to care for your sister when she was ill, and he enjoyed hearing you play and sing, Miss Bennet. He was entirely complimentary, I assure you," Georgiana said to her.
"Then he must have told you I arrived at Netherfield covered in mud from walking three miles after a rain and surely looked a fright," she joked. "Miss Bingley mentioned many times during my stay that she was quite shocked at my wild appearance when I arrived on her doorstep with my hair blowing about me and my hem six inches deep in the mud. But truly, despite my appearance that day, I am not at all wild, but I was very concerned for my sister."
"You looked entirely lovely when you arrived at Netherfield that morning, Miss Bennet, and I would wish Georgiana would go to the same lengths to care for a sister, if she had one, as you do for yours. I admire your temerity in walking all that way to care for your sister. I believe there are not many women who would do such, in particular Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst," Mr Darcy stated. "They would barely cross the room to help each other and would never dream of crossing a field when they could leave the care of their sister to maids."
Elizabeth stared at him, amazed at how often she had misread him in Hertfordshire. "Anyone would be willing to do as much for Jane. She is one of the kindest, least assuming persons I have ever known," she stated, trying to reconcile her mind to this new understanding of Mr Darcy.
"Miss Bennet," Georgiana said after a moment, "we have been remiss in not showing you to your room and offering you refreshments. Would you care for me to show you to your room now, or would you prefer to have refreshments first?"
"If it is all the same to you, Miss Darcy, I would like to be shown to my room to refresh myself from my travels. I walked to Rosings and back in this dress and was not able to change before boarding the carriage to London," Elizabeth said.
"When you have refreshed yourself, Miss Bennet, we will have tea served in here," Miss Darcy told her. "I will show you upstairs. Brother, should we call for you when we are ready?"
Darcy stood as the two ladies did. "I will be in my study, Georgiana," he said. "Miss Bennet, I am sorry for the circumstances that led to it, but I am glad you are here. Later, if you do not mind, I would like to ask you a few more questions about my aunt and your sudden departure."
"There is not much else to tell, but I will gladly answer any questions you have. I would also like to know what you found when you visited my aunt and uncle yesterday. I assume you still have my letters," she replied.
"I do, although I posted the letter to your father, and I will give the rest to you when we speak later," he said, his voice grave.
She curtsied to him and followed his sister upstairs. Miss Darcy pointed out the hallways that led to the library and the family wing, where her bedroom was located. She led Elizabeth up one more flight of stairs and to a beautifully appointed guest suite with a dressing room and an attached sitting room. "This will be your room while you stay here, Miss Bennet. I do hope you will like it."
"The room is lovely, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth replied, looking around at the large room. "I cannot imagine anyone disliking it. Did you choose the decorations?"
"No, my mother, Lady Anne, decorated most of the house shortly before she passed away. My brother and I like it as it is, although some have suggested that it is not 'opulent' enough," Miss Darcy said, sighing. "I know we just met, Miss Bennet, but my brother likes you, and I would like to know you better. Might we dispense with the formality and use our Christian names."
"I would be glad to, Georgiana; please call me Elizabeth or Lizzy, as my sisters do. I am pleased that we will be friends," Elizabeth returned. "Would you like to stay here while I change my dress so we might continue to speak?"
Georgiana nodded her agreement, and Elizabeth began the conversation by asking a question about her music since she knew from both her conversations with Miss Bingley and her time at Rosings that Georgiana enjoyed the pianoforte and played well. As a maid helped Elizabeth change her dress, they discussed favoured composers, and Georgiana told her some of the pieces she had been working on this spring with a master.
Once Elizabeth was ready, they returned to the drawing room. On the way, Georgiana knocked on a door, which she told Elizabeth was her brother's study. After only a moment, he joined them and offered an arm to each young woman to escort them to the drawing room for tea.
"Elizabeth, would you pour the tea? I need to step into the music room and get something," Georgiana said after the other two were seated. She quickly darted out of the room, careful to leave the door slightly open.
Darcy grimaced. "I apologise for my sister, Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth waved her hand, making clear it was unnecessary. "She is a sweet girl, very eager to please and, I think, eager to throw the two of us together," she said, grinning slightly. "She has already requested that I call her Georgiana and expressed a wish to be friends. I hope you do not mind."
He drew in a breath at the smile on her face as she teased him. "I am pleased at how well you are getting along. However, while we have a moment, I need to ask if you wish to stay here, or would you prefer that I ask my aunt to host you for a few days? I understand she will not be home until late tonight, but I will be able to speak with her tomorrow."
