Compromised! Read online

“Yes, Mrs. Reynolds, betrothed. In just over five weeks I will be bringing my wife to Pemberley. I ask that you have the Mistress’s rooms readied and prepared to welcome her.”

  Knowing it was not her place to question the decisions of the Master of the house, she fought her inclination to beg him to do everything possible to change his mind. To have Caroline Bingley as Mistress would be intolerable. She would never bring happiness to Darcy and would intimidate Georgiana until all of their lives were steeped in misery. Knowing her position, Mrs. Reynolds said nothing.

  From his earliest memories, Pemberley’s housekeeper had been a trustworthy, caring woman. She went about her duties with deep affection for the house and those residing in it. Upon the death of his parents she quietly became a pillar he could occasionally lean on. Affection between the Darcys and Mrs. Reynolds ran deep. When he saw her drop her head to her chest in disappointment, he blurted out, “Elizabeth Bennet.”

  Her head snapped up, “Pardon?”

  “I am marrying Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire.” Just the thought of her made him smile. Unknown to him, it was this more than anything else that reassured Mrs. Reynolds that the joy she had hoped for would be realized at Pemberley. “She is a lovely woman with a vibrant character and a kind heart. There are four sisters from Georgiana’s age up to two and twenty years old. They are gentlewomen of varied personalities and interests who will benefit my sister greatly.”

  Mrs. Reynolds watched as his smile grew. Her own heart filled with appreciation for this unknown woman to the point that tears threatened to spill from the corners of her soft brown eyes.

  “Master Fitzwilliam,” Mrs. Reynolds stopped herself. This marriage would change the dynamics of Pemberley. Darcy would be a man taking charge of his family and his household with a woman who would become his bastion. “Master Darcy, the staff will have Pemberley prepared to welcome the new Mistress with happy anticipation.”

  Darcy suddenly realized it was the first time his housekeeper had referred to him by the name she had called his father for so many years. It was a defining moment for him. With Elizabeth’s help, his life would be complete. His emotions threatened to overwhelm him as he left the study to clean off the dust and mud of the road. Mrs. Reynolds had notified him that his sister’s things were packed and ready for travel. It was time he greeted Georgiana and it was finally good to be home.

  ***

  As Darcy and Georgiana prepared themselves to depart Derbyshire the next morning for Meryton, Lady Catherine de Bourgh was doing the same. Her outrage at hearing that a young woman from Hertfordshire was attempting to usurp her daughter’s position as the future Mistress of Pemberley angered her beyond measure. For the first time, Lady Catherine was grateful for the distant acquaintance of Miss Caroline Bingley. Upon reading the letter from Caroline, she knew how to act.

  ***

  Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam read the note from Darcy with pleasure. That his cousin was pursuing his own happiness was a pleasure. It was about time!

  Sipping a glass of Darcy’s finest French brandy, he sat in front of the warm fire in his cousin’s study and contemplated his own future. Yes, in the secret person of his heart, he longed for a woman who would bring contentment and love to his heart. However, he had no home, just a run-down room in the officer’s barracks outside of London. It was why he so often trespassed on the hospitality of his cousin. Being the second son of Lord and Lady Matlock guaranteed him nothing but a name. His older brother, James, and his parents were all about position and power. There would be no setting aside of funds for younger sons. Even his two sisters had more in their dowries than he would ever see.

  Yet, he was pleased to make his own way and not be dependent upon the handouts of others. It offered him an independence he craved. Military life had opened his eyes to a variety of backgrounds, social spheres, and foreign cultures. This gave him knowledge that he wanted more than a subservient woman to live with for the rest of his years. Colonel Fitzwilliam wanted a partner, a woman of mental substance who would not hesitate to engage him if she thought him to be in the wrong. And, he wanted this on a colonel’s pay.

  Standing up from the chair, his glass now empty, he realized that if he was going to dream, he might as well dream high. Chuckling to himself, he knew his cousin would tease him for his thoughts. Darcy said Miss Elizabeth has sisters. Might there be one like her for me?

