Friends and Enemies Page 7

  “Mr. Darcy,” she again seated herself next to him. “I have completed my task. Nonetheless, before I send this letter to my father, I would appreciate your review of what I have written. Therefore, you can have confidence I have revealed no secrets.”

  His head pushed back, as if an offensive odour had trespassed on his senses.

  “I am sorry,” he shook his head as he peered at her. Sure enough, a sheet of parchment rested in her hand. “I cannot begin to imagine why you would have even a minuscule supposition that I would not trust you, Miss Elizabeth. I have no doubts as to your ability to craft a letter in a manner which reveals Wickham’s character to your father. I also have no doubt he would trust the truthfulness of your words.”

  “Sir?” Now the confusion was on her face.

  “I do not think meanly of you, Miss Elizabeth,” he asserted.

  “Yet, at Netherfield Park, you did nothing each time Miss Bingley found fault with me in company. You said nothing or did nothing to indicate disagreement with her foul comments.” He easily heard the astonishment in her voice. “All of Meryton was aware of your dislike of myself and my family. You mentioned earlier in the parlour that you trusted in my ability to retain a confidence. How could this be? With the exception of today, you have been verbally critical of me.” She picked at the folds of her morning dress with her left hand. “Sir, Miss Bingley delighted in repeating statements you uttered in her presence, statements that found fault.”

  “I…” He had no idea what to say.

  “Did you not indicate to Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley, and Mrs. and Mrs. Hurst, that you would not want your sister to imitate my actions in using whatever means were available to help a loved one who had taken ill? Did you not unfavourably compare my beauty to my own mother’s wit?”

  He felt the truth of her words as embarrassment and humiliation at being caught out enveloped him. Blast that Caroline Bingley!

  “And as I walked from the drawing room after a discussion about what constituted an accomplished woman, Miss Bingley attacked me for using mean, paltry arts. Your response, Mr. Darcy was ‘undoubtedly.’”

  “Pray accept my apology, Miss…”

  She waved his words off.

  “Sir, my intention for reminding you of your own actions and words was not to provoke you to repentance.” Her eyes pierced his. “My goal was to remind you of the weeks we spent together in Hertfordshire and the opinion you held of Lizzy Bennet for all of those weeks.” Her eyes moved to his sister and back, as if she was checking to see that there would be no witness to overhear their conversation. “What has happened today, to you and your sister, has placed you in a precarious position. You have no choice but to trust my aunt and me with your secrets. I suspect, though you are agreeable so far, upon reflection, you truly may find you have little on which to base that trust. My offer to have you read my missive was an effort to lay a foundation of friendship that we can build on during Miss Darcy’s recovery.”

  “Oh.” He felt like the floor had disappeared from underneath him. How was he to respond? “I…I am at a loss.” He rubbed his eyes, then ran both hands through his hair. He was in unfamiliar territory and was disconcerted she had the upper hand. “I do not know what to say or do except offer another apology with the hopes you will discern its sincerity.”

  “Mr. Darcy.” He appreciated her kindly tone. “I will remind you of my comment earlier when I said I did not know who the real Mr. Darcy was. The last hour between that comment and now, I admit to still feeling the same. Surely you have questions and concerns about my own character. As an intelligent man, how could you not?”

  “You think me intelligent?” He wanted to slap himself. Where had that comment come from?

  She chuckled softly. “I do believe, with your history, my aunt knows you better than I do, sir.” She handed him the parchment. “We will be much in company until your sister is well enough to return to your home. Perhaps the bad we assumed of each other can be balanced or overcome by the good we may learn in the weeks ahead. What think you, sir?”

  The twinkle in her eyes lit a fire in his heart, and for the first time in his memory he wanted to grab a woman to him and kiss her senseless. What a pitiful thought! Had he been so involved in the business of his estates that he had not socialized enough to recognize his own yearnings? Had he ever held a woman that closely? He had not. His cousin Richard would tease him mercilessly if he knew. He was in the prime of his life! Good heavens! Miss Elizabeth would be appalled at the directions his mind travelled at her question.

  “I will humbly accept that you have the right of it, my new friend,” he offered, hoping beyond measure that it gave evidence of his intelligence and did not reveal him as a fool.

  Her eyes immediately softened as she stood to leave. He exhaled forcefully in relief.

  ***

  “Brother.”

  At first, he imagined he had heard her. Then, he saw the slight rise and fall under the bedclothes where he suspected her legs to be.

  “Georgie, you are awake. Do you need water? Do you need to refresh yourself?” He refused to be shy under the circumstances. “What can I provide you to ease your discomfort, Sister?”

  “Water,” she whispered. “I am parched.”

  Hannah, Mrs. Gardiner’s maid, had brought a fresh pitcher of cool water just after Miss Elizabeth had walked out of the room. He set her letter aside and helped his sister sit up enough to drink without the fear of dribbling down the front of her borrowed night gown.

