Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love-kindle (66 page)

Jane shook her head, though she knew who the lady was from Lizzy’s letters.

Suddenly, Mrs. Bennet’s face lit up with a devious smile. “I have the solution! I shall confront the man she has been cavorting with, the one who is married, and force his hand! I imagine he shall not want his dalliance waved in front of his wife’s face. These wealthy men may indulge in affairs, but they do not take kindly to becoming fodder for the gossip sheets.  He may be willing to part with a goodly sum to prevent a scandal and keep Mr. Bennet from calling him out.” She shrugged dismissively. “Not that Mr. Bennet would do such a thing, but that cad would have no way of knowing. If I can sweeten Lizzy’s dowry, perhaps some other poor soul will take her off my hands!”

“Mother!” Jane cried, grabbing Mrs. Bennet’s arm. “You sound as though you mean to sell her to the highest bidder!”

“Has she not sold her virginity to a married man already? Why should I care as long as she is married, and it does not affect you or your sisters? I will learn his name and pay him a visit.”

Just then, Mrs. Gardiner returned to the room, and Mrs. Bennet lost no time in confronting her.

“Sister, I must know the name of the man with whom Lizzy is having an affair.”

~~~*~~~

London
Darcy House

It was almost dark by the time the party from Ashcroft Park reached Grosvenor Square and, being used to stopping at the front entrance to discharge passengers, the horses began to slow as they approached Darcy House. Nonetheless, the drivers urged them on, having been instructed to circle the lane in order to enter via the back gate. William wished for as little fanfare as possible to announce their return to Town. Having never forgotten how Gisela had confronted him on the pavement in front of Darcy House in the past, he decided not to take the chance that she would see Elizabeth and make a dramatic scene.

He deeply regretted that he had little time alone with her that morning, only managing to steal a few moments when returning from the stables. All the others had eaten and made the trek to see the rare twin colts by the time he had awakened and were patiently awaiting his declaration of readiness to return to Town. Aware that this might be his last opportunity to have time alone with Elizabeth, he expressed a desire to check on the animals before leaving and asked her to accompany him. The others in the party were not surprised by his request, as the look on his face when he gazed at her was quite easily construed. Even Georgiana thought better of teasing him by volunteering to come along.

Consequently, as he and Elizabeth made their way back to the manor house from the stables, he seized the opportunity to pull her into a small alcove in the garden, which was hidden by tall hedges. Only a stone fountain and bench were witness to their moment of passion, and for a few precious moments, they were lost in each other’s arms. All too soon it had to end, amidst vows of love, more tender touches and one last stolen kiss.  They entered the back entrance of Ashcroft Park to find no one about.

On the ride back to London, William had insisted that his aunt, Georgiana and Elizabeth make use of his coach, which was newer and had better springs. He had shared his godfather’s vehicle so that the ladies would not be overcrowded. As a result, whilst he was never far from Elizabeth that day, by the time the coaches came to a halt on the gravel drive inside the gated compound, William was literally aching with the need to hold her in his arms once more. Thus, he was the first to disembark, intending to be the one to assist her in exiting his coach.

While handing out his aunt and then Georgiana, William paid no attention to their amused glances, as he was preoccupied with reaching Elizabeth. And after he had handed her down, he was equally oblivious to the fact that he was staring at her like a schoolboy while continuing to hold her hand.

Georgiana’s tease startled him. “Do you not think it best that we
all
go inside?”

Immediately he released Elizabeth’s hand and held out his arm. Being just as smitten, his response brought her out of a similar daze, and she coloured as she placed her hand on his arm. Eager to be of service to his godson, Lord Landingham gathered Lady Ashcroft and Georgiana and began steering them up the path that led through the garden and to the back entrance. The lovers followed at a decidedly slower pace.

During their journey, William had found himself praying that Elizabeth would spend the night at Darcy House instead of removing to Gracechurch Street immediately upon reaching Town. He had decided he was not above enlisting his aunt’s support if she hesitated. But once they had disembarked, his mind whirled as he tried to decide which argument he had devised was most likely to be successful. He knew Elizabeth well enough to know that she would not be easily dissuaded once she set upon a course of action.