  Calling for his horse, he decided a trip to Bingley’s estate in Hertfordshire might be in order.

  ***

  Mr. William Collins, rector to Hunsford, had one purpose in his small life—that of pleasing his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. When he saw the great lady’s carriage moving swiftly away from Rosings with Lady Catherine and her daughter, Lady Anne de Bourgh, tucked safely inside, he fretted that something of a disastrous nature had occurred. Running to Rosings Park to determine the nature of their flight, he was horrified to find the de Bourghs on their way to confront one of his cousins at Longbourn. The estate was entailed away to the male line of the family as Mr. Bennet had only daughters. It would eventually fall to Mr. Collins. In Mr. Collins’ mind, this made him solely responsible for the actions of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He had only one thing he could do.

  Running back to the parsonage, he struggled for air, demanding his servant pack his bags for immediate departure. An overweight man who cared little for his personal hygiene, Collins gasped as he held his side where the muscles cramped from his exertion. It was imperative he leave immediately. He needed to be at Longbourn before Lady Catherine arrived to discipline his cousin for whatever she had done to upset the great lady so.

  ***

  Caroline Bingley had been welcomed into the homes of the ton her first day back in town. There had been a much different reaction the second day. Doors which had easily opened at the hint of a connection to the Darcy name were now closed. Her ire grew in proportion to the refusals. It was her worst nightmare.

  Having her brother arrive into the midst of her turmoil offered her a scapegoat, enabling her to lay complete blame at his feet. Little did she realize, at the time, just how responsible he was for her being shunned by the society she had long coveted.

  Bingley had used the four hours in his carriage to consider his actions towards his sister. Her schemes had caused embarrassment and had alienated him from his closest friend and the woman he admired. Jane Bennet had been right to reject him. He did not deserve her affection.

  At the coaching inn half way to London he found the perfect solution to the problem of his sister. While he waited for his carriage horses to rest and a meal to be served, he perused a copy of a London newspaper another traveler had left behind. It was an advertisement on the back page which had caught his attention.

  Wanted: Wife

  Widower with three small children seeking woman of gentle birth to share my home on the sea coast of Nova Scotia. Must be hearty, educated, and willing to work hard to make my cabin a home befitting the grandsons of the Baron of Sternhaven. An immediate response is appreciated. Pray contact my agent for full disclosure of details.

  Bingley knew the family. The third son had been with him at University. He was a pleasant young man who had been born almost a decade after his next older brother. It was this second son who had placed the advertisement. While it was true that Bingley had not met the man, he was certain that Caroline would be pleased to be married into a family with close ties to a title.

  As he left the inn, he folded the paper and tucked it under his arm. For the first time since he spoke with Miss Bennet, his countenance was determined. He could not wait to get to London and arrange for his sister’s future. If he hurried, he might be able to return to Netherfield Park in time to welcome the Darcys.

  ***

  It had been four days since the events in the garden. Elizabeth missed Darcy and longed for his return. The weather had cooperated, allowing her many rambles around the countryside. She could not help but take advantage of the oppo
rtunities to visit her favorite places for what could be the last time.

  Elizabeth had thought hard about Darcy’s request that she consider the reasons for waiting to marry. It was now the first part of November. Just over five weeks remained until the date her father and Darcy had determined they would wed. Emotions clouded Elizabeth’s thinking until she could no longer see Darcy’s reasoning clearly.

  Looking out the window of her bed chamber, she felt she was staring at her future. Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy. Lizzy Darcy. She giggled at the last one. It sounded like part of a nursery rhyme.

  Undoubtedly, this would be the day Darcy and Georgiana removed themselves from Pemberley, heading south on the London road to Meryton. It was easy to picture him giving orders and making sure all was ready for departure. It was also easy to imagine the silence reigning inside the carriage with two reticent individuals as passengers. Elizabeth smiled to herself. She was excited to meet the young woman who would be her sister and she was anticipating the need to draw her out and help her be comfortable amidst the noise and confusion of Longbourn.

