The storyline, new character development, new events, and new characters are my intellectual property. Glorioux
Mini-warning: Child abuse, not graphic, but sad.
My apologies, I cannot answer comments. I get an error message.
Findings and Love
The Truth About George
William looked, "Fi, it looks like a marble."
Fi sighed, "No, it is old blood. But I thought he had evil inside, too bad. I think he is hopeless."
Maybe not, when George woke up, he was different. He was quiet for a day and was indeed changed. He sat to learn, and was helpful, charming, and kind; he was another person. He was very smart and learned quickly. One day, he came to William, his eyes were red and swollen from crying, and he had a black eye. "William, I no longer have headaches. I am sorry I was so mean; but, now, I need you to help me because I am afraid of my parents. My father almost killed me this morning, saying I am getting too high and mighty, and above my station."
They went to see William's father, who asked George to take his shirt off and lower his trousers. William and his father cried when they saw the scars and the new angry red welts and bruising. William ran to vomit, aching inside. He couldn't understand what had happened to George; whereas his mother, Lady Anne was a bit cold, his father was funny and loving. Fi whispered that he would punish the evil parents.
George Darcy was angry looking at the awful beating. He hugged George, soothing him. But George couldn't stop crying. George's father was a good steward but not a good person, that was a fact.
"George, son, William is going to Eaton, but he comes home for the holidays. I am sorry you suffered alone. Staying or coming here is not good; you must be gone permanently. I know what to do, where to hide you." He still held George, upset he had let it happen right under his nose. "Son, tonight, you stay in William's room. I will tell your father if he asks. Don't go back to your house. But first, let's take care of you." William brought Mrs. Reynolds who put salves on the welts and bruises, while she dried her tears.
The next day, George couldn't be found, and several of his clothes were gone. A carriage left at dawn to take him away. A footman had gone thru the window of the parents cottage to take out George's best things. George left a letter saying he was going to London. Neither of his parents were sad, moreover, they said he would either learn or die. Within a day they became very ill with a stomach disease that lasted for weeks, courtesy of Fi, William thought.
George went to Scotland and enrolled in a small and exclusive private school; a few days later Georce Darcy and William came, to take him to be fitted with uniforms and other clothing. A couple years later, he was back to Pemberley when his father died. George's father never recuperated from the alleged wasting disease. His mother left to stay with relatives and died months later. George went to Cambridge with William and later took his place in the Vicary. Then George Darcy died, but the casket was empty, though nobody knew why. Both William and George mourned him deeply.
Fi accompanied William to Eaton and Cambridge. Fi was always with William, attending classes and such, though he still looked around eight. Fi behaved like a very smart eight-year-old. He seemed to have powers he used when needed. He looked over William Darcy, his beloved daddy, telling him his pride would be his undoing. He particularly disliked Charles Bingley, always saying he was a sly person, hiding behind his smiles; it made William laugh.
Fi learned with William, and read all the time, hoping to find his people. By the time William was done with school, Fi was also done. He loved his daddy, and hoped he married someone nice. He mourned his mother, but often said his daddy was more important; unfortunately for some, Fi meant it, and never changed his mind. He said he wanted to meet his people, but would never leave his daddy. Those words would cause great conflict later on.
1811 Netherfield
While at Netherfield, William invited George to come since he was looking for a wife. Darcy's father had left him 3,100 a year, and 35,000 sterling, plus a generous vicar's salary. He also gifted him a large, fancy house in Lambton, with land attached, a carriage and a few horses. So George was a good husband choice for many ladies, and even Miss Bingley flirted with him.
George liked Elizabeth, but he knew William liked her, even if he said not. He also liked the Bennet sisters, and thought Caroline pretty, but her temperament didn't appeal to him. Though George's good looks had many single ladies liking him, he always held back, though he was friendly. He told William he had the feeling the one for him was someone else.
George stood next to William, "You are less obvious than me and could ask Charles since you know him. He is using Miss Bennet but I am not sure how or for what." William confided in George and told him that Charles was after Elizabeth, not Jane.
Between the two, William and George made it impossible for Charles to get close to Elizabeth. Unfortunately, they didn't keep him away from Jane.
One day, George was walking a day the Bennet sisters were visiting and saw Jane crying. She had overheard Charles talking, after she had allowed him a few liberties while she was sick there. Charles was telling his brother-in-law that Jane was cheap. He loved to brag.
George sat by Jane. He told her Charles was blind and not a gentleman, and anyone would be proud to be with her.
They started walking; George liked her but wasn't sure. Charles was mad when Jane kept him at a distance after she talked to George. He had seen them walking. So, he told George how easy had been to ruin her. George was furious; he had not hit anyone since the day Fi removed the clotted blood, but he punched Charles so hard, he broke his nose. Fi started liking him from that day on.
