The storyline, new character development, new events, and new characters are my intellectual property. Glorioux
Please don't read it if you don't want it. It addresses a theme not usually acknowledged, and one that was real nevertheless; can a good person be damaged by forgotten old traumas? It talks about the non-existing rights of women in Regency times. It looks into the existence of alternate realities.
Do exercise your choice not to read, I will exercise my right to write.
I don't condone the abuse of any type, how can I, many of us have been abuse victims, count me as one.
Read past chapter five, then you can decide. Darcy is still himself with a big blemish, with cancer of the soul. Since I am battling with cancer myself, I know there are chances for him.
It is my darkest story, dealing with children abuse, and crimes against them.
Note: Let's all remember our freedom to read or not to read.
love and be well.
A different darker damaged Mr. Darcy who has confused standards -multiple partners, but no slash. It happens in an alternative universe. Otherworldly-Science Fiction/Fantasy/Romance/Drama
It happens during a time when sheltered women were expected to have sex with someone they might have met a few days before their wedding, or the same day,. not romantic, and regardless, not a good thing.
Note: For new readers only a few chapters will remain here. I will announce what will follow.- rewrite
Darcy's Wife
Prologue-1797- A Dark Cloud
At the wealthy estate a search was on, the 13-year-old twins couldn't be found. Their mother was out partying with her friends, like she usually did. His father, the close family, and those who worked in the Manor were despairing. Many had heard stories that couldn't be right, they were too horrible to contemplate but what if they were true.
A few hours later someone found the boy, injured in an unthinkable way. He was in a terrible state, catatonic. How could this have happened; who could have committed such an abominable crime? They thought nothing worse could happen until they found his sister, even her face was unrecognizable; she could had been anyone, but for her torn clothes, and the cross her brother gave her. Cries of anguish and sorrow filled the halls of the wealthy manor; everyone cried and despaired. The one who found him was never the same, drinking too much and often crying for no reason at all.
The family hid the crime and the secret of that day, but the damage was done. The once sunny and happy young man changed, for months he did not speak, he often screamed at night, so George slept in the same room. It also changed George, who swore to protect the ones around him and walk the straight and narrow. When they went back to school, George turned into a bodyguard afraid those who had committed the crime would come again.
Sadly, nothing was never the same. Though those who loved him were grateful the boy couldn't remember, the recollection of that day sunk deep inside hiding, festering, not healed. Everyone on the know hid the truth from the boy, thinking it was a blessing; it wasn't because the suppressed memories were a malign growth with deep roots. They were still there, poisoning him, clouding his vision, and controlling his actions.
Chapter 1: Finding a Wife
At the Beginning- 1812
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, William to family and friends, had sent George Wickham to check on Georgiana, since Mrs. Reynolds said something was dreadfully wrong. She always knew. Mrs. Reynolds talked to Mr. Darcy since she did not trust Mrs. Younge, moreover she recommended that Georgiana needed to come home, right away. She would not look at Mr. Darcy, keeping her eyes downcast, worrying him.
That was when all started happening. Shortly after that, Darcy received an express from George's physician after he was shot:
—Sir, you must hurry, Mr. Wickham has been shot; he is in mortal danger—
He had been with Richard that day, so he went with him to check on George and to get Georgiana. When they arrived, Mrs. Younge was evasive. Soon it became apparent that she did not know where his sister was; thus, she was fired immediately. That wasn't all, they still had to wait a few hours before his sister showed up.
While crying, Georgiana confessed she didn't want to go back home, and the worse blow, she might be with child. What sort of man seduces a 15-year-old? He could not think of anyone.
No matter what, she refused to disclose the name of the guilty one. Darcy found someone to marry her, a young vicar on his employment, but she refused. His sister lied, disobeyed, and he just did not know what to do with her. Finally, he decided that he needed a wife, and they would go away with Georgiana. And after a while, they would come back with the child.
The Hunter
Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and his cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy rode their horses along Pemberley, Darcy's vast estate. Darcy did not look well; something was troubling him.
"What have you decided to do?" Richard asked.
"I must find a wife since I don't see another way. I need someone who doesn't know those in the Ton. Someone provincial but of gentle origin," Darcy sighed.
