A/N -updated the last three paragraphs
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. I took down several chapters and am slowly adding them back. Some chapters have been split, so this is not the same as the original chapter 16.
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 30?).
Chapter 16
Fitzwilliam Darcy was a man torn—his wife was so incredibly lovely that he wanted to show her off at the ball, but her assets were temptingly on display in the dress he had chosen for her making him reluctant to share her with others and desiring to send her back up to their rooms to change. Elizabeth fairly glowed in an emerald green gown cut lower than anything she had ever worn that showed off her décolletage and was paired with the stunning set of emeralds and diamonds her husband had presented her earlier.
After being reminded that while other men might see, only he could touch and taste, he reluctantly boarded the carriage for the short trip to Matlock House. They were shown into a drawing room where the family was all together, and tea with more substantial food offerings than usual was served to tide them over until their midnight supper. Finally, they arrived at the purpose of the invitation, which was to discuss the gossip about Darcy's wedding, especially following their visit to the theatre the night before.
The gossip had been mostly positive, and most in attendance at the theatre had been pleased with what they saw. Of course, not everything had been positive, but among Lady Matlock's friends, Elizabeth had been well received. Those she met the previous night had thought her rather pretty and well-spoken and had been pleased with the affection between the pair. A few who remembered the elder Darcys also recalled the uncommon love they had shared and were pleased to see the younger Darcy had found the same.
This was discussed for far longer than the gentlemen would have liked and, when they began to squirm uncomfortably, they were sent away to allow Lady Matlock to share some final wisdom with her new niece. "There is nothing to worry about tonight, Elizabeth. I have not invited anyone here who will attempt to discompose you. You and Fitzwilliam will lead off the first, and my husband will dance the second with you. My sons will take the third and fourth.
Her orders given, she escorted Elizabeth into the ballroom to join the gentlemen. Within a few minutes, their first guests were announced, and Elizabeth and Darcy took their place in the receiving line next to Lord and Lady Matlock. The Gardiners arrived early, accompanied by Jane. When the Warwicks arrived, after greeting their hosts and the newlyweds, they went over to stand with the Gardiners and spoke for a time with that couple. Jane and Lord Andrew stood slightly apart from the other couples, and Lord Andrew requested the first set from Jane.
Elizabeth had never attended such a magnificent ball, and when it ended, Lady Matlock pronounced it wonderfully successful. She had been selective in who she invited to keep the ball rather exclusive and ensure her guests could enjoy themselves. Elizabeth had been introduced to many of those in the first circle and had thus far been well-received, although a few young ladies had cast jealous looks in her direction. There was nothing in her appearance to criticise; they all had to acknowledge that her dress was stunning. Many were surprised to see Darcy so at ease, especially when talking and dancing with his wife—and to discover the man had dimples was a shock to many. Those jealous ladies sighed once again that such a handsome man was no longer on offer, although even they had to admit he had never smiled like that at any of them.
The next few weeks were very busy for the couple as they attended a variety of events, including balls and musical evenings, theatre performances, an opera, and several dinner parties. Lord and Lady Matlock often attended the same events, usually dragging Anne along with them. While the Gardiners attended fewer events, Jane frequently accompanied her sister and new husband, especially performances. At many of these events, they encountered Lord Andrew, who spoke with Jane often, but he never called on her, nor did he ask her for more than one set at a dance. This confused the lady, but she was willing to wait to see what might develop. She had acted too quickly with Bingley and was determined to guard her heart with Lord Andrew. Nonetheless, she enjoyed his company and felt that, at the very least, she had gained a friend.
As May changed to June, the Darcys prepared for their departure to Pemberley. This was Elizabeth's first season, and it had been exhausting. She had departed her home in late February, intending to be away for six weeks, and was returning almost four months later, having been married for slightly over two months. Georgiana and Mrs Annesley moved to Matlock House as Georgiana intended to visit her aunt for the summer to allow her brother and new sister to travel first to Pemberley for a visit and then further to the Lakes on a belated wedding trip.
Before they left, they called on the Matlocks to take their leave. "Anne," Elizabeth began, "I have so enjoyed getting to know you during my stay in London. I hope you will write to me and perhaps visit us at Pemberley."
"I would enjoy that, Elizabeth," Anne said quietly. "We will depart for Rosings soon, and Uncle Matlock has assured me I will not be forced to stay there with Mother if I do not wish it."
Elizabeth patted the shy girl's hand. "I am so glad. London, despite the air, has been good for you – that and seeing a doctor who is not forcing various tonics on you," Elizabeth said.
Lady Matlock reminded Elizabeth they would all see each other in a few months. At her suggestion, Elizabeth and Darcy had invited a few guests to a house party at Pemberley in September and planned a few hunts and a ball to show off the estate now that it had a mistress. Lord and Lady Matlock recounted parties at Pemberley when George and Anne Darcy were alive, and Darcy and Richard, who had been too young to participate, shared tales of sneaking into the supper rooms and being caught by their nurses. Elizabeth laughed as she imagined her husband as a boy caught sneaking treats.