"When will my aunt and uncle return to London, sir?" she asked. "I did not know they were going out of town and had not considered they might until I received your note in the carriage."
"I attempted to visit Mr Gardiner at his office first since you kindly included both addresses. I was told by his man of business, after some convincing, that Mr Gardiner and his entire family had to travel out of town for a day or two, and the butler at their house confirmed it. I understand they are to return sometime the day after tomorrow," he said.
Elizabeth considered this. "There seems little reason to involve others at this point. Your sister has a companion who can serve as my chaperone, is that correct? It seems easier to remain here than to spend one night here and another night somewhere else. That is, if you do not mind or think it would affect your reputation."
Darcy nodded. "I agree with you, although my concern is for your reputation, not mine. I did want to offer you the option to stay with my aunt. I will have dinner with you, but I can spend these two nights at my club if you prefer."
"I am not certain what is best in this situation, sir," Elizabeth said haltingly, her face showing her uncertainty. "You have asked to court me, but it is not official as you have not spoken to either my father or my uncle. None of my family knows where I am, and my cousin may contact my family, although I did ask Charlotte to prevent it if she could. If any of the events of today become known, my reputation will be ruined regardless. You have acted to protect me, but I remain in a precarious situation." She took a deep, shaky breath, her shoulders slumping slightly.
Darcy noticed and felt an almost desperate desire to take Elizabeth in his arms and comfort her. He stepped forward but halted before he reached her. "Elizabeth," he began softly in a slightly husky tone that made her name nearly a caress. "I am sorry to have put you in this position. I did not anticipate your relations being away from home, which would have made today's events much simpler to contain. My aunt bears much of the blame for putting you into this situation; I have told her for years I would not marry my cousin, but she has continued to refuse to believe my assertion and continued to believe that someday I would be persuaded to marry Anne. She may have been informed that I took my leave from the parsonage yesterday after speaking with her and has set herself against you. I worry that she may continue to be a threat. I do hope you know I wish to marry you and will gladly marry you to protect your reputation, although I desire that you wed me willingly, not out of obligation. My only concern is that I am not certain you wish to wed me … yet … and I hoped to give you time to get to know me better."
He hesitated and then continued. "I do not know if you realise it yet, Elizabeth, but I do love you most ardently; I have for some time. I have been told my entire life that it is my duty to marry a well-dowered, well-connected woman of the ton, and I have struggled between doing my duty and following my heart. When I saw you again at Rosings, I knew that doing my duty could not compare to the love I felt for you. I would be honoured, dearest Elizabeth, if you would accept the offer of my hand in marriage. However, I do not want you to feel obligated to accept me; I will protect your reputation regardless of your answer."
Elizabeth was shocked and overwhelmed by his words. She attempted to speak several times before she finally found the words to respond. "I cannot say I am in love with you at this moment, sir, but after you left Rosings, I came to the realization I could fall in love with you. I would still like us to court first, and if we can keep others from learning I have spent two nights in your home, we will have time to do so. However, I am uncertain what would happen should others find out I am here. I would not like to be forced into a marriage that I am not prepared to accept."
"Other than Richard, no one knows I am in town, and as the knocker is not on my door, my presence here should go undetected for another day or two. Once your relations return, I will escort you to their home, and you can explain as much or as little as you like. While we are here, we will have opportunities to speak frequently with Georgiana or Mrs Annesley as chaperones. I hope to show you a better version of myself than I did in Hertfordshire," he said.
Elizabeth nodded quietly, watching him intently for several moments before her eyes took on a teasing glint once again. "And sir, do not think I have not noticed your use of my Christian name. I did not think a mere courtship, and an unofficial one at that, entitled you to such liberties."
He grinned. "Perhaps not, Miss Elizabeth, but it seems unfair that my sister has been granted the privilege when I have not."
She laughed. "What then, sir, am I to call you?" she teased him.
"I believe you know my Christian name is Fitzwilliam, although my Aunt Catherine is the only one who ever calls me that. Most of my friends call me Darcy, and my sister mostly calls me Brother. My mother called me William, and Georgiana has begun to as well. Would you be comfortable calling me by that name?" he requested.
"William is a good name," she said, considering his request as she poured the tea. "Yes, I think in private I could call you William."
Both were smiling broadly and sipping their tea when Georgiana returned with Mrs Annesley, her companion. After Georgiana introduced Elizabeth and Mrs Annesley, Elizabeth asked the ladies how they took their tea and prepared a cup for each of them. The four of them began a conversation about books they had read.
