Fate and Consequences Page 3

  “Darcy! We certainly did not expect to see you here!”

  He raised a brow and regarded them. “And why would that be, Forrest? I am a member, and I am in town. Why should I not visit my club?”

  A man dressed in the finest and tightest of topcoats slid into the booth next to him and said in an eager whisper, “Is it true? Did your little sister elope?”

  Darcy looked at him with distaste. “No she did not. You can not tell me that you put stock in the rantings of the gossip rags.”

  “Come now, Darcy, it is all over town, we heard it from the Dithridges who were staying in the cottage next to hers. She was seen boarding a coach with a man and her companion, and then you were seen arriving and leaving again almost instantly no more than two hours later!” The corpulent man placed both hands on the table and leered at him. “If she is not married, she was certainly plucked before you got to her. What are you going to do with her now? Send her to a convent?” He laughed. Harold Winslow was delighted to see the great Fitzwilliam Darcy knocked down a peg or two.

  Darcy rose to his feet. “I will not tolerate such language used in reference to my sister, sir. If you do not wish to face the consequences, I suggest you retract them now!” His voice was low but carrying and the room became silent again. His eyes burned into the rotund, weaker man, who for all of his bravado instantly backed down.

  “Just having a little fun, Darcy. You have no sense of humour.” He stepped back.

  “No man should speak of such things of any respectable woman, let alone of a child.” Darcy hissed through clenched teeth.

  “Ah but that is the point is it not, Darcy? She is no longer respectable. What man would want her now? I mean any decent man will look away, no matter the dowry. She is good for the desperate ones now, I should think. I certainly would not want anything to do with her.”

  Darcy rounded on the third man. “Nobody invited you to come calling Pendergast!” He scanned the assembled men. “If you have nothing better to speak of than the filthy gossip of the bored members of society, then I would appreciate you leaving me to my paper.”

  “Ha, if you did not expect anyone to approach you in this club Darcy, you were blind and have lost what brilliance you once displayed at University.” Pendergast said. “You should know there are several betting books already set up. One to determine how soon rid yourself of her by marriage, one as to when the child will be born, oh, and one to determine your wedding date, although that has been in existence for years.” The three men, finding courage in their combined solidarity, laughed at him and moved away before Darcy’s clenched fists could land on any. The surrounding men who were listening in laughed and went back to their conversations. Darcy glanced around the room, noting the faces, and knowing who amongst them were his real friends. He glanced at the clock in the corner. He would give Bingley five more minutes and he would leave.

  Settling back down at the table he picked up the paper and lifted it to his eyes, hiding the red and furious countenance he could not mask. “Darcy!” He slammed the paper down, about to lash out at the intruder and stopped in time to realize the ebullient face before him was that of his friend. He stood and offered his hand. “Bingley! Thank God, I had just about given you up and left. You must invest in a watch.”

  Bingley laughed and took a seat across from him, and placed a drink order. He regarded his friend. “How are you bearing up? From the expression on your face I would say they have been at you already.”

  Darcy snorted. “There are betting books open on this, did you know?”

  “Yes, I thought it best not to tell you.”

  Darcy shook his head. “I should not have been surprised.” He waved a hand at the crowded room. “Not one of them rose to defend me.”

  “Do not judge the room too harshly, Darcy. You have friends here, just that some of them are not brave enough to stand up in a crowded room. They will come to you in subtler ways. I have seen Coolidge and Peters there defending you and Miss Darcy in small groups. And Franklin and Wallace, they have had similar experiences with the gossip rags. You are just too far embroiled in this to see them clearly. You have helped too many people over the years with your advice and investments to be left in the cold when you are finally in need.”

  Relaxing, Darcy met his friend’s eyes. “Thank you for that.” He sighed. “They may support me, but will it do Georgiana any good?”

  Bingley grimaced. “That is another question entirely. If she was compromised …” Darcy shook his head. “Well, even if she was not, the rumour is out. Delaying her presentation will be your best hope, I think.” Darcy nodded. “It was not to happen for at least another two years, perhaps three would be best. By then a new scandal will surely be at the forefront of the ton.”

