The Last Waltz: . . . another pride and prejudice journey of love (25 page)

She released a sigh, as she tried to account for last evening’s events. After all, in truth, nothing had changed between them. She was still the imperfect, ungraceful Elizabeth Bennet, and he was still . . . well, he was still Mr. Darcy, the richest, most eligible bachelor in Derbyshire; a man who was immune to love. But still in a very obscure and hidden corner of her heart, even if she refused to acknowledge it, dwelt the tiniest of hopes.

But she knew the reality of her situation; that eventually he would marry someone whose views on love and marriage were more harmonious with his own, and that her heart was already destined to break. But she would not think of that now. Not on such a beautiful, sunny summer’s day as this.

She rose and dressed quickly. She was to accompany her aunt and uncle to the church where they had wed nearly ten years before. As Elizabeth was tying the ribbons on her bonnet, Hannah, the young servant who worked at the Inn, brought them the morning’s post.

“Oh, a letter from Jane! I have been expecting one for days. Would you be terribly angry if I stayed to read my letter?” asked Elizabeth.

“Of course not, Lizzy. We will walk to the church and call back for you in an hour,” responded her aunt.

Elizabeth gave them an appreciative smile as they turned and closed the door behind them. She put down her reticule and took a seat, making herself comfortable as she broke the seal of her sister’s letter.

July 14, 1812

My dearest Lizzy,

I hope this letter finds you well and that you are enjoying your journey with our Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. We all miss you, our father most of all, I believe. He has taken care to ensure that Florio receives his daily exercise in your absence.

“Oh, Papa,” sighed Elizabeth as she thought back to the morning of her departure. Her entire family had been there to say their goodbyes and to wish her a safe journey. After giving a quick hug to Kitty and Mary, Elizabeth had then approached her mother who had kissed the air on either side of Elizabeth’s face.

To Lydia, Elizabeth had given some words of caution regarding her fast approaching trip to Brighton, even though she knew they would most likely go unheeded by her improvident younger sibling.

When next she had stood in front of her father, his eyes expressed his regret at losing her company yet again.

“Enjoy yourself, Lizzy.”

“I am sure I shall, Papa,” she said softly, but she had made no attempt to move closer.

When Elizabeth had finally approached Jane, they had embraced. “I shall miss you, dear sister, but I am sure once Mr. Bingley returns from London, he will be most attentive.” Giving one last hug to Jane with a promise to write, she suddenly turned back to look at her father. The compassionate love that she had seen on his face was almost tangible, causing her to rush back to him and wrap her arms around him tightly.

“I . . . I shall miss you, Papa.”

“I shall miss you more, my child,” he had whispered as he returned her hug and kissed her brow. When he released her, she had granted him a smile that told him he was now completely forgiven.

I am sorry to have been remiss in writing you sooner, but since Mr. Bingley’s return from London, I have barely had a moment to myself. It seems there are many social obligations that our mother has deemed necessary for an engaged couple to attend. I am grateful for Mr. Bingley’s amiable nature, for I fear a man of lesser tolerance would never abide our mother’s constant directives. I think she was quite relieved upon his return to Hertfordshire, and I must admit I was a little concerned that Caroline would find some excuse to keep her brother away longer. But I had no need for such foolish worries. He loves me so much, Lizzy, that I cannot believe my extraordinary good fortune. I love him with all my heart.

I know the disappointment you have suffered with regard to Mr. Darcy. But time will help heal your heart, Lizzy. Your love for him will eventually fade and you will find someone who will equal your capacity to love, for you have so much love to offer some deserving young man. I am confident, dear sister, that you shall find the same happiness as mine someday.

Elizabeth released another sigh and slowly shook her head. “Oh, Jane, you are ever the optimist. But I’m afraid my happiness is dependent upon a man who refuses to let love enter his heart.”

While in Meryton yesterday, Mother and I came upon Jeremy McGregor. He asked how you were, and I replied that you were well and currently on holiday. Before I could stop her, our mother invited him to dine as soon as you have returned to Longbourn. He was reluctant, at first, to accept the invitation, but you know our mother can be most insistent. She would brook no opposition, and he eventually relented. Perhaps it is possible that the two of you can repair the friendship you once used to enjoy.

Elizabeth’s brow crinkled. Could she ever find it in her heart to forgive him? After all, it was so very long ago, and they had both been so very young.