Georgiana was surprised and pleased with the way Elizabeth gently teased and debated with her brother. She determined this woman would be a good one to emulate and hoped they would be friends. While she noted her brother often watched their guest, she could not guess at its meaning. Mrs Annesley joined in the conversation occasionally but mostly took notice of the interactions between the others in the room. She knew what Darcy meant by looking so often at their guest and was pleased to see it.
Much too soon, the bell, indicating that it was time to dress for dinner. As Georgiana began to stand, Darcy spoke.
"Georgiana, since Miss Bennet did not anticipate a stay at Darcy House tonight, what would you say if we forgo dressing for dinner and remain as we are? It would also allow us to continue our conversation until dinner is ready," Darcy had been enjoying the conversation and nodded her agreement, as did Mrs Annesley.
A short time later, they heard a knock on the front door, followed by an indistinct conversation. Darcy's butler had instructions to admit only Colonel Fitzwilliam, and they were pleasantly surprised when he was followed in by his mother, the Countess of Matlock.
"Darcy, Richard told me about your visit to Rosings, and I determined to see if my assistance was needed," the countess said and then noticed the unknown young lady in the room. "I see Catherine has acted as you feared then."
Darcy, who had stood when their visitors had entered, spoke quickly, "She did. Aunt Helen, may I introduce you to Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Miss Bennet, my aunt, the Countess of Matlock, Helen Fitzwilliam."
The ladies curtsied to each other, and the countess spoke again. "What exactly did Catherine do this time?"
"She told Miss Bennet's cousin, her parson, to eject her from the parsonage without any concern for where she would go or how she would get there," Darcy explained. "Richard and I spoke before we left, and I had arranged for a carriage in case she did exactly this. Miss Bennet's relations are out of town, so she was brought here. I would have included you in the plans, but Richard told me you were occupied tonight."
"We intended to be, but after speaking with Richard and learning of the concerns the two of you have about possible repercussions from your latest refusal to bow to Catherine's demands, I felt it necessary to determine what needed to be done sooner rather than later," Lady Matlock said, then turned to Elizabeth. "My dear, I am very pleased to meet you and even more pleased that William has found someone he believes is worth courting. I have quite despaired of him ever finding a woman who would meet his exacting standards — a witty woman able to converse about more than just the weather and the state of the roads. He has encountered far too many gossipy, empty-headed debutantes interested only in his wealth and status.
"My son says you are well-educated and well-read, not to mention lively and engaging, and he believes William is quite enamoured of you. Therefore, I will do all I can to forward the match."
Both Elizabeth and William blushed brightly at her words as Richard grinned. Georgiana was caught somewhere in the middle of those two reactions. Lady Matlock, however, was not finished. "I understand why you brought Miss Bennet here, William, but it is inappropriate for her to stay in the same house as you, especially if the two of you are courting, although I understand you have not yet had the opportunity to speak with her father. I suggest Miss Bennet come to my house after dinner and stay as my guest until her relatives return to London. No one will be able to accuse you of anything scandalous or accuse Miss Bennet of compromising you with her in my home. And it will allow me to get to know her before the two of you are wed."
Darcy scowled slightly at his aunt's officiousness. Elizabeth, however, winked at him before smiling broadly, causing his own countenance to lighten and relax. Richard, observing this exchange, chuckled and nudged Darcy in the ribs.
"I guess I should invite you both to join us for dinner, then," Darcy said after a moment. "We had decided not to dress for dinner in light of Miss Bennet's unplanned arrival."
Lady Matlock nodded, accepting the invitation before sitting next to Elizabeth and engaging her in conversation. Darcy watched for a moment before the Colonel caught his eye and indicated that he needed to speak privately. They excused themselves and headed to his study.
Richard spoke the moment the door closed behind them. "I have dealt with Wickham. Tomorrow, he will be escorted to London and offered the choice of a regiment in the Regulars scheduled to head to the peninsula within the month or debtors' prison. He has run up considerable debts in Meryton, and the other notes you hold will see him in prison until he is a very old man. If he chooses the Regulars, it is unlikely he will ever return," he said.
Darcy was relieved but also slightly sorry for his former friend. Richard saw this and spent a few minutes reminding him of the many ways Wickham had abused his family. In the end, Darcy accepted that Wickham had earned this punishment through is behaviour.
When they rejoined the ladies, Darcy found Elizabeth engaged in lively conversation with his aunt and his sister. His face reddened when he realised she was telling the story of the assembly in Meryton.
"Darcy," his aunt scolded as he walked into the room. "I am surprised at your behaviour."