  Bingley nodded. “Oh, by that time there will have been dozens of families disgraced by one thing or another. I am sure that at the rate my sister is going, she will undoubtedly be one to create a scandal herself!” He laughed.

  “Can I but hope that my ruination by association has dissuaded Miss Bingley from her obsession with me?” Darcy asked, not entirely in jest.

  “Ah, well, probably not. She may be put off for the rest of the Season, but you know Caroline, she is quite determined to be Mistress of Pemberley.”

  “That will never happen, Bingley.” Darcy assured him.

  “Of that I am well aware, Darcy. Perhaps though, she will stop pushing me to pay attention to Miss Darcy.” He smiled.

  “She wanted you to marry her? She is not out!” Darcy was incredulous.

  “It is all a ploy to get closer to you.” He said with a smirk. “Besides, I have a new love, so I am quite occupied, I assure you.”

  Darcy rolled his eyes. “Not again, Bingley, what is this, the fourth since Christmas?”

  “The third and I will thank you not to laugh at me. At least I am enjoying my youth while you waste the best years of your life breeding sheep and collecting rents. There are so many willing young ladies just itching to know you!”

  “Knowing me is not what they wish for, Bingley.” He said dryly. “And you had better be careful or you will find yourself a father-to-be and a bachelor that was.”

  “Thank you for the advice, but I assure you, I am under good regulation. I only dance and flirt with the ladies of the ton. There are other places, as you well know, for taking care of more pressing needs.” He grinned and touched his hand to his heart. “I am saving myself for my one true love.”

  Darcy almost spat out the brandy he was sipping. “I can not wait to meet the woman who manages to hold your attention long enough to get you to the altar. She will be quite formidable, I am sure.”

  “No, no, I do not want a challenging, intriguing wife. That is for you. I want one as complacent as myself, a lamb, a beauty, a …”

  Darcy grew uncomfortable discussing his possible marriage. Bingley struck too close to home for his taste. “Enough of this Bingley. What are your plans?”

  “I have decided to buy an estate.”

  “You have said that for the past five years.” He said shaking his head.

  “Yes, but I am ready. I have decided to follow your advice and lease something, not commit to anything yet, just get my feet wet. And I have asked my secretary to look for something within easy distance of London, for Caroline’s sake. She can not be too far away from her shopping and society, at least not until she marries a certain gentleman who will spirit her away to his spectacular estate in Derbyshire.”

  “Bite your tongue!”

  Bingley laughed. “So, once we find something, will you ride out with me and look it over before I sign a lease?”

  “We plan to remove to Pemberley in a fortnight, but if you identify an estate in the meantime, I would be grateful for the day out.”

  “Good!” Bingley looked up and noticed groups of men speaking and staring in their direction. “Do you think you have put on enough of a show? Are you ready to take your leave?”

  Darcy’s mouth
twitched. “I have been ready since I stepped through the door. Would you like to come and see Georgiana? She would not mind you.”

  “I would be delighted. I told my driver to return home, so we can take your carriage.”

  He shook his head. “No my friend, I walked. Come, it will be good for you.”

  “I am not a walker Darcy.” He whined.

  “If you plan to own an estate, Bingley, you must leave your study.”

  The men rose and made their way out of the club. Neither one missed the increased conversation as they left. Strolling down the street they continued their friendly banter. Darcy was grateful for this friend. Bingley always made him feel good. He was just a naturally ebullient man, the complete opposite of himself. They were a good match. Where Bingley provided good cheer, Darcy gave him sound advice. They were walking down a street with many storefronts when Darcy spotted one selling ladies’ accessories and told Bingley he needed to stop in. His friend looked at him quizzically and decided he was buying a bauble for his sister. They entered the shop, dripping with feminine items, and felt distinctly out of place. The proprietor spotted gentlemen of quality immediately and bustled up to them.

  “Sirs, what can I do for you?” She smiled warmly at them.