“I hope that you will agree to stay here tonight, Elizabeth. After all, you mentioned that your aunt had left Town. She may still be gone, I mean, for all we know, and I am sure Lady Ashcroft would be a suitable chaperone, should you choose to stay. There will be time enough in the morning to ascertain if she has returned and where you shall stay. Besides, I would like for us to be together as long as possible.  After all, we have no way of knowing when we shall meet again.”  He knew that he was rambling but could not help himself. “Surely you do not wish to return to Holmes House, in case that cad Wilkens comes to Town in search of you?”

They had just cleared the back door, when the mention of Wilkens’ name gave Elizabeth pause, and she stopped walking. Her voice shook a little as she contemplated the ramifications.

“I had not considered that he might follow me to London. I would not want to confront him without speaking to my family first.”

Fortuitously, Audrey Ashcroft chose just that moment to come in search of them, appearing in the hallway just ahead.

“Mrs. Barnes informs me that dinner is ready whenever we wish to eat. Marshall and Georgiana have both expressed a wish to have a tray sent to their rooms, as they are exhausted and plan to retire early. I intend to do likewise, so you and Elizabeth are left to dictate your preferences to the staff.”

William seized the opportunity. “I intend to eat in the dining room.” He looked anxiously at Elizabeth. “And I hope that you will join me.” Elizabeth nodded shyly. Hoping to gain another favourable response, he added, “Aunt, I asked Elizabeth to remain here for tonight at the least.”

Seeing the unspoken plea in her nephew’s eyes, Aunt Audrey took up the cause. “Of course, you must stay here tonight, my dear.”

She took Elizabeth’s hand and continued. “I shall accompany you to your aunt’s home tomorrow in order to explain how you came to be travelling with us so there is no conjecture.” Elizabeth let Audrey lead her ahead. “Come! Let us get you settled in one of the guest rooms, then you shall have a chance to freshen up before coming down for dinner.”

As she escorted Elizabeth up the grand staircase arm-in-arm, they continued to talk, though William could not make out what was being said by the time they passed out of sight at the top of the stairs. The exact moment that he turned, sporting a grin so wide he could not suppress it, the housekeeper appeared in the foyer.

“Mrs. Barnes, thank you for having everything ready upon our arrival. Please prepare the smaller dining room, as Miss Bennet and I will be dining alone. I believe a half-hour should be sufficient for us to dress, but should I find that we need more time, I shall notify you immediately.” 

Having cared for the Master since he was a child, naturally Mrs. Barnes noticed the stitches on his forehead, which were now accompanied by a purple bruise.

“Sir, may I ask how you came to be injured?”

William’s hand flew to his wound at the reminder, and he coloured in spite of himself. Mrs. Barnes tried not to smile. She had not seen him this flustered in years.

“Let us just say that I had a confrontation with a tree that refused to give me due respect. It is not as bad as it appears, so do not concern yourself over it.”

With those words, he turned and bounded up the steps towards his bedroom with almost as much enthusiasm as when he was a boy. Mrs. Barnes shook her head in awe at the change in his mood, marvelling at how much younger he looked when he smiled. She had seen his smiles so seldom in the last few years that the sight had caused her heart to catch. As she stood watching his retreating form, a familiar hand on her arm let her know she was not alone. Mr. Barnes had heard their exchange.

“Come, my dear. Nothing is to be gained by staring after the boy. Let us prepare the small dining room so that it appears to the best advantage. I shall see to it that roses are gathered from the conservatory, if you will locate some of the more beautiful linens with lace and such. Between the two of us, Cook and some candles, I think we shall have a romantic dinner ready by the time they come down to dine.”

“Romantic?”  Mrs. Barnes said, giggling into her palm. “You noticed it too—his interest in Miss Bennet?”

“One would have to be blind not to see it, Matilda.”

“I pray this is the incentive he needs to rid himself of that horrid woman,” she whispered, looking about to make sure no other servants heard. “He deserves to be happy.”

“And happy he shall be, if
we
do our part, my dear.”

Mrs. Barnes’ hands began to flutter as she looked about. “Oh, yes, yes. Now let me give instructions to Cook and see if I can remember where I had them store that lovely lace table cloth for the private dining room.”

She was still talking to herself as she walked away, and Mr. Barnes shook his head in amusement before beginning a search for a footman to go to the conservatory and cut some roses.

