Elizabeth Bennet's Excellent Adventure: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary (11 page)

“My opinions were never to your liking, Sir,” Elizabeth declared in suspicious tones. “Why would my disbelief in your motives be of concern? I cannot imagine your giving them a second thought.”

Ah, she was back to despising him again. Darcy schooled his features to display no knowledge of Elizabeth’s intent. On the day she crossed the marker to claim her place at his side, Elizabeth Bennet would learn there was a thin line between love and hate.

“You erred, my dear. I always value your opinions. I tended most earnestly to your insistence that your elder sister held Mr. Bingley in true regard, and I recently spoke to Mr. Wickham.”

Elizabeth flushed with color. She knew exactly which opinions he referenced.

“Mr. Wick…Mr. Wickham?” she stammered.

“Yes, the son of my estate’s former steward recently traveled to Brighton with the Hertfordshire militia. Surely you were aware of Colonel Forster’s withdrawal.”

Darcy prayed he did not overplay his hand by reminding Elizabeth of Mr. Wickham.

“No…I was…not aware of the militia’s removal. Certainly my younger sisters mentioned the possibility, but I held no knowledge of the actuality. I was in Hertfordshire for only a few weeks after being so long removed, and I was…I was…”

“Occupied with a task of some importance,” Darcy supplied.

“Yes,” she said simply before diverting her eyes. All the same, Darcy noted how Elizabeth blinked away her tears.

Darcy thought to make further observations, but the presence of tears in her eyes played hard with his heart. Therefore, he offered Elizabeth no explanation to his business with Mr. Wickham. There was time enough for that once they were safely at her home.

“Then may I prevail upon your good nature, Mrs. Bryland? It would please me to show you the ship. I believe you would find pleasure in the experience.”

Elizabeth looked to Mrs.. Harville.

“Captain Wentworth and Commander Harville have business with the Admiralty this morning. Mrs. Harville and I planned to take the children to the park today.”

Darcy shook off Elizabeth’s objections.

“The invitation, Mrs. Bryland, was for Mrs. Harville to accompany us. I am certain you would offer me a most stern reprimand if I thought to escort you about town without a chaperone, and as to the children, if Mrs. Harville believes they would enjoy viewing the ship, I hold no objections to their presence. I am quite fond of children.”

Elizabeth appeared shocked by his willingness to acquiesce, but there was a hint of yearning when she looked upon him. The thought was most satisfying.

“What say you, Mrs. Harville?” Elizabeth asked tentatively.

“Commander Benwick remains at the inn to write another letter to Fanny so we hold no concerns in that corner, and as to young Thomas and Harry, the boys love the sea as much as their father. To greet a gentleman who owns a vessel would make their outing quite special.”

“Then it is decided,” Darcy said with a smile. “My carriage is outside when you ladies are prepared to depart. I promise you both a ‘charming’ day.”

As Elizabeth and Mrs. Harville rushed away to freshen their clothing, Darcy prayed they would not be long. He wished to be away from the house before Captain Wentworth returned to spoil Darcy’s plans.

* * *

As Elizabeth changed her day dress, she wished for the hundredth time since Mr. Darcy’s arrival in Portsmouth that she brought at least one fashionable gown with her. She chastised the anticipation, which filled her heart. The intensity of Mr. Darcy’s stare during last evening’s performance had warmth creeping through Elizabeth’s veins.

The dratted man occupied her thoughts too often of late. Elizabeth reminded her foolish heart to claim annoyance as its partner. If she could keep Mr. Darcy at a distance long enough, the man would tire of his pursuit and accept her refusal for an answer.

Unfortunately, the genuine smile, which claimed the gentleman’s lips when Elizabeth entered the parlor, had her bracing for the flash of satisfaction warming her heart. The man’s smile, so rarely present upon Mr. Darcy’s lips, had her thinking of the sun lighting the room with its brilliance.

“You look quite fetching, my dear,” Mr. Darcy said softly.

Elizabeth protested the compliment.

“There is no need for flattery, Mr. Darcy; pretty words shall not alter my decision.”

Although in truth, Elizabeth would welcome the “pretty words” of Mr. Darcy’s letter.

“You must know, Elizabeth, that it was not my choice to leave you at the altar,” he said in regret.