  Elizabeth had just turned from the window when she heard pounding at the front door. It was too early for morning calls. Rushing to the top of the stairs she collided with all four of her sisters. There was much excited conjecturing until Hill opened the front door. All five females quieted, refusing to draw even a breath so as not to miss the announcement of the unexpected guest.

  Elizabeth sucked in a breath as her right fist clutched her chest. She did not recognize the voice, but she did know the name.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was an impressive figure of a man. Tall, though not so tall as Darcy, he was ruggedly handsome and authoritative in his officer’s uniform. Elizabeth hurried down the stairs before her mother swooned to the floor at the sight of him standing in the entrance hall. Behind Elizabeth, as close as a shadow, came the clatter of eight dainty feet.

  “Pray forgive my appearing unannounced and uninvited.” Richard bowed to the swarm of ladies in front of him. “Might I be informed as to whether Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy happens to be here?”

  Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, and Kitty were overcome by his presence so Elizabeth stepped forward to speak.

  “Colonel Fitzwilliam, I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet. To answer your question, no, Mr. Darcy has not yet returned from Derbyshire.” She turned to her family, seeing that her father had emerged from the library at the commotion. Once the introductions were cared for, she again gave her full attention to the man in front of her. “Please, come into the drawing room where tea will be provided. Will you be staying in the area?”

  “Can he stay here, Papa?” begged Kitty, while their mother nodded in agreement.

  “He can have my room and I shall sleep with Kitty,” offered Lydia, who was fluttering her eyelashes so quickly it gave the appearance she had something lodged in her eyes.

  “Sisters!” Jane was embarrassed at the lack of good manners her family members were displaying. It pricked her conscience for all the times she shushed Elizabeth for making similar complaints. Had she never noticed what was so obvious to others?

  Mr. Bennet finally stepped in and invited the Colonel and Elizabeth into his study. Jane watched them walk down the hallway and felt a pull to her heartstrings that was entirely unexpected.

  Once the door closed, the colonel came to the point of his visit.

  “Mr. Bennet, Miss Elizabeth.” He remained standing in a manner similar to Darcy. “I received a note from my cousin only this morning. Apparently, Darcy had sent it on Monday. I was training new recruits and did not arrive back in London until early today. Before I left town, I stopped by the home of my parents, Lord and Lady Matlock. It was there I came face to face with my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”

  When he paused for breath, Mr. Bennet inquired. “And this is of interest to my family because…?”

  Elizabeth knew. Colonel Fitzwilliam was not dropping names to enhance his standing in Bennet society. It was a warning.

  “My aunt has long proclaimed that Darcy would marry our cousin, Lady Catherine’s daughter, Anne.” At Elizabeth’s indrawn breath, he rushed to continue. “It has never been a desire of either cousin to be united in wedlock. My parents and aunt came up with this plan before Darcy’s father was laid in the ground. Their desire is to combine two large estates to become the wealthiest family in the realm. How they plan to manipulate Darcy to their greedy desires, I have no possible idea. Nevertheless, it is their purpose.”

  “Lady Catherine is accompanied by her clergyman, Mr. William Collins, who I understand is your heir.” This was a surprise to Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth. “According to reports, he arrived at Matlock House shortly after my aunt and cousin. What his purpose is, I have no clue. Possibly you know, sir?”

  Elizabeth’s father shook his head, puzzled at the things the colonel was saying. “Are you indicating there will be objection on the part of your family towards Mr. Darcy’s engagement to Lizzy?”

  The colonel glanced at the young woman standing alongside him. She was pretty, though not as stunning as her sister. He saw the lift of her chin and realized she was not a timid country miss.

  “I believe the conflicts I have seen on the continent will pale in comparison to the carnage they will attempt.” Richard looked directly at Elizabeth. “Darcy has in his possession what they most want.” Elizabeth looked at him with confidence, her right brow raised in question. Yes, she will do. “The Darcy name is one of the oldest and most respected in England. He protects it like the asset it is. If he is tied to you, they lose all claim to him. If he married Anne, he will never be rid of them.”