  “I am interested in some handkerchiefs for a lady.” Darcy said quietly.

  “Yes sir, plain or decorated?”

  “Both.”

  The woman led him over to a table where a fine assortment of embroidered handkerchiefs was on display. He picked one up with delicate purple flowers and asked, “What stitch is this?” Bingley stared. Darcy ignored him. “Lavender sir, quite unusual. Most handkerchiefs have the fancier blooms. It takes a particular lady to appreciate such a tiny flower.” Darcy’s eyes brightened. Lavender. That was the scent that enveloped him when he stood next to Miss Bennet. He chose two of the cloths embroidered with the pattern, and then picked up one with red roses. He also selected a very fine plain cloth edged with Irish lace. He paid for his purchase and with the slightest of smiles, exited the shop with Bingley in his wake.

  “Who are those for?” He demanded.

  “A lady.”

  “Of that I had no doubt. What lady?” He stared into his eyes.

  “Nobody either of us will ever know.” He said enigmatically, and strode on. Bingley knew enough not to press the point, but filed the information away for future interrogation.

  Chapter 3

  “Miss Elizabeth, there is a special messenger here with a parcel for you. He was told to hand it to you directly.” Mrs. Hill, Longbourn’s housekeeper, could barely contain her excitement. No such delivery had ever been made to the estate before and she could have been knocked over with a feather when she reached for the pouch of coins she kept in her apron to pay for the post, and the young man assured her that there was no charge.

  Elizabeth stared at her eldest sister Jane in bewildered anticipation, and silently thanked heaven that her mother and three other sisters had walked into Meryton that morning. “I can not imagine what this could be!” She grabbed Jane’s hand to drag her to the door.

  “Miss Elizabeth Bennet?” The dusty young man asked.

  “Yes?” She smiled.

  “This package was to be delivered directly to you. I was told to wait for any response. If it is convenient, I will go and care for my horse by your stables.”

  “Oh certainly, would you like something to eat? It must have been a long ride from …”

  “London, Miss.” He smiled. “If it is not too much trouble, Miss.”

  “It is no trouble at all. Hill, could you see to him, please?” She looked at her housekeeper who was clearly disappointed that she would not see what was in the package. “Yes, Miss Elizabeth.”

  Elizabeth and Jane returned to the sitting room and examined the parcel. It was addressed in a firm, and she noted, masculine hand. There was no return address, but that would not have been necessary with a special messenger. She carefully opened the wrapping and gasped in surprise as four beautiful handkerchiefs fell into her lap, along with two sealed notes. On the outside of one she saw the words, “open first”. Jane picked up the cloths and was admiring the needlework as Elizabeth, a growing suspicion forming in her mind, opened the first letter.

  12 June 1811

  Darcy House

  Park Lane

  London

  Dear Miss Bennet,

  Please forgive me for my tardiness in the return of your handkerchief. I can not begin to tell you how much I appreciated your kindness to me, a complete stranger. You can not possibly understand how deeply needed your generous act was at that moment, and how looking back, it continues to give me hope that there are good people in this world. I thank you so very much.

  Sincerely yours,

  Georgiana Darcy

  Dear Miss Bennet,

  I would like to echo my sister’s sentiments. Your kindness touched more than one person that morning. It was a great pleasure to meet you. I thank you.

  Sincerely,

  Fitzwilliam Darcy

  Elizabeth smiled, and then frowned. The letter indicated that her handkerchief was being returned, yet instead she seemed to have received four new cloths. Then she reread the words of the young girl. Something terrible must have happened. That was obvious when she saw her, but this seemed to go beyond just a tragic event, she seemed most grateful that anyone could extend a hand of kindness to her. It was almost as if the girl had done something that she felt deserved her suffering the ill-will of others. Her brow furrowed. Perhaps she was reading too much into the note, but then she looked down at Mr. Darcy’s words. She remembered the sombre man who stared so deeply into her eyes, as if he were trying to memorize her face for all eternity. It sent chills down her spine then, and just thinking about it, and seeing his name written in his hand, sent her heart racing once again. She did not even know him but she felt connected somehow.

