Compromised! Page 5

  “Would she be one of the five Bennet daughters?” Wickham knew how to gain what he needed to know.

  “She is.” The man took another healthy swig of his ale. He was elderly, most likely he had children the age of the Bennet sisters. Denny had leaned over and whispered to Wickham that the man lived on a run-down estate the other side of Longbourn, the Bennet’s estate. “She is the second daughter. Sharp, is our Miss Elizabeth. Always has her nose in a book. Her younger sisters are interested only in bits of ribbon and lace. The two oldest? They are women of quality and kindness.”

  “So, you had mentioned that Mr. Darcy insulted the fair lady?” Wickham changed his tone to one of surprise. “I have known Darcy for all of my life. Never have I known him to be less than kind. It surprises me greatly to hear this of him.” Wickham paused to gather his thoughts and wait for his last statement to sink in. He did not want word to get back to Darcy that he had spoken against him. It would not suit his purpose, at the moment. “What do you think he meant by his actions?”

  “It is my opinion that he considers himself high and mighty, above his company.”

  “And, Miss Elizabeth, how did she respond to the insult?”

  “Why, she laughed at him.” The three men applauded her actions, wishing they had been as bold.

  Wickham was stunned. He had personally borne witness to the attentions women paid to Darcy. There was not a woman of his acquaintance who would not have willingly overlooked harsh words if it meant the possibility of attaching herself to the Darcy name. This Miss Elizabeth Bennet must be unparalleled. Darcy was eight and twenty years old. Surely, he was looking for a Mistress for his properties. A young woman, gently born, possessing beauty, poise, and intelligence would appeal to Pemberley’s heir—especially one who did not fawn over him. Wickham chuckled to himself. He knew that above all things, Darcy welcomed a challenge. A woman like that—well, he would see it as a dare, as throwing down the gauntlet, demanding action.

  He may not have been in close company with him since Darcy’s father died, nevertheless, he knew his old friend. He also understood what Darcy would not welcome was finding out George Wickham was in Meryton and that he had every intention of befriending Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

  ***

  Elizabeth remained in her room for almost an hour after Darcy departed Longbourn. Her mind battled between anger and disappointment with both her future husband and her father. Lace!

  Females had little, if any, control over their lives, yet Elizabeth had been allowed to make many decisions for herself. Thinking through the blessings of this freedom, she also realized it was a malediction. Knowing her own nature, she realized how easily discontentment with her circumstances would grow under the control of a domineering man. Yet, Darcy had proved that he was willing to listen to her concerns and worries and that he would take into consideration her opinions.

  Elizabeth suddenly realized she was being ridiculous. While she was upset with Darcy for making decisions for her, she recalled the multitude of times she had wished her father would take control of his household, making decisions and holding firm to them. Was there a happy medium?

  It was not long before Elizabeth heard her mother’s voice raised to an extent that the safety of the windows was threatened. Apparently, she had just been informed of the engagement. Elizabeth smiled. For the first time in many years, Mrs. Fanny Bennet would be pleased with her second daughter.

  Well, since Papa and Darcy would not be designing her wedding clothes, she ought to allow her mother to get started. Elizabeth smirked to herself at the thought of the fastidious Mr. Darcy sharing opinions with her mother about fabrics and trim. By the time she walked into the drawing room, Elizabeth’s smile reached from ear to ear.

  ***

  Fitzwilliam Darcy had never wanted a meek woman by his side. He certainly would not describe Miss Elizabeth Bennet as reticent, not in any sense of the word. As the carriage proceeded to Netherfield Park, he chuckled to himself, considering the future would be filled with opportunities to learn about each other and from each other. His intended was a young woman of decided opinions. Certainly, he wished he had more of an understanding of how females attained certain ideas. It frustrated him that he did not. If he could understand the way a woman’s mind worked, it would not only help in his marriage, it would assist him in his care of Georgiana.