“I am certain,” Elizabeth said with more hurt than she wished to convey, “that Lady Catherine was quite persuasive. Or perhaps it was the Earl of Matlock’s objections that you found viable.”

“I am not so easily persuaded, Elizabeth. No unsolicited opinions could keep me from you.”

Mr. Darcy’s words were more than a bit unnerving.

“Whatever the cause,” Elizabeth said with a shake of her head to drive away the maudlin, “the significance wanes. You did me a service, Sir.”

Mr. Darcy’s scowl lines deepened.

“How so?”

“I would never have the resolve to experience the world on my terms. I would always be Mr. Bennet’s daughter or Mr. Darcy’s wife. As Mrs. Bryland, I possess the freedom the world would deny Elizabeth Bennet.”

Before they could speak further, the loud clop of two boisterous boys upon the stairs brought their conversation to a close. Elizabeth knew both remorse and relief with the entrance of the Harvilles.

“If you ladies are amenable, we should depart,” Mr. Darcy said through tight lips. “I told Mr. Brownley I would call by eleven.”

* * *

As Darcy assisted Mrs. Harville, the children, and Elizabeth to his carriage, he was thankful for all the difficult business negotiations he experienced over the years. They taught him on how best to disguise the turmoil claiming him.

Elizabeth Bennet was not meant to be an eccentric spinster aunt; yet, the woman refused to forgive him. Needless to say, if Darcy explained the attack upon his being, Elizabeth would accept her error, but Darcy foolishly desired Elizabeth’s choice to be he. Darcy reasoned if she came to him of her own volition, their joining would possess the chance of affection.

“How long have you owned a yacht, Mr. Darcy?” Thomas Harville asked with eagerness.

Darcy placed his qualms aside. His “battle” with Elizabeth was far from over: they were simply at a stalemate.

“I own a large one I keep docked closer to my country estate, but when I saw this one, I knew I must claim it. She requires a bit of a kind hand, but I believe her an excellent choice.”

“May we go aboard, Sir?” Harry Harville begged.

“As she is out of the water for repairs, I see no reason you could not have a look around. Needless to say, you must hold Mrs. Harville’s permission.”

“May we, Mama?” Harry pleaded.

“If Mr. Darcy thinks it is safe,” Mrs. Harville said as she straightened her son’s jacket.

Within minutes, Darcy assisted the children from the coach.

“You must stay close,” he warned the boys. “And listen to the instructions Mr. Brownley provides. There are many men employed in the area, and they are not accustomed to children and ladies about.”

“Yes, Sir,” the boys chorused.

Within minutes, Brownley appeared, and Darcy sent Mrs. Gardiner and her sons on a tour of the ship.

“Nicely done, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said with sarcasm.

Darcy maneuvered her from the way of two men carrying strips of lumber for repairs to another vessel.

“I admit I wished time alone with you,” he whispered. “You are my affianced, Elizabeth. You cannot think I could enjoy searching the English countryside for you.”

“You thought I ran off with Mr. Wickham,” she accused. “You traveled to Brighton to catch me with another!”

Darcy flinched internally. Although he did not wish to consider the possibility, the thought of Elizabeth with Mr. Wickham crossed his mind.

“I did not offer you an untruth. Colonel Fitzwilliam was in Brighton before I learned of your disappearance from Longbourn. As to Mr. Wickham, I delivered a message from Mr. Sloane to my former friend.”

“Why would this Mr. Sloane contact you regarding Mr. Wickham? It has been years since you two claimed an allegiance,” Elizabeth charged.

“Your precious Mr. Wickham,” Darcy hissed, “owes Sloane an exorbitant debt, and this is not the first time Mr. Wickham cultivated a dangerous enemy. Such is the man you chose to defend to me.”

Darcy clamped his jaw together before he could say more.

Again, Elizabeth had him acting as an oaf.

With a deep sigh of resignation, Darcy whispered, “I injured you again. It is never my purpose, but I am often from step when it comes to you. I wish to remain dispassionate; unfortunately, I am weak when under you spell, Elizabeth.”

“Mr. Darcy?” she murmured in what sounded of regret. “I do not know what to believe,” she admitted.

“Your eyes or your heart?” Darcy breathed the words.

She did not look at him, but a slight nod of affirmation told Darcy she understood.