The morning they began their trip north, Darcy and Elizabeth woke early and ate a light breakfast before travelling to Gracechurch Street to collect Jane, who would accompany them to Meryton, before they continued north.
Darcy and Elizabeth were unsure of their reception at Longbourn and frequently found themselves distracted by their concerns as they made their way toward Longbourn. Elizabeth's infrequent letters from her mother and youngest sister had been full of requests for dresses, ribbons, and other fripperies, whereas Mary and Kitty's had been worrisome. Their letters spoke of fewer entertainments at Longbourn and fewer shops in town extending credit and more demanding coin. Mary was better at saving than her sisters and still had ready coin from her last allowance, but Kitty and Lydia had exhausted theirs and had nothing to spend. Mrs Bennet had also used all of her personal income, and for once, Mr Bennet had refused to advance her any. Her household accounts were also short, although she was unable to explain that, which meant the Bennets were entertaining infrequently, adding to the complaints.
Darcy received a letter from Bennet the day before they were to depart, indicating he had a 'business proposition' to discuss with his new son-in-law when he arrived, which had both Darcy and Elizabeth on edge. Elizabeth worried about what difficulty her father had made for himself and what he expected from her husband. The argument between the couple had been heated; Elizabeth demanded she be present for whatever conversation took place, and Darcy expected to meet privately with Mr Bennet. After much debate, he capitulated, and the couple made up with passion equal to that with which they fought, a fact that made Elizabeth laugh and quip, "If we always make up like that, it may be rather an inducement to argue than to agree." Darcy laughed before kissing her again and pulling her back to him.
The carriage stopped outside Longbourn, and once the footman placed the step and opened the door, Darcy stepped out and turned back to hand out first Jane and then Elizabeth, taking her hand and placing it possessively on his arm to escort her toward the house. The five remaining Bennets met them at the door, the matron greeting them effusively.
"Mr Darcy, we are so happy to see you at Longbourn," she enthused. "You are so kind to escort our dear Jane back home. We were ever so surprised to learn you were to marry our Elizabeth, although I cannot imagine you choosing her over my beautiful Jane. Is your friend expected back in the county any time soon? We have missed the Netherfield party since you all left in November. Will Mr Bingley return to Netherfield soon?"
Darcy spoke quickly the moment Mrs Bennet drew breath. "I have not heard from Mr Bingley in some time, madam; I am unaware of his current plans. And as Elizabeth is quite the most beautiful woman I have ever known, I am inordinately proud to have her as my wife. I cannot imagine choosing another."
Mr Bennet chuckled softly and took advantage of his wife's silence to invite them all into the house. Elizabeth noted his pallor and cheeks that were decidedly thinner than they had been when she left in February. "Welcome, children," he said as Darcy's carriage driver began to move it toward the back of the house so the trunks could be unloaded. Lydia and Kitty danced around, behaving like children instead of young ladies and demanded to see what gifts they would receive. Mr Bennet said nothing to them about their behaviour.
Mrs Bennet found her voice again. "Would you like to refresh yourselves first or join us for tea?"
Darcy and Elizabeth looked at each other. "I believe we could use a few moments to refresh ourselves, madam," Darcy intoned in his solemn voice.
"Well, Lizzy, show Mr Darcy to the guest room; you can use your old room," she told them. "I will have the servants place your things in your rooms."
Elizabeth dared a look at her husband to assure him all would be well. She led him upstairs to the guest room, sneaking away for a moment to inform Hill that her trunks should be placed in the guest room with her husband's. Her face was red as she said it, but Hill merely smiled and congratulated her on her marriage. "Do you know why Papa insisted we stay in London?" she asked the loyal servant.
"I have some ideas, Miss Lizzy," Hill replied darkly. "But this is not the time to speak of them."
Elizabeth furrowed her brow in question but allowed the housekeeper to depart, knowing she would make the arrangements requested, and returned to her husband. "Hill will ensure our things are brought to this room. I would not have minded staying together in my old room, but it adjoins Jane's and is located directly beside Lydia's. I would not be surprised at Lydia or Kitty trying to listen to us if we are near them. At least here, we are somewhat isolated from the rest of the house."
Darcy grinned rakishly at her. "Do you intend to give them something to listen to, love?" he inquired, laughing when she blushed brightly.
"Perhaps I should sleep in my old room," she retorted, moving toward the door, but he pulled her back before she could take more than a step or two.
"No, love, I do not think I can sleep without you in my arms," he teased as he pulled into her arms. They remained in that attitude for several minutes.
Elizabeth sighed and pulled away slightly so she could look at him. "I have a feeling I will need your arms around me tonight. I will have to sustain myself with this embrace for now, William. I apologise in advance for anything my mother, sisters, or father do that is embarrassing. The letters I have received from my family have been far from comforting, and I am still amazed that not once in two months has my father written. I do not know whether I should be concerned or angry, although, I confess, he did not appear at all well when he greeted us."