  It unsettled him to remember how quickly Elizabeth had gone from offering him tender comfort to wanting no part of him. He was still unsure what exactly had happened. In fact, he was completely confused. He honestly thought it would please her for him to help lighten her load. Darcy rubbed his hand over his face and huffed out his breath. Even though many years had passed, he recalled seeing his father walking away from his mother shaking his head. With unerring certainty, Darcy knew in his heart that his own mother and father had been in exactly the same position. What had worked for his father? Darcy wracked his brain. Nothing! If, and how, his parents had found the solution to their misunderstandings, Darcy was completely unaware.

  By the time he arrived at Netherfield Park, he had made a decision. Briefly greeting Bingley, he begged forgiveness for retreating to his rooms and bypassed the others in the household. He had a letter to write.

  ***

  The next evening, Elizabeth and the rest of her family gathered at her Uncle and Aunt Phillips’ house for an evening of cards and music. Having received Darcy’s missive late the evening before, she was in a much better mood. The parchment was of fine quality and his penmanship was uniform and easily read. Elizabeth smiled as she pondered the time he must have spent deciding exactly which words to use to clearly express his feelings. It was her first love letter—for indeed, that was exactly what it was. She sighed at the memory of the winsome words on the pages.

  My Dearest Elizabeth,

  If you are angered still, if I have in some way hurt you, I beg your pardon. It was my intention to be of service to you. Your father and I, in our newly formed camaraderie, both sought to ease your way into a future you now unexpectedly face. Pray understand that I meant you no harm.

  Since the death of my father, I alone have been responsible for the hundreds who are dependent on Pemberley for their livelihood. My own beloved father rarely delegated to others, and I realized today that I have followed in his footsteps a bit more closely than I had thought. My excellent father was a good, though not perfect man. He had failings like every being, including myself. I shared my greatest failing with you the morning I asked for your hand. The blame for the calamity that befell my sister rests solely on my shoulders. In no way do I excuse myself for that failing.

  With time, effort, and your loving assistance, Elizabeth, I will endeavor to be molded into a husband you will long to have by your side each day of the rest of your life. I commit my whole heart and soul to your happiness. In doing so, I will find mine.

  With every good wish, I am

  Your betrothed,

  F. Darcy

  Elizabeth looked around at the gathering and noted several new faces. She spied her youngest sisters batting their eyes and giggling with some of the officers who had recently arrived in Meryton. Elizabeth wished her mother would require caution from her youngest two daughters. They were determined to gain a reputation of being flirts. Mary sat against the back wall absorbed in a book, which Elizabeth recognized as Fordyce’s sermons. Elizabeth shook her head at her middle sister, knowing there was nothing she could do to pull her away from that wall. Jane was in easy conversation with Mr. Bingley. Bingley’s sisters and Mr. Hurst were making themselves comfortable around the refreshment table, speaking in derisive terms that were easily heard over the rest of the crowd. Their rudeness seemed to know no bounds.

  “Lizzy, there you are.”

  She turned to find her close friend, Charlotte Lucas, standing beside a handsome gentleman. He was dressed in an officer’s uniform, his dark hair and blue eyes showing well against the white of his shirt. He was taller than both women, th
ough not so tall as Darcy. The two men were approximately the same age, Elizabeth guessed.

  “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I would like to introduce you to Lt. George Wickham, lately of Derbyshire and currently an officer in the militia encamped in Meryton.” Charlotte turned to the man at her side. “Lt. Wickham, this is my dearest, closest friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

  Wickham bowed to her curtsey.

  “It is a pleasure, Miss Elizabeth.” So, this is the woman that Darcy insulted. She is a beauty, though not as pretty as her elder sister. “I was led to believe that an old friend of mine might be here this evening. Perhaps you know what might have detained him?”

  Elizabeth looked at him more closely. His eyes were the color of the clear sky and were rimmed with dark eyelashes. His brows were finely sculpted and his chin had a cleft in its middle. Lt. Wickham’s hair was cropped shorter than Darcy’s and was straight compared to Darcy’s curls. Yes, he was, indeed, a handsome man, yet he left her completely unaffected. He paled next to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of London and Derbyshire.