“Permit me to show you something of this vessel,” he said softly.

He turned Elizabeth so she faced away from him. Darcy rested his hands lightly upon her shoulders as he murmured his explanation into her ear.

“I had business in Hull in February when I came across this ship. She limped into port, and many among the men who viewed her thought she would never prove herself, but I was of a different mind for you see I fell in love with her the moment I took in her beauty and her grace.

“So while my companions criticized the lack of perfect symmetry in her form, I noted a vessel pleasing to the eye, and while others spoke of her awkward lines, I knew real admiration for the potential she promised.”

Darcy pointed to the name upon the ship’s side.

“After months of anguish of my own making, I took a leap of faith and accepted this ship as a sign from God. When I learned you resided with your cousin at Hunsford Cottage, I asked Mr. Brownley to move the yacht to Dover. I wished to show you my devotion after you accepted my hand. I had it all planned, but my cursed tongue ruined what could have been.”

“It is
Lizzy’s Delight
,” she said softly.

Darcy smiled in wry amusement.

“Yes,
Lizzy’s Delight
. Such was what I expected. I thought any woman would be delighted to be ‘Mrs. Darcy,’ but you humbled me for the better. My conceit proved false, but I promise, Elizabeth, if you will provide us another opportunity, I will make this right.”

“You look very well,”
Mrs. Harville observed when she joined Elizabeth in preparation for their evening at the Royal Hotel.

Elizabeth glanced to her reflection in the oval glass.

“I wish we did not agree to join the gentleman this evening,” she admitted.

Since her encounter with Mr. Darcy earlier in the day, Elizabeth’s emotions remained off kilter. Mr. Darcy’s disclosure regarding his purchase of the yacht had Elizabeth in turmoil. Even if the dratted gentleman was the handsomest man of her acquaintance, it did not justify why her insides turned somersaults like a carnival performer.

“Do you dislike Mr. Darcy so very much?” Mrs. Harville inquired. “I find the gentleman quite affable, especially for a man who claims an earl as his uncle.”

“Yes, I suppose so,” Elizabeth said distractedly.

“But you did not always think so?” Mrs. Harville asked as she added a beaded band to Elizabeth’s hair.

Elizabeth sighed heavily with resignation.

“No. I cannot say I always thought well of Mr. Darcy, although upon hindsight, I would admit to enjoying the quickness of the man’s mind.”

Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders in disbelief.

“Mr. Darcy once remarked that I was tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt him.”

Mrs. Harville halted her administrations to look seriously upon Elizabeth.

“I imagine such a comment did little to advance your relationship with the gentleman. Yet, it is quite obvious Mr. Darcy affects you, I doubt his appearance in Portsmouth has more to do with your presence in the port city than to do with his business interest.”

Elizabeth protested, “I would be perfectly happy if Mr. Darcy withdrew.”

Mrs. Harville retrieved her shawl from the back of a chair.

“I believe, Mrs. Bryland, that you offer yourself a falsehood. I do not know your true connection to Mr. Darcy, but like it or not, the man engages your affections.”

The woman’s tone switched to warning.

“I shall ask one thing of you: Do not lead Captain Wentworth to believe you would accept his attentions if you cannot give of yourself completely. Our dearest Frederick gave away part of his heart to a woman some years past. Captain Wentworth never speaks of the lady or what occurred, but a woman easily recognizes the great pain of disappointed hopes in another.

“Frederick has not shown serious interest in any woman until the captain took your acquaintance. Do not encourage him, Mrs. Bryland, unless you mean to accept Wentworth’s hand. He is a good man, and he deserves a woman to complete him.”

Over supper, Elizabeth guarded every word she uttered. She avoided the challenging smile of Mr. Darcy and the man’s all too confident air. Likewise, Elizabeth ignored the raw sensuality of Captain Wentworth. She thought her journey would provide her a bit of freedom, but Elizabeth felt as a trapped animal.

Upon their entrance, Mr. Darcy claimed Elizabeth’s hand, and with masculine determination brought it to his lips. She attempted to pull her hand free, but the gentleman tightened his grip upon her fingers.

“I am pleased you could join me,” Mr. Darcy said to the group as he placed Elizabeth’s hand upon his arm to escort her to the private dining room. Elizabeth was sorry to admit the sound of Mr. Darcy’s breathing was in tune with the beat of her heart.