"Father advised you should seek the daughters of one of his classmates who lives in Hertfordshire, in a provincial town. His mate's father, a peer, was ruined by a bad investment recommended by our grandfather. They are good stock, you'll do well," Richard shrugged his shoulder. "All that was left was a small, entailed estate. His classmate, Thomas Bennett, was smart and handsome, according to my father; he also told me the sister was a fox. He said they all wanted her when she came to visit; she was a little young but exquisite." Richard smiled one of his knowing smiles, adding, "But young is not my preference; I think is detestable." Richard tapped his forehead and grimaced.
"There is more, even Aunt Catherine liked their looks. She fancied herself in love with Thomas the impoverished scholar, the fool. She met him when she visited my father at Cambridge. My mother thinks she still mourns Bennet. Though he had no money, he came from a good family. He had several daughters; and father says he has good blood, looks, smarts, though he is poor. Some say he looks quite young."
"You don't say, Bingley just invited me to go to the Hertfordshire. Do you know the name of the estate?" Darcy asked, interested.
"I do, indeed, Longbourn." Richard answered.
"Ha, this is fortuitous; I cannot believe it. That is exactly the name of the estate next to Charles' estate." Darcy grinned, and his worried mien eased.
"Go and talk to Mr. Bennet; but it would probably be more expedient if you don't. Father said to compromise the girl, the one that you like; it works. Look at Aunt Catherine's husband choice; he compromised her. That was how father 'found' her a husband, instead of the one she wanted." Richard explained, no longer smiling. "Who knows, maybe that is why our aunt is so mean and sad; my mother thinks so."
"That sounds like a great idea; I might just do it; your father has good advice. Though, she shouldn't be too pretty because I don't want to have to deal with jealousy, you know my heritage. Jealousy is a harsh mistress." Darcy's eyes darkened, "Yes, I will do what my uncle advises."
"Good idea, I think that is best to do it that way; you would be the first to get one of that family's beauties. I think my father's recommendation is personal. I believe that Bennet's sister turned him down, just as the mother did our grandfather. Father said to watch out; they are beautiful but foolish, the silly chits believe in love, ha, ha, believing in fairy tales." Richard clicked his tongue, dismissively. He thought love didn't exist; all he had seen were broken marriages.
Hertfordshire
At the first assembly, Darcy saw the Bennet sisters and appraised them, like one would appraise a new horse to acquire. He decided the blonde one smiled too much; though she was pretty, she was rude, rough around the edges, and full of her looks.
His eyes followed the father, there he was. Richard was right, he looked young and handsome; many of the ladies looked at him. Darcy stopped to check the other blonde daughter; he wasn't sure, because she reminded him of someone, very much so, but of whom? Never mind, he had no idea. No, not her, but the girl with the dark blonde, sort of reddish hair, odd, streaked hair; she was perfect, not too pretty but attractive enough. He didn't want to crave her, nor he wanted others to notice her and maybe want her.
Fitzwilliam Darcy approached Elizabeth; he bowed his head to hide his predator's eyes, clearly reflecting his intentions. That night he was hunting, and she was the prey; thus, he didn't want to make her suspicious. "Madam, would you do me the honor and dance with me?"
"Yes sir," Lizzie answered and blushed. She appraised him, he is a good-looking man even if proud. Lizzie thought.
During the dance, she noticed his looks of disdain. He looked at her like she was a bug, way too beneath him. She started disliking the proud man, at once.
Who do you think you are? Lizzie thought.
Immediately, two of the Bingley's party noticed Darcy's sudden interest. Charles, his usual acolyte, was always covetous of his hero's interests; thus, when he observed the angel's sister, his focus changed.
He might be simple, lacking smarts, but Charles had his father's eye. Darcy had found a brilliant diamond, and he wanted to possess it, but he would bid his time. Married women made the best lovers, as well as the best wives, later on. His ancestry was made of widowed women, almost without exception. No, the Bingleys weren't murderers, but things happened.
It was anyone's guess why he hadn't seen the exquisite beauty earlier. William, my friend, thanks for finding her for me, Charles thought.
Charles looked at his angel and grinned, and his angel smiled wider. The angel would be a good cover; now, she looked dull. It was likewise inherited; wives and lovers lost their appeal if a 'diamond' were found. Usually, wives found their demise to make room for the diamond, again, it happened, no murders, they died from natural causes, or so it appeared. He had no idea what happened to the husbands; but they didn't survive long. That was what happened to Louisa's mother, she fell from a horse after Charles's father found his mother.