  “By chance, are you referring to Mr. Darcy of Pemberley?” Elizabeth asked. She was reassured by Wickham’s ready smile that he was a friend, not a foe. Remembering that the man who sought to harm Miss Darcy was a long-time friend of the family, she realized that even though Mr. Darcy had not mentioned the man’s name, it could not possibly be the officer in front of her. He was too pleasant and had not responded with discomfort when the Darcy name was mentioned.

  “Indeed, I am, Miss Elizabeth.” Wickham’s smile grew even broader as he answered, reaching his eyes. “When I heard upon my arrival that Darcy was at Netherfield Park with some friends I thought to arrange to spend time with him catching up on the years we have been without contact. He has been so busy managing his estate since the loss of his good father, while I have pursued my career. It is a disappointment to me that he is not in attendance this evening.”

  “No, Lt. Wickham, Mr. Darcy is caring for business in London. We do expect his return within the week.”

  Wickham easily discerned there was no longer animosity between Darcy and the woman before him. He saw what Darcy saw in her. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence and amiability. Her hair was rich and lush, fighting against the pins that restrained it at the crown of her head. Her form was exquisite. Wickham felt a desire for her that he had not felt in a long time. He wanted her. The fact that she had Darcy’s interest, made him want her even more. Would he always desire what Darcy had? Yes! Before he could continue the conversation, the man he recognized as Elizabeth’s father cleared his throat to make an announcement to the room. He chose to step closer to Elizabeth with a plan of action firmly in mind.

  “Friends, neighbors.” Mr. Bennet began. “It gives me great pleasure to announce the engagement of my daughter, Elizabeth, to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. The young man was in so great hurry to get the marriage settlement that he could not be here for this announcement.” His comment was met with chuckles from the men and titters from the women. “The wedding will take place in two months. Please join me in wishing the young couple well.”

  Congratulations were shouted, and Elizabeth wished with all her heart that Darcy was standing next to her. Both Charlotte and Jane rushed to her and embraced her as the rest of the room settled down. Elizabeth caught the eye of Caroline Bingley and saw hatred and resentment pouring from her. One of the books in her father’s library had a drawing of an active volcano with lava spewing from the top. Elizabeth peered at Caroline to see if steam wafted up from above the feathers of her hat. None was visible.

  “Miss Elizabeth, I am pleased beyond measure that you are to marry Darcy. He is the most fortunate of men.”

  Elizabeth was happy with Wickham’s sincerity. He might be a good resource for learning of Pemberley and her life to come. She was resolved to spend as much time as possible in conversation with this man so she could learn all she could about her husband-to-be.

  Wickham seethed inside at the announcement. It looked like Darcy was, again, going to get something Wickham could not have. Nonetheless, he had much to gain by pursuing a friendship with the woman next to him. He would befriend her. He would start chipping away at her trust and affections until Darcy would finally comprehend how it felt to have something he wanted outside of his reach. If he could have, he would have laughed out loud. He saw the appreciative glances Miss Elizabeth was giving him. It would take little effort to turn her away from Darcy. And he would start tonight.

  Chapter Seven

  Darcy picked up the letter and smiled. He had been in London four days and accomplished much. The settlement papers were promised for early the next morning so he would find himself back in Elizabeth’s company by the afternoon. He sat back in his large leather chair that creaked with his movement. The letters of business in front of him were a small pile in comparison with the stack of invitations. It was a constant puzzle to him how word of his arrival in London spread so quickly and why anyone would care. Those who knew him even slightly were aware he was not a sociable man.

  He had read her letter through at least three times since his footman delivered the post to his study and Darcy stubbornly determined he would not read it again. He had work to do! Nevertheless, he could not keep from lifting it to his nose to sniff the hint of lavender fragrance which reminded him of her.

  It was in this position his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, found him. Richard rarely knocked and this was no exception.