The conversation swirled around her, but Elizabeth had difficulty in attending to any of the details. She sat between Darcy and Commander Benwick, while Mrs. Harville claimed her husband and Captain Wentworth as tablemates.

“It appears Benwick will not be part of my next crew,” Wentworth shared. “He has been with me since serving as a lieutenant upon the
Laconia
.”

On a jaundiced note, Benwick added, “It will seem odd not to have Wentworth as my commanding officer, but I have the promise of a promotion with a successful mission. If so, Miss Harville and I can claim our joining sooner. I cannot think the war will last much longer.”

“Although I will grieve for the loss of your good sense, Benwick, anything which brings you closer to claiming Harville’s sister cannot be ill,” Wentworth assured.

Elizabeth’s attention returned to the conversation.

“Does this mean you and Commander Harville will continue your service soon?”

Despite knowing these men engaged in the King’s business, Elizabeth did not think upon the possibility until this very moment that they were destined to return to the war. The thought that they might die as a result sent a shiver of dread down her spine.

“With gratitude to Wentworth, I will also claim a rise in rank when we return to sea,” Harville declared.

“I am much pleased for your good fortune, Commander,” Elizabeth said with genuine affection.

With the exception of Mr. Darcy, the people about the table took her in when she could claim nothing but immediate family.

Wentworth explained, “Without the assistance of Harville, I would never have brought the
Asp
safely into port. Many men would have died that day.”

“The gale set upon us before the small boats took all the crew ashore,” Harville explained in the way of all men relating a tale of adventure. “The rain and the wind lasted four days. If we were still at sea, we would be on the ocean’s bottom.”

In spite of her best efforts to remain unaffected, tears of empathy misted her eyes.

“We never had two days of foul weather in all the time we were at sea, and the
Asp
stood strong against the French frigate we captured,” Wentworth assured.

Harville chuckled.

“Face it, Wentworth, the
Asp
knew better days before you took command of it.”

“Aye, the Admiralty entertains itself, now and then, with sending a few hundred men to sea in a ship not fit to be employed,” Benwick shared. “But they have a great many for which to provide, and among the thousands who may just as well go to the bottom as not, it is impossible for the Admiralty to distinguish the very set who may be least missed.”

“You best not permit my Brother Croft hear you make such statements,” Wentworth teased. “The Admiral believes there was not a better sloop than the
Asp
in her day.”

Harville grumbled, “The Admiral did not serve upon the
Asp
.”

“When do you return to the sea, Sir,” Mr. Darcy inquired.

“I will depart for Liverpool by week’s end,” Benwick answered.

“And Wentworth and I take up the stern of the
Resolve
within a fortnight,” Harville added.

“So soon?” Elizabeth remarked before she could stifle the words. “And what of you, Mrs. Harville? Will you remain in Portsmouth?”

“At least for the foreseeable future. Miss Harville is traveling to Portsmouth, and I cannot depart until my sister in marriage arrives.”

Elizabeth turned to Benwick.

“Please say Miss Harville will arrive before you depart. It would be a shame not to be permitted a farewell.”

Benwick’s eyes took on one of longing.

“I can only add my prayers to those who wish to claim the loves of their lives.”

Elizabeth squeezed the back of the man’s hand in consideration.

“I shall add my prayers to yours, Sir. I wish you and Miss Harville many years of happiness.”

* * *

Although Elizabeth enjoyed the afternoon with Captain Wentworth and the Harvilles, she found herself looking over her shoulder for Mr. Darcy, but the gentleman did not appear on the day after her party joined him at the Royal Hotel, nor did he send a note of explanation for his absence.

A small part of Elizabeth was glad for his withdrawal, but a more important part, that of her heart, knew great disappointment.

Mr. Darcy walked back to the Harvilles’ residence with her party last evening, and in spite of her decision to deny the man her acceptance, Elizabeth walked beside him.

“What is our future, Elizabeth?” Mr. Darcy asked softly as they trailed the others.

“There is no ‘our’ in my future, Sir,” she said with less enthusiasm that previously.

They walked in silence for several minutes before Mr. Darcy said, “You wish my withdrawal?”

Elizabeth could not bring herself to say the words, which would lead to their permanent separation.

“I wish you the same freedom as I hope to claim.”