Jane knew his smiles were hers. Indeed, she might sure that Charles belonged to her, but she was wrong.
The other, Hurst, who was always morose and uncaring, followed Bingley's eyes and couldn't believe how quickly his luck had changed. Time to report after all the time scouting; who but Darcy would have made such a find. His cousins would be happy, for a new chance. "Louisa, my dear, shall we dance?" She readily accepted.
"You look well today," Louisa commented. She knew the look; something was up. She liked it when her husband was after something; she squeezed his hand and felt his promising caress. That day was improving because he was very loving during these times. No need to look elsewhere. He was the best, but not as often as she wished; not when he had bouts of melancholy over some tragedy many years before. But he had never said what.
Darcy was set on his plan, he had no scruples when he wanted to get his way. He'd felt her dislike and reluctance; thank goodness that he had the inherited gifts, and one was persuasion.
He didn't want to think. Otherwise, he might have deemed his own behavior unconscionable. He also had a conscience and didn't want it to make its appearance.
"It is warm here; how about if we go for a stroll out on the balcony." Darcy asked Elizabeth after dancing. He lowered his voice, seductively.
Of course, what he was proposing was absolutely improper, and Elizabeth knew it. Hence, she had no idea why she nodded when he asked her, "Follow me." The wind picked up as soon as they went out. Lizzie wanted to go back in but seemed unable to do so.
Charles looked for Caroline. He wanted to send her after Darcy. He thought that his friend was up to something and tried to stop him.
Her mother saw her walking with the tall, handsome visitor and followed them. Cunning girl, maybe you are my daughter after all. Perhaps you learned my lessons. Mrs. Bennet thought.
Strange, seemingly Mr. Darcy was the target of the wind's fury; he noticed it but dismissed the foolish notion.
"I want to go in. We shouldn't be out here." Lizzie said, thinking this wasn't right; at this juncture neither knew each other's names, and she was out with him.
He took off his jacket, somewhat solicitous, to wrap it around her shoulders. All was part of his plan, so he let his hands stay on her slightly too long.
Elizabeth pulled away, aware of how this would look. What was wrong with this arrogant man? Who knew? He held on with more force, closer to his body. She was aware of the large man holding her; she could feel his hard body and smell his rich fragrance.
"You seem cold, sorry," Darcy looked concerned, but he was neither sorry nor concerned.
Though the wind was blowing furiously, gathering strength, she wasn't cold. "I am not cold," she argued, pulling away.
Where is her chaperone? Darcy wondered.
Mrs. Bennet saw a chance and grabbed it, "Lizzie, dear, what is going on? Oh, my!" Fanny Bennet squealed way too loud.
He let Lizzie go. Perfect, now look contrite. Darcy thought, smiling to himself.
"Mother, don't, I was cold." Lizzie lied, trying to shut her mother.
"He was holding you; I saw an embrace. No, this won't do." Mrs. Bennet was adamant.
He smiled in the dark, a bitter smile. His chosen was a nobody of gentle birth; her looks were tolerable at best. Too pale, odd eyes, elfin looking, not even large breasts, and, damn, he noticed too late, she had a fleshy mouth and a head full of glossy hair, damn; it would attract male attention, hopefully not.
"I am getting your father right now," Mrs. Bennet's voice was louder and shriller, a street vendor's cry, Darcy thought.
Caroline ran out. "Mr. Darcy, this is insufferable, you are being set. Hurry, please come with me."
"Please Sir, my mother is wrong, go. She is imprudent," Elizabeth tried reasoning with the awful man.
"I am sorry, Miss?" He realized that he didn't know her name.
Elizabeth was embarrassed and upset. "Bennet, Elizabeth, Miss..."
"Miss Elizabeth don't worry, I will not allow your good name to be tarnished." He added solicitously.
"What are you talking about? My father will clear this." Elizabeth was confused.
Caroline jumped on this, "Indeed, Mr. Da…"
He hushed Caroline with his hand and a stern look.
Elizabeth could hear her mother making a big racket. It was hopeless, she acknowledged it as tears rolled down her cheeks. She disliked the arrogant man, who obviously thought little of her. Why did he do it? Something was wrong; she knew it but was powerless to stop it.