When Charles complained George was a brute and had broken his nose, Hurst laughed after touching Charles's nose, saying it looked fine, and he only had a nosebleed,. He advised Charles not to be so prissy. Fi had repaired it, but the pain lasted for days, making Charles sound like a fibber, complaining about the pain. His sisters liked George and said he was welcome to stay, not believing the broken nose tale.
COL Richard came with his brother Bartlett. Bartlett, a widower with three young children, saw Jane while they were walking and liked her. Jane stayed away from Netherfield, making her mother fret.
Too bad Charles wanted to ruin it for Jane. George went to Darcy, after he heard Charles was going to talk to Bartlett. Charles approached Darcy who was cold to him and told him he was behaving poorly.
Both George and William went to see Bartlett. Bartlett waited for Charles,"I wish you wouldn't go around talking about the Lady I wish to court. A gentleman, as the one you aspire to be, doesn't go around telling others when a lady allows you a few liberties, that is in poor form. Watch your words."
Charles was mad that a future Earl wanted Jane, wondering what Jane had allowed him. He was wrong, what had made Bartlett want to court Jane were his three children. The Fitzwilliams children had fallen in love with Jane at first sight. He often walked with her, and soon he saw her for the gentle, polite woman she was. The little blond girl, not even two, always wanted to be picked up by Jane; who loved to hold the chubby toddler. The girl soon called her Mommy and cried for her at night. Bartlett had to be at Longbourn at the crack of dawn for the children to be happy.
The twin boys sat stuck to Jane when she sat on the divan with the three of them, playing. The Bennet family sat around to watch them. The girl sat on her lap, and the boys were on each side, touching her. After a couple of days, the three-and-a-half year old twins called her mommy as well. At Netherfield, the children cried for her. With her permission, Bartlett left them with her and the nannies until they were ready for bed.
His father, the Earl, and his mother had come briefly and met Jane, "Bartlett, you would be a fool to let her go. Bennet's father was a wastrel. His gambling left the family in a dire situation, but he was a baron. His mother's father was an Early; and Bennet is a second son. She has the pedigree, is polite, and the children adore her. We will present her later on. Besides, she is a beauty, don't be foolish, propose."
In the end, Bartlett proposed to Jane and told Charles if one more word were said, he would make sure all doors were closed to him. George hit Charles after he told him Jane was a country trollop, and didn't deserve a future earl, and Bartlett threatened him with a duel. Charles was afraid since he was no match. Bartlett had one more reason, Jane woke feelings he didn't understand; she was the one for him. He felt he couldn't breathe around her. He wanted him with his children and on his bed. Jane accepted, but was afraid Charles or his sisters would ruin it for her. She often cried and couldn't sleep.
Charles started to court Lizzie, as soon as Darcy left, but he wanted her for a mistress, not a wife.
1812 Kent
William Darcy Proposes
I am so glad Elizabeth is with me. The sky is deep blue; the flowers are blooming; the warm day is perfect, but not as perfect as my beloved Elizabeth. She looks divine in her light blue muslim gown. It clings to her sinful body, leaving her arms naked for my delight, a feast for my eyes. How I wish to run my lips and tongue along her body. My body hardens thinking about. Her décolletage is low enough I can see the tops of the bosoms I hope to kiss in a near future. Well, kiss them and feast on them. My thoughts are far from chaste, I live in a state of constant desire. I am glad for country gentleman's jackets to hide my aroused body. Images of a naked Elizabeth laying with me never stop. I can perfectly imagine what I don't know, wishing it was true.
I must confess I was giddy with hope when I saw her here in Kent; so last night I proposed. She was surprised, but she has not yet given me an answer. Because of Fi, the most I ever done is kissing; he never leaves my sight. Besides Elizabeth is the only one who has ever set me on fire; and, now, I can barely wait to be married.
My dog is a traitor, walking by her side. Lucky dog, she bents to pet him and kiss him once in a while.
I am glad I changed my mind and left my silly pride aside. Fi urged me to do it. Unfortunately, I must tell her the truth about Charles. It is mostly factual after all. I bend and pick up a wild yellow daisy and give it to her. Her smile gives me courage.
"Miss Elizabeth, have you given my proposal a thought? I couldn't wait to see you this morning, hoping for your acceptance." I smile, scared to death she might say no. Damn, I see my aunt coming towards me. She looks like she swallowed a sour grape. I dislike her these days, let me count the ways.
My love notices, "You Aunt is upset, I should walk back."