~~~*~~~

Later

By the time Elizabeth made her way to dinner, she found Mr. Barnes waiting at the foot of the stairs to direct her to a room much smaller than the one she had expected. She instantly felt butterflies in her stomach when the stately old butler opened the door to reveal a very intimate space and to find that Fitzwilliam was already inside. The sound of the door closing confirmed that they were alone.

He was so handsome, dressed in black coat and breeches, just as he had been when they met in the library at Ashcroft Park, and he sported the same hungry look. A few dark curls fell over his forehead, leaving her handiwork completely hidden, and creating the illusion that his handsome face was unscathed.

When she entered, William had been leaning against a magnificent hearth with an elaborate marble mantle that took up the entire wall. One boot was propped against the stone surround at the bottom, and upon her entrance, he pushed away from it, straightened his coat and tugged at his cravat uncomfortably. Elizabeth had been about to giggle, as that gesture made him seem so eager, so boyish, but once she met his gaze, she thought better of it. The way he devoured her with his eyes left no doubt that he was
not
a boy!

She looked away to gain control. Now forced to examine the room, she noted that the floors were polished oak covered with intricate rugs, the wallpaper was a pale gold and the furnishings were in shades of crimson, gold and royal blue. In addition to the hearth, a lovely settee and chair, both upholstered in royal blue with gold trim, occupied that end of the room. They were centred upon an oriental inspired rug, along with a few intricately carved mahogany tables filled with books, china figurines and candelabrum. A round dining table with two chairs and a small sideboard with an oval mirror perched above it dominated the opposite side of the room. They were situated on an equally exquisite rug of gold and blue designs on a crimson background. Crystal vases of white and red roses decorated every available surface, including a smaller vase in the middle of the table.

Having waited until she finished her cursory examination, William now walked towards her. She found herself trembling as he reached out to take her hand and suddenly felt vulnerable and a bit scared—not of him but of her desire.

“Miss Elizabeth, I hope you do not mind that we are on our own. Mrs. Barnes has prepared everything so that we may serve ourselves. I hope it pleases you.”

He smiled beguilingly, and the sight of perfect while teeth set against his tanned face so unnerved her that Elizabeth almost forgot to breathe. She was certain no stranger would ever be privy to such a treasure as this expression. Barely conscious of what he was saying, she comprehended only the last few words.

“… thus, I did not wish to be disturbed for any reason. I wanted it to be just us two.”

Tearing her eyes away, she examined the preparations. The table held place settings for two, while the sideboard groaned with numerous covered dishes, bowls of fruit and trays with breads and sweets.

“I… I am sure it will be delicious, though I doubt I shall be able to eat much. Just being in this magnificent house simply takes my breath away and leaves my appetite sorely lacking.”

Bringing both her hands to his heart, he leaned in to rest his forehead against hers, causing them both to close their eyes. For several seconds he said nothing, then raggedly whispered, “Without love, Elizabeth, it is simply a building.” 

His words were so raw that she was afraid she would cry if she spoke, so Elizabeth only nodded her agreement. He stepped back then and motioned to the table, imploring, “Please try to eat something or I shall surely worry.”

She teased him. “Your aunt mentioned that you worry excessively for those you care about.”

“I confess that is true. And when I fell in love with you, you became my greatest concern.”

Elizabeth’s heart thumped so loudly she feared he could hear it. “When did you know that you loved me?”

“If I had to fix the hour, the spot, the look or the words which laid the foundation, I would have to say it was my first glimpse of you at the bookshop in Meryton. When you peeked around that bookshelf, a pixie in a mass of untamed curls, I thought I had wandered into heaven. Only in retrospection did it become clear that I was in the middle of it before I realised that I had begun.”*
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