  “What have you there, Darcy? A love letter?” Richard started to laugh at his own humor when he noticed the telling signs of a blush creeping up above his cousin’s immaculately tied cravat. Darcy was as close as a brother to him and Richard had never known him to be affected by any young woman in hot pursuit of Darcy as a mate. That there was any reaction at all to his teasing was enough to stop him where he stood. “Say, what is this?”

  Knowing his cousin’s skills at observation and that he had been caught red-handed, Darcy admitted the truth.

  “It is from Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” He paused. “Soon to be Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.”

  “What!” Richard was flummoxed. “When? How?” Realizing he was not familiar with any family named Bennet that moved in their sphere of society, his next question, fired in brisk succession, was, “Whom?”

  Darcy laughed at Richard’s confusion. It was not often that he bested the man. He gestured for his cousin to have a seat and moved to pour him his favorite whisky. He returned to his chair and waited for Richard to take his first sip before he began his explanation.

  “I first met Elizabeth when I accompanied Bingley and his family to Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire. It was not long before I realized she was unparalleled in every way.” He leaned forward in his seat, resting his elbows on his desk. “Before you ask, yes, she is beautiful. Her eyes are full of life and her intelligence is unmatched by any woman of my acquaintance. She is kind, Richard. Elizabeth walked three miles to tend her sister when she became ill. I found myself drawn to her. Her lively character and grace under pressure will make her a fitting sister to Georgiana and she will be the perfect Mistress of Pemberley.”

  Richard hesitated to ask what he most wanted to know. He had deep respect for Darcy. The man had a tremendous load of responsibility on his shoulders which he wore like a well-tailored greatcoat. He did not want to inadvertently add to his burden.

  “You have known her how long?” Richard inquired, not asking the question he wanted to ask.

  “We met the evening of October 2nd at an assembly in Meryton.” It had been four weeks—just nine and twenty days since he first noticed her. To his shame, Darcy recalled the insult. There was no need to share that information with his cousin.

  “So, she pursued you immediately, Darcy. I am truly surprised you fell for those arts. Others have tried it before.”

  Darcy slapped his hand on the desk, the sound reverberating around the study. His reaction eased the colonel’s mind somewhat.


  “Never again will you speak in this way about my betrothed, Richard.” His countenance was stern and his voice was sharp and unnaturally quiet; his look intense. “I will not tolerate even a hint that she might be a fortune hunter. She is not! Elizabeth is a lady in every sense of the word. She has my respect and my esteem.”

  The colonel raised both of his hands in surrender. He had long suspected that when the time came for his cousin to lose his heart to a worthy woman, he would lose it completely. Yet, something about Darcy’s response bothered him. It took only a moment to realize what it was.

  “Fine, cousin.” Richard looked Darcy in the eye.” Now, explain to me why you are so defensive.”

  “What do you mean?” Darcy was exasperated with his cousin. He had never, in all of their growing up years, been able to fool his cousin. Darcy realized he was defensive. He knew he could be completely frank with the colonel for he trusted him like no other. “You will hear the rumors eventually.”

  Richard raised his brow but wisely chose not to say a word.

  “It was a compromise.” Darcy spoke quietly.

  “What?” It was the last thing Richard expected to hear from his cousin. “Darcy! How could you?”

  Fitzwilliam Darcy smiled to himself as he waited for the colonel to calm. Both of their fathers had warned their sons from infancy to be wary of grasping women who would do anything to attach themselves to their families. It was the nature of their society.

  “Actually, Richard, it was much easier than I ever could have imagined it to be.” His smile grew, perplexing his cousin. For a moment, the only sound in the room was the snapping and popping coming from the lit fireplace. Darcy abruptly stood from his chair and rounding his desk, he leaned back on it directly in front of his cousin. “Richard. Have you ever held a woman in your arms and felt safe? Felt like you could take on the world as long as you remained together?” His gaze never wavered from the colonel. “Have you?”