"No, let me take care of her," I don't know how this will go. My dog dislikes my aunt; she is a proud, haughty woman, much like my mother was. My mother didn't like anyone who wasn't an aristocrat, making my father's life miserable, but she loved George, go figure. She often said his parents probably stole an aristocrat's child. Petey's growling is a bad sign because he knows people's intentions.
I look around at the manicured lawn, wishing there was a bush to hide; no way, my aunt Catherine is nearly upon us.
"William, do you know she is staying with my vicar? You must know she is not our kind." She is almost shouting, not waiting to be closer. She is still a way from us, making me wish I had Fi's gifts; if I did, I would make her slide and fall on her bum.
I put my hand over Elizabeth's hand on my arm; we are both gloveless; oh dear, my poor love, her hand is so cold. I want to tell her not to worry. Next second, I see a small bird flying over my aunt, and she screams, "Nasty bird," one must have relieved itself above her. I hear soft laughter, Fi's; he despises Aunt Catherine and my cousin, he calls my aunt a witch, and Anne a meek coward. I have to control my grin.
I remember what happened less than six months ago with Charles. It turns out Fi is a good judge of character. I remember he has never liked Charles, saying he was sly. He is right again, my aunt is a witch.
And here we are, Fi told me to propose before she fell on Charles's clutches, and I listened. Fi says me he wants Lizzie as his daddy's wife and a mother for him. I will make sure Lizzie accepts me.
She worries about my family; she said do last night, so I reminded her Jane is marrying a future Earl and his family loves her.
I have-to confront my Aunt. I won't let her ruin my chances with Lizzie. She is furious over the bird, "Take me home to clean up, she can walk by herself. She is used to it." She asks imperiously and doesn't even look at Lizzie.
"Sorry aunt, first of all, I will not abandon Elizabeth," I take a leap, "second of all, we are marrying so you better start trying to like her. That is unless you don't want me to come back." I hear Fi's hallelujah. I am glad nobody else can hear him; his decision.
"Marrying her, but she is a," my aunt clenches her hands.
"Watch what you say." I mean it. I glare at her.
"She is not at your err, your," my aunt says.
"My what? I dare you to say it," I cross my arms waiting.
Elizabeth has covered her mouth, she is smiling. Later, she will say I looked scary.
My aunt harrumphs, "Bartlett is foolish, marrying so, err. I told my brother and his wife, but they won't listen. Richard agrees with them. Bartlett needs a mother, for his children. I guess he already has a good suitable heir and a replacement. Her sister is what she is."
"Meaning what? I don't like your implications; Bartlett will like them even less. I will make sure he knows." Now, I am losing my patience with her.
Elizabeth's hand feels like ice under my hand, and my aunt cannot stop staring at our ungloved hands. I don't care, I continue holding Lizzie's hand. Aunt Catherine shakes her head looking at us.
"Aunt, don't answer; we are done with this conversation. So, we will walk you to the edge, though you were able to get here. You won't be around me anytime soon; mark my words." I want her to go.
I hear Fi snickering. He is right.
"Don't bother, you are losing your manners. It shows who your friends are. First George, and now, well," my aunt huffs and narrows her eyes while twisting her lips.
"I guess I shouldn't send you an invitation, why make you suffer by making you be around unpleasant guests? The wedding will be in Pemberley; George will marry us, and Richard will be my best man," I add, looking straight at her, knowing she will dislike it.
"William, you never stop, you and your father, and my sister for that matter, running a charity. That George is pure rubbish, a nobody. Your father left him a fortune, making him a wealthy undeserving man. Furthermore, he told everyone he loved George, shameful. Even my brother likes him and praises him. Disgusting!" She is raising her voice. My looks stop her from saying more; I feel murderous.
I don't answer, and my dog snarls. Fi changed him somehow; now Petey understands my every word, and still looks two years old. Petey is a gruff looking German Dackel. I am certain he wants to bite , When my aunt is walking away Petey barks angrily, looking fierce, so Lizzie bends to pet and kiss him, making me grin. "Petey is such a good dog, the best." She coos, and I chuckle.
We walk away, "I don't remember accepting your proposal." Lizzie looks at me. Her looks are enough to make me forget the nasty encounter.
"And I don't remember you saying it was wrong, my love." I venture a little more, like Fi says, we are at war, a war to win her love. Fi must approve since I hear a snicker.
"You are right; I didn't, hmm," she taps her luscious lips begging for a kiss. Should I? I need to be careful to control myself and not ravish her, though it is rather tempting. No danger of that, Fi won't allow it; not after Jane's problems, it won't happen. Fi says he doesn't understand much, but is certain that Charles needs punishment. That is Fi, he believes in justice, just look at what he did to George's parents, even if he says he didn't. I think I will kiss her, why not? Fi allows me lots of privacy with Lizzie. I see him flying a little ahead of us. Now, what to do?