"He apologised very nicely, Lady Matlock, and all has been forgiven, although I reserve the right to tease him about it from time to time," Elizabeth said in his defence. "I told the story because you insisted, not so you could chastise Mr Darcy. And I said before I began, the whole of it is best left behind us."
Darcy felt a rush of affection at her defence of him and smiled broadly at her. "It was very wrong of me to behave in such a way, and I did apologise to Miss Bennet. She has kindly forgiven me. It was a hard lesson, but one I have learned thoroughly."
She smiled back at him, and they were lost in each other's gaze until the butler came in to announce that dinner was ready. Since it was an informal dinner, William offered his arm to Elizabeth and led her to the dining room.
Richard followed with his aunt and cousin, grinning broadly behind his cousin's back and exchanging a knowing glance with his mother. Elizabeth was good for his dour cousin, and he could see the difference in his demeanour since Miss Bennet had accepted his offer of a courtship. Since his uncle's death, William had become too serious, having been saddled with the care of a much younger sister, a large estate and all that it entailed, many investments, and some smaller properties. He was viewed as a prize stallion amongst the ton and was sought after by many, not for himself but for what he had — his wealth and position. It had hardened him, making him wary of most people and even more reticent in company than he had been before his father's death. Darcy worried about raising expectations to the point that he paid no lady any attention, and his demeanour put off all but the most intrepid of fortune hunters, like Caroline Bingley, who pursued Darcy relentlessly. Too often, friends like Bingley turned so they could get what they could out of him, which left Darcy closed off and disillusioned.
They were quickly seated at Darcy's end of the table, so the five of them could converse easily. Lady Matlock asked Elizabeth many questions about her home, family, and accomplishments. When Lady Catherine had asked these same questions, it had been intrusive; however, Lady Matlock's questioning was gentler and made her seem interested in getting to know Elizabeth rather than evaluating her and looking for areas to criticise.
"Since you and Darcy are courting, Miss Bennet, I would like to ask your father to allow you to stay with me for a time so I can introduce you to society before you become engaged," she finally decreed. "I realise you may prefer to marry from your home, but it would be beneficial if you could spend some time in society first so you will not be wholly unknown when you marry."
Elizabeth looked at Darcy, who shook his head subtly. "Why do you believe Miss Bennet and I are courting, Aunt?" he asked quietly.
She laughed. "It is obvious, nephew. You can barely take your eyes off her, and you are far happier than you have been since your father passed. If you were not at least courting, you would still be fretting about it, and since you are not, you must have asked for at least that much."
Richard guffawed, causing William to scowl at him. "She knows you well, cousin! You have been very serious for a long time, and everyone in the family, with the possible exception of our mutual aunt, will be pleased to see you looking as happy as you currently do." Turning to Miss Bennet, he spoke cautiously. "I do hope he can persuade you to accept him soon. You have influenced my cousin for the better in a very short time. I have rarely seen him smile as much as he has during this meal alone."
Elizabeth blushed, and William's scowl deepened. "I hardly think this is the most appropriate conversation for dinner. Please do not pressure Miss Bennet in this and allow our relationship to progress as we see fit."
The Fitzwilliams both laughed at this comment but kindly moved the conversation to a different topic. They discussed some of the events they would like William to escort Miss Bennet to during her stay in London. After several minutes of this, Elizabeth laughed and said, "Before we make too many plans, we should speak to my father. I should write him tonight to inform him of my removal to Matlock House after Lady Catherine's accusations. Mr Darcy, would you be able to send it express, perhaps along with a request of your own?"
He smiled at her. "I would be happy to do so, Miss Bennet," he said. "What time do you think you could have your letter ready?"
"I am accustomed to country hours, and I dare say I will continue that even while in town," she replied, smiling happily. "I am sure the letter will be ready by eight in the morning, and you could retrieve it any time after that."
He grinned back. "I am the same and typically wake earlier than is fashionable in town. Aunt, may I bring Georgiana over early so we might break our fast with you, and I can arrange to send our letters to Hertfordshire?"
Lady Matlock agreed, and they finished dinner and returned to the drawing room, having decided to forgo the separation of the sexes with such a small party. Georgiana and Elizabeth both played the piano, however, it was not long before Lady Matlock decided it was time for her and Elizabeth to leave.
Georgiana was disappointed to see Elizabeth leave, as she had hoped for more conversation that night with her new friend. Darcy was likewise disappointed that Elizabeth was leaving his home, but he escorted her to the carriage, pressing a lingering kiss to her hand and caressing it before releasing her into the carriage, looking after her longingly.
Copyright 2023 by Melissa Anne