"All will be well, Elizabeth," he told her, pulling her head to his chest. "Whatever it is, we will face it together. You need not worry. If it is as you fear, and there is something wrong with your father, I will purchase a home nearby so your mother will have a place to live near her friends and relatives."
"And you will ensure she does not live with us, will you not?" she laughed when he grimaced. "I cannot fault you for that thought, William, as it is exactly in line with my own wishes." She felt him sigh against her. "Let us go down now and see what we can learn."
That said, she took him by the hand and led him back downstairs to her father's book room. "Lizzy, Darcy," the elder man greeted them. "What can I do for you?"
"We have come to speak of this 'business proposition' you have, Papa," Elizabeth answered first. "Given that you did not deign to answer a single of my letters asking you to explain why you preferred us to marry from London, I was amazed to receive one that seems to be asking my husband for funds."
Mr Bennet was taken aback. "That letter was sent to your husband, Lizzy, and was meant to be between us gentlemen. You had no right to read it."
"I did have the right when my husband gave it to me to read, sir," Elizabeth retorted. "My husband views me as a partner in this marriage and not as an adornment; I am privy to all his business."
"That is nonsense," Bennet replied. "You will learn, Mr Darcy, that it is best to keep the women out of your business. I am sure, in time, you will prevent your wife from being so involved in men's affairs."
"As my wife said, we are partners, and my business is her business. There is little of which she is unaware, and if she does not know of it now, she will in time. I do not intend to live a life separate from my wife and welcome her into my life and my business," Darcy replied stiffly.
Bennet scowled. He did not wish his daughter to be aware of it, but he realised Darcy would not condone excluding her. With a grimace, he plodded forward. "I have a … situation and could use some help, Darcy," Bennet admitted, his words trailing off uncertainly.
"What kind of help, sir?" Darcy asked, his voice icy. Elizabeth placed her hand on her husband's arm, clearly indicating where her loyalty was.
"Well, I had intended to tell you after dinner, over port, and without my daughter present, but the fact is, last autumn, about the time Lizzy rejected my heir, I attempted to do something to aid my daughters in the event of my demise by investing with a gentleman I knew from my school days. One thing led to another, and the investment failed, and now I owe these gentlemen five thousand pounds. They cannot do anything with Longbourn since it is entailed, and I have been giving them small amounts as I was able, but they are no longer satisfied with that. They are threatening to throw me into debtors' prison, and on this last visit, just a few days ago, they … they offered to take Jane in payment."
Neither Darcy nor Elizabeth could speak after this pronouncement. The initial revelation was bad enough, but that these men were threatening to take her sister was beyond Elizabeth's imagination. She was well-read, and she knew exactly what these men would do with her sister if they took her.
"Papa!" she cried. "You cannot be serious. How can you be so much in debt? Why would you not have contacted my uncle Gardiner for a reliable investment opportunity if you wanted to do something to help my sisters?"
Darcy laid his free hand on top of the one already resting on his arm, and she calmed somewhat. "What are you asking me to do, Mr Bennet," he said, his voice stern.
"I was hoping you could give me five thousand pounds to settle my debt," Bennet proposed. "You took my Lizzy, and Gardiner told me of the settlement. Surely you can afford to give me that much since I gave you my favourite daughter."
"Tell me more about this investment that resulted in you owing such a large sum," Darcy insisted.
Bennet was reluctant at first to tell all, but eventually, under Darcy's insistent questioning and unrelenting glare, he divulged the whole story. It was not an investment but rather an ill-advised foray into gambling that resulted in Bennet becoming entangled with disreputable men.
"I need the funds by the end of this month, or they will take Jane as repayment," Bennet said finally. "They are serious and have threatened to harm, perhaps even kill, me if I attempt to keep them from doing as they wish. Somehow, one of them got a look at Jane while she was in London and decided she would fetch a fair price in a … certain place."
Elizabeth paled at the shock of this, and Darcy was concerned until he saw the anger flashing in her eyes. "How could you do such a foolish thing, Papa?" she demanded. Looking at her husband, he nodded almost imperceptibly, and she continued. "We will give you the funds, but it will not be a gift. It will be a loan, and you will pay back every farthing. I am guessing the shopkeepers in Meryton are refusing credit only to the Bennets, not everyone, either because you have failed to pay your bills as you paid off your gambling debts or because they know something of what you have done."
Bennet acknowledged it was the former, adding to Elizabeth's anger about the situation. "William and I will discuss the terms of the loan, and before you receive a farthing, you will sign our agreement and promise to do all we will insist upon."
There was little Bennet could do but agree to whatever terms they set forth. Elizabeth stormed out into the gardens behind the house, and Darcy excused them both before he followed her. Bennet sat down heavily in his chair and contemplated what had brought him to this point.
Copyright 2023 Melissa Anne