  She was wearing Elizabeth’s bed wear. The gown belonged to Miss Elizabeth! Immediately, his mind replaced the fair hair of his sister with the long wavy rich brown tresses of the garment’s owner, splayed across the pillow. They had the same slim shoulders and, since Georgiana’s pregnancy, the same…he felt the heat rising from his own chest to his neck and his cravat tightened accordingly.

  “Thank you, William.”

  Get yourself under good regulation, man!

  “I do need the attention of a maid, Brother,” she mumbled, turning her face away from him.

  She blushed the colour of a ripe tomato. He instantly vacated the room. Mrs. Gardiner and Hannah were approaching and he begged their assistance. Bowing slightly, he hurried past them, down the stairs, and out of the front door.

  The cold assaulted his face, and he welcomed the brisk air. Until this day, he thought he knew himself. He was born and raised a gentleman! Or, was he? How could he have contemplated Miss Elizabeth in such a suggestive manner? It had to be the events of the day which had him unsettled. Had he not spied Miss Elizabeth at the dock, hours would have been wasted in getting back to Darcy House. Then they would have been forced to wait for the physician to arrive. Fear shook him at what might have happened to his sister.

  Had he shown more discernment in hiring the treacherous Mrs. Younge as his sister’s companion, she would not have been exposed to Wickham. Georgiana would not have lost her innocence, and she certainly would not have lost a child. Rather, she would be ensconced at either Darcy House or Pemberley, pursuing her studies with the masters, and he would still be spending hours upon hours with business interests.

  He sucked in a breath. For all of this, he was to blame. He lifted his chin as if proving the blow that just hit him had no effect. He was a fraud.

  What he had told his mother all those years ago had been a lie. As a twelve-year-old, he could only speak of wishes and dreams. Yet, the simple truth was that he had failed to make good decisions for his sister. He had kept himself so busy that she was left on her own. Basically, ignored. All those words of being a caring and loving father were nil, for he was more a father than a brother to his sister. He had failed. He had failed. He had failed ran through his mind like a chant.

  Yes, he admitted. He had been less than what he should have been, both to his sister and to a young woman such as Miss Elizabeth.

  He again lifted his chin, the cold glancing off his cheeks, sharpening his senses. This time, as he pond
ered his actions, his eyes were straight forward and his jaw was set. They, the three of them, had a new beginning under altered circumstances. He would find the balance between stalwart and loveable for his sister. And he would find the balance for Miss Elizabeth between an inferior acquaintance and a companionable friend. He could do this. He was a Darcy, Master of Pemberley. He was his father’s son. He was his mother’s beloved child. He was determined.

  CHAPTER 10

  Darcy was unaware how long he stood outside the door. Traffic on Gracechurch Street was brisk, yet he barely noticed. He felt no chill from the cold. Mentally, he strategised the events most likely to occur and pursued each thread until its probable conclusion.

  As the doctor said, Georgiana’s body would heal, especially should there be no infection. Eventually, she would need to leave the safe haven of the Gardiner household and return to Darcy House. She would complete her studies and be introduced into society. She would wear the white and pastel gowns of a debutante, signifying an innocence she no longer possessed. They would have to promote a lie. Though it was his abhorrence, he would stifle his conscience until a reputable man, who could be trusted, offered marriage to his sister. If it did not happen, she was free to remain with him for the rest of their lives.

  Nevertheless, in her youth and inexperience with the ton, how would she react? Would she bend under pressure and unknowingly reveal her secret to a false friend who would prove treacherous? Would she fall into the same trap again?

  Darcy inhaled the sooty London air. What if the young woman with child had not been his sister? How would he have reacted? Would he have felt she could still be integrated amongst his peers or that she should be forever banished from proper society? He exhaled. The answer yanked hard on his heartstrings for he knew how he would have reacted had Georgiana been from another family. He would have shunned the girl and secretly ridiculed the parents and children as being inept, unable, or unqualified to care for their own.

  He shook his head as he felt the humiliation of the situation. If word leaked of her ruination, there would be no recovery.

  Elizabeth’s conduct in Hertfordshire had been pleasing, but it was her attitude under adversity which left an indelible impression on him. Whether it was with her younger sisters or Miss Bingley, she never once, in his presence, failed to act appropriately. Her taking his hand, not once, but twice, infused strength and stalwartness into his very being. It was no hardship to imagine years ahead with her by his side.

  However, he had to consider consequences. Should his sister be found out, it would be unfair to attach a young woman with dignity and grace to his family, at least not until Georgiana was settled into her own household. It would be unfair to beg her to wait, for he realised at that moment, unfair or not, beg he would.

  How quickly matters could change. Where her poor connexions, her lack of dowry, and the improper conduct of her family had been a reason to stay away from Miss Elizabeth Bennet while he was in Hertfordshire, what now? From his heart, he believed she would be his only means of salvation, or rather, the only means he would have of salvaging any chance of happiness in his own future.

  Was he selfish? Most assuredly. Was he willing to sacrifice what he had formerly held as vital to become a man deserving of her affection? Absolutely.

  He turned to go back inside the house but was stopped by a carriage coming to a halt at the curb. The man who alighted was approximately forty years of age and dressed in fine, though sturdy, apparel. As he approached the house, the door behind Darcy opened.