  “Might I ask, Colonel Fitzwilliam, where exactly your loyalties lie?” Elizabeth was not shy about procuring the information she needed. If there was to be a conflict, she needed to know who her enemies would be.

  “Darcy is closer to me than my own brother, Miss Elizabeth.” There was no smile. There was no confusion in his expression. Only sheer determination and a firm stance in favor of his cousin.

  “I do not expect Mr. Darcy for at least three days, Colonel.” Elizabeth paused as if concerned how to frame the question. “Do you have any strategies we can put into place to protect ourselves before they arrive?”

  It was too late. The sound of carriage horses clopping over the stones in the driveway with the jangle of their harnesses reached them just before Mrs. Bennet rushed into the library.

  “Mr. Bennet! Mr. Bennet! There are two fine carriages with some sort of crests on the doors. It might be the Prince Regent coming.”

  “Might it, Mrs. Bennet?” Sarcasm dripped from her father’s tongue.

  Elizabeth did not appreciate her father’s attitude. Nor did she see the humor in the situation. She directed her mother to return to the drawing room to receive their guests. The colonel and Elizabeth followed immediately behind.

  ***

  The southbound carriage was indeed silent. As tired as Darcy was the day before, he insisted they leave within the hour, knowing he could sleep in the carriage as it moved mile by mile closer to Elizabeth.

  He examined his sister closely. He doubted she had looked up from the floor once in the past few hours. The light was fading and they would be stopping soon. Darcy worried he was not the best person to have on this journey and wondered what Elizabeth would do.

  “Georgiana, would you tell me of the book you are reading?” It was a start.

  “Brother, I do not believe it would be of interest. It is not the type of book you read.”

  She still did not look up so her voice sounded like she was mumbling. Perhaps she was.

  “If it is a novel, possibly I have already read it.”

  At that, her head snapped up and she looked at him in shock. He could not help but chuckle.

  “You have read Ann Radcliffe?” She was incredulous. “I thought you only read Shakespeare or agricultural books.”

  Darcy laughed aloud. “Si
ster, dear, I believe there is much we do not know of each other. Elizabeth has not been happy with me keeping things to myself. So, I believe the three of us will be a family who learns the foibles of one another and loves one another in spite of these flaws. Or, we will love one another because of these flaws.” He watched as his sister absorbed his comments, visibly relaxing for the first time since his arrival at Pemberley. “For myself, I am pleased she accepts me as I am. For a certainty, I long to improve myself to be the man she wants me to be. Nevertheless, it soothes me to know we will grow closer as we make progress, Georgiana. How does this sound to you?”

  “These ideas are quite novel to me, William.” Georgiana wondered at the man across from her. She loved him with her whole heart and feared his displeasure. Never did she worry that he would be overly harsh. No, she feared disappointing him and knew she had done so at Ramsgate. Certainly, she was worried about William’s betrothed. He had already reassured her that Elizabeth would love and welcome her. For herself, she could not begin to imagine how an intelligent woman would be able to overlook the sins committed with Wickham. After all, she had allowed him to kiss her hand. Once, he even kissed the inside of her wrist. It was shockingly improper.

  “Pray think of them, Georgie.” Darcy smiled again. “We will be a family unlike any we have known since we were with our own parents. Pemberley will be a true home for all three of us.”

  The thought was so pleasurable that Georgiana gave her brother a slight smile. It warmed his heart.

  The next day, they stopped for breaks only when absolutely necessary for the horses. When Georgiana saw the yearning her brother was having for his betrothed, she was willing to sacrifice any comfort for his pleasure.

  It was with a rested team of horses and exhausted grooms and drivers that they arrived in Meryton two days later. When the team turned into the mile-long road to Longbourn, they were surprised at the heavy traffic in front of them. By the time they arrived, two carriages were starting to discharge their passengers.