“Does that freedom include Captain Wentworth?”

“The captain deserves a woman who affects him.”

Mr. Darcy slowed their steps to maintain the gap between them and the Harvilles.

“If I leave you in Portsmouth, your reputation will know ruin. We can be in the same city as you stay with the Harvilles, but your situation becomes more problematic if you permit a gentleman of whom Mr. Bennet holds no knowledge to escort you about town.”

“My reputation is an illusion at best,” Elizabeth protested. “Your leaving me at the altar sealed my fate, Mr. Darcy. I mean only to claim a bit of society and a few precious memories before I return to Longbourn to become ‘Aunt Lizzy’ to my sisters’ offspring.”

“A woman of your magnificence as a spinster is a waste,” Mr. Darcy argued. “Surely you wish more than such a fate.”

“You mean surely I wish to be Mrs. Darcy,” Elizabeth charged.

She could feel Mr. Darcy’s gaze skimming her form.

“Would being Mistress of Pemberley and the mother of my children be such a cross to bear?”

An image of several children dancing about, all with the look of Mr. Darcy filled Elizabeth’s mind. It was a dream she experienced often of late.

“No, Sir,” she whispered. “Both were once a lovely prospect, but I am of a practical nature. Dreams are for fools.”

They approached where the others awaited them.

“Elizabeth,” Mr. Darcy said without looking at her, “please do not discredit a chance for happiness just because you are frightened to trust.”

“Frightened?” Elizabeth hissed. “Surely you grasp at straws, Sir.”

“Perhaps,” he pronounced in what sounded of exasperation. “Yet, despite your objections, I believe in our complementary natures. You cannot view the affection I hold for you, but it exists just the same.”

With that, Mr. Darcy made his farewells to the group and turned away. Elizabeth accepted Commander Benwick’s arm as they crossed to the Harvilles’ door. To take Captain Wentworth’s arm smacked of betrayal.

* * *

When Darcy returned to the Royal Hotel, a message awaited him, and so at dawn he set out for Hertfordshire. In his grasp, Darcy clutched his cousin’s note while he cursed his lack of foresight in dealing with George Wickham.

“Any fool could predict that Mr. Wickham would act without honor when Fitzwilliam threatened to inform Sloane of Mr. Wickham’s whereabouts. I was too consumed with my need to discover Elizabeth,” he grumbled under breath, “to think with reason.”

Darcy looked up from his dark thoughts when his coach turned into the land leading to Longbourn. Darcy regretted not informing Elizabeth of his task, but he knew his fiancée well enough to know Elizabeth would insist upon returning to Hertfordshire with him. As foolish as it would sound to others, Darcy could not trust himself alone in his coach with her for so many hours. He would permit Mr. Bennet to return her to the manor for their traveling together would bury Elizabeth further in shame. As it was, only he and she knew of her impetuous decision. Darcy would insist Mr. Bennet practice discretion.

“Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet met Darcy before the main house, “what brings you to Hertfordshire?” Mr. Bennet’s tone was everything but welcoming.

“I learned something of your worries for Miss Lydia, and I thought to offer my assistance. I dealt with Mr. Wickham on multiple occasions.”

Mr. Bennet’s disdain continued.

“Why does that particular fact not surprise me? You ruin my second daughter and your former friend ruins my youngest. What is it about the men from Derbyshire, which grants them privilege over others?”

Darcy’s temper flared, but he spoke with practiced calmness.

“Miss Elizabeth’s reputation is safe. It is my intention to make her my wife; however, Miss Lydia’s foolish decision is more problematic.” He gestured toward the house. “Perhaps we might step into your study to speak in private.”

Mr. Bennet shrugged with resignation before turning to lead the way into the house.

Miss Bennet, who accepted Darcy’s hat and gloves, met them.

“I am pleased you came,” the lady offered. “Mr. Bingley believes you hold intimate knowledge of Mr. Wickham, which will assist Mr. Bennet’s efforts.”

“I pray so,” Darcy spoke in kindness.

Elizabeth’s eldest sister always looked to the best in every man. He glanced to where Mr. Bennet made his way toward his study.

“If you would send word to Netherfield and ask Mr. Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam to join your father and me, I would appreciate the kindness. I did not call at Netherfield before I came to Longbourn.”