  Jane broke into her musings. “What did the note say, Lizzy?” Elizabeth started and handed it to her, then broke open the seal of the second note.

  Miss B,

  Surely by now you have realized that your own handkerchief was not returned to you. I could tell a story that it had been ruined in the laundry, but that would be a lie. The truth of the matter is that I simply do not wish to part with it. I observed you in the street that morning, including your conversation with a certain beast of burden, and I was struck. After actually speaking to you, and seeing your kindness to my sister, I can not put into words how I felt. When she came to me asking if I knew your name and address, I took her note and stole your handkerchief. I hope that my choices please you. The stitches are nothing to your Sweet Williams, but the lavender and roses seemed appropriate for you. The plain cloth I leave for you to fill with a bouquet of your imagination. I realize this is entirely improper, and you should instantly burn this note, but I could not let this opportunity pass without expressing my most sincere thanks.

  FD

  Elizabeth read the note over and over; her hand rose to her mouth and stayed there. Her eyes were opened wide, and rapid breathing joined her racing heartbeat. Who was this man? Would she ever see him again? She looked over at the letter Jane held on her lap. The address was there. Perhaps she could write back to his sister … “Lizzy?” She startled again from her thoughts. “What does the second note say?”

  She hesitated a moment. “Jane you must promise not to say a word of this note to anyone.” Jane’s eyes widened and she nodded. Elizabeth handed it over and watched her sister’s face as her astonishment grew. Finally she looked up. “Lizzy! This is practically a love letter!” She whispered. Elizabeth nodded. “That is what I thought, too.”

  Jane squeezed her hand. “Their address is Park Lane. Is that near Grosvenor Square?”

  “I believe it is.” The sisters stared at each other, realizing the wealth of this family. “Why, Jane? Do you think he is simply toying with me?”

  She shook her head. “No, both letters are far t
oo sincere for that. Miss Darcy is clearly in great pain over some terrible event, and Mr. Darcy is obviously grateful for your kindness.” She read the second note again. “He seemed quite taken with you and the donkey.” She smiled and looked up to see Elizabeth rolling her eyes.

  “It only proves that I am at my most attractive when I am dishevelled.”

  “That must be true if you caught Mr. Darcy’s eye.” Jane said coyly.

  “I may have caught his eye, but there is no mention of ever seeing him again. What do I do now?” The sound of approaching footsteps inspired a hurried folding of the notes and quickly secreting them down the bodice of Elizabeth’s gown. Mrs. Hill knocked and entered, her eyes scanning for the package. Seeing nothing but the wrapping paper she sighed. “Miss Elizabeth, the messenger has eaten and asks if there is a reply.”

  “Oh, I forgot about him. Yes, I will write it immediately. Thank you, Hill.” Elizabeth ran over to the writing desk and sharpening a pen, pulled out two sheets of paper and quickly wrote her responses. She read them over and nodded with satisfaction, waved the paper in the air to dry the ink, and sealed the sheets together. She wrote on the outside with a definite flourish and smiling at Jane, stood up. “I will be back in a moment.” Before Jane could reply she dashed out of the door and found the messenger waiting just outside on the porch. She gave him the note with a smile; he touched his cap, mounted, and was gone.

  Elizabeth returned to the sitting room where Jane was contemplating the handkerchiefs. “Who did you write to, Lizzy? Mister or Miss Darcy?”

  She grinned. “Both of them.”

  A KNOCK on the study door interrupted the daydream Darcy was having. He was in the midst of thinking about Miss Bennet, and her reaction to his small offering. He knew that he had breached the rules of propriety, and for the first time in his life he did not let that bother him. If nothing else, his treatment by society over the past few weeks had shown him that his value, despite all that he had been for his entire life, had been quite significantly lowered. He only hoped that Miss Bennet would not be offended by his behaviour, which was all that mattered. He glanced at the clock; surely Danny should be back soon. It was only a few hours ride to Hertfordshire … A second knock brought him fully to attention. “Come in.”