  “Mr. Gardiner, sir,” Barton greeted the gentleman, his tone one of surprise. “We were not expecting your return.”

  “I imagine not.” With a brief nod, proclaiming his notice, the man walked by Darcy into the house. Barton stood with the door open, waiting for Darcy’s decision as to whether or not he would enter as well. He did.

  Once inside, the butler informed his master, “The Mistress and Miss Lizzy are in the guest room.”

  Mr. Gardiner nodded, then turned to acknowledge Darcy’s presence.

  “Sir, if you would follow me into my study?” Before he could turn to head down the hallway, the knocker on the front door banged firmly. “Whoever might that be?” Mr. Gardiner muttered to no one in particular.

  Darcy was flummoxed when his cousin, the colonel, strode through the doorway.

  “Richard, how did you know where to find me?” His mind started spinning with the possibilities. Had he heard about Georgiana? How could that possibly have happened? He was in a part of London he undoubtedly rarely frequented.

  “Darcy, we need to talk.”

  Mr. Gardiner interrupted. “I suggest we go to my study and do that very thing.”

  As the cousins turned to follow their host, Darcy could not help but shoot Richard a look. His cousin’s countenance was grim.

  Once they were seated, Mr. Gardiner poured them each a brandy. French.

  “I am Mr. Edward Gardiner. My wife sent a note of a distressing circumstance involving you, Mr. Darcy. She discreetly chose not to reveal her cause of concern. Her missive, though brief, was enough to cancel my travels.” He first looked at Darcy and then the colonel. “Pray explain why you are both in my home. Now.”

  “You know who I am?” Darcy quizzed.

  “Yes.” Nothing more was added. Mr. Gardiner’s gaze did not falter.

  “My sister became ill and your wife offered care. I became acquainted with your niece while visiting a friend in Meryton. I have known your wife since my youth.”

  With a small nod, Mr. Gardiner’s eyes moved to Richard.

  “I am Darcy’s next eldest cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, second son of the Earl of Matlock.” He sipped his drink. “I happened to be at my parents’ home when Lord Sternhaven came to call. He had been at the docks and witnessed Darcy carrying a young woman away from the area.” He turned to Darcy. “Yes, you were seen.”

  That his spontaneous act born of swirling emotions would have such dire consequences made him sick to his stomach. “Blast!” Lord Sternhaven was one of the ton’s biggest purveyors of information about everybody’s lives except his own. His tongue was malicious and cruel. Because of his position in society, he was welcomed into the finer homes, though few wanted him there.

  “Mother, Father, and myself were concerned about Georgiana. I went to Darcy House and spoke to Parker to get directions.”

  Darcy nodded, unsurprised at his valet’s actions. Richard shared guardianship of his sister, and Parker knew the arrangement.

  Mr. Gardiner cleared his throat, gaining the younger men’s full attention.

  “It happens that I know Lord Sternhaven well. While he was watching you, I kept an eye on him.” Now it was Mr. Gardiner’s turn to imbibe. “It seems he had the same purpose as you did, Mr. Darcy. He watched as his youngest daughter was escorted aboard ship by her maid. There was no fond goodbye. The good Lord lifted his nose and turned away from her as soon as she stepped out of the carriage behind his. I easily surmised the daughter was in the same condition as your sister.”

  “You know?” Darcy was not proud of the circumstances, but he loved his sister with his whole heart.

  “What I know is that your sister is upstairs with my wife and niece. I know from your efforts to protect her identity that you did not want it known she was in bad circumstances.” He sipped again. “With that said, I am sure those in your sphere can be easily convinced she was having a stomach malady which prevented you both from boarding the ship heading to the Americas.”

  Richard chimed in. “Good Lord. Had you been on ship with Georgiana, you would have been in company with Miss Sternhaven. She would have clung to you like a porcupine quill. Her fear at being abandoned to travel so far away must be incredible.”

  “Yet, that is the way it often ends.” Mr. Gardiner added, “What I am curious to know is what you plan to do now?”

  Darcy looked to his cousin. It bought him enough time to consider his choices. He had learnt so
on after becoming master that every decision, no matter the size, had an effect. He blew out the tiniest remnant of oxygen remaining in his chest.

  “If we can presume upon your hospitality for my sister, I would be most grateful.” Darcy paused, his mind churning furiously. “I will return to Darcy House after we see Aunt and Uncle Matlock. Once I explain that Georgiana is staying with friends and that the trip to New Orleans was no loss to us, I believe they will be satisfied. I will then have the freedom to visit here daily.”

  “You will need to be seen, Darcy,” the colonel added, his voice abrupt. “Oh, no one will suspect anything is out of order if you do not act happy in crowds, as it is well known you never smile amidst strangers. Nonetheless, you will need to put on a show, possibly even paying particular attention to an unmarried lady. That would divert the crows from cawing about anything to do with Georgiana. It would set them on their ears, and the parlours would be filled with the news of you finally entering the marriage mart.”