Lydia left for Brighton a week ago Thursday with all the drama one might expect. It was quite a performance as she made sure to enumerate all the delights of the many parties and balls that awaited her. I took pity upon poor Kitty who was in tears as the Forster’s carriage pulled away. We have not heard from Lydia since her departure, and I can only hope that is a good sign that all is well. At least I am determined to believe it to be so.

Lady Lucas came to visit this morning, and she relayed the most wonderful news regarding Charlotte and Mr. Collins. They are soon to be parents, and they are both delighted at the prospect. Of course our mother was quick to reassure . . .

A sharp knock at the door suddenly distracted Elizabeth from her letter. As she rose from her chair, her heart made a secret wish as to who might be calling upon her on this beautiful summer morning.

CHAPTER
THIRTY-SIX

Lightning’s thunderous hoofs galloped towards Derbyshire at a steady, grueling pace as the man who held his reins pushed him on relentlessly. Lieutenant Crowley, the young man who rode by his side, found it extremely difficult to keep up, but Colonel Fitzwilliam would not be deterred. He had to reach her before it was too late. The fear that now gripped his heart was that it already was.

Had he failed her yet again? He envisioned the delicate features of her lovely face. Even if he could not declare his love for her, he had sworn he would do everything within his power to ensure her safety.

When they finally arrived at their destination, Richard jumped from his mount and quickly headed for the front entrance, the young lieutenant hurriedly following in his wake. “Wait here,” Colonel Fitzwilliam commanded. He pounded his fist insistently upon the door, until finally it opened. Impatiently, he forced his way past the footman and entered the foyer.

Hearing a commotion, Darcy hurried towards the sound of raised voices. Surprised to see his cousin standing in his foyer, he immediately perceived his distressed countenance. Their eyes met.

“Where is Georgiana?” Richard demanded, his breath winded, and his face and clothing caked with mud, evidence of his punishing ride.

The impact of his cousin’s words barely had time to register. “What is it?! What is wrong, Richard?”

“Is she here?” he persisted.

“Yes, she left my company only moments ago. She is upstairs in her room.”

The colonel’s entire body seemed to visibly relax. His shoulders slumped in relief as he closed his eyes and silently thanked the Lord for answering his prayers.

“Will you
now
tell me what is wrong?” Darcy demanded. But then taking in a deep composing breath his entire demeanour shifted. “I apologize, Richard . . . starting with my poor behaviour at Rosings. I will endure whatever retribution you deem deserving, but for now, won’t you please tell me what has happened? Why were you so concerned for Georgie’s safety?”

“Wickham never arrived at Brighton,” replied the colonel, his breath still laboured. “When Colonel Forster questioned some of the other officers, he learned from Lieutenant Denny that Wickham had boasted how he planned to take his next revenge against you. My thoughts immediately turned to Georgiana. I was certain that she was his intended victim, and I rode as fast as I could to get here. You cannot know how relieved I am to find that no harm has come to her.”

“I can assure you, Georgiana is safe,” said Darcy as he raked his hand through his hair. “But I will make sure she goes nowhere without a bodyguard until Wickham has been found,” he vowed.

“I retraced his movements from Meryton. He is travelling by horse on a mount with one very distinctive shoe, which made it easy for me to track him. Unfortunately yesterday’s rain has now erased all traces of him, but all indications were that he was headed in this direction. However, he had a good two days jump on me.”

“It
is
you, Richard!” exclaimed Georgiana. “I
thought
I heard your voice.”

He turned to see her standing there and instinctively rushed towards her. He utilized all of his self-control to keep her at arm’s length. “I am covered with mud, Georgie,” he said to explain his reluctance to embrace her, but she was unabashed.

“I do not care about that, Richard. I have not seen you in months; I have missed you,” she said as she smiled up at him. It seemed only with him did she forget her shyness.

He gave her a warm smile in return. Unable to resist her sweet appeal, he opened his arms to her, inviting her into his embrace and placing a soft kiss on her brow.

His arms now reluctant to release her, she looked up at him curiously. “Are you all right, Richard? You seem uneasy.”

“Just seeing you safe and happy makes
everything
all right,” he confessed with a relieved sigh. However, when he glanced in Darcy’s direction and saw the bemused look upon his face, his arms immediately dropped to his sides.

“Of course I am safe and happy, why would I not be?”

“You know that it is simply my nature to worry about you, Georgie. Some recent events have come to light, and your brother and I would like you to take some precautions for the next few days.”

“But, why?” she asked.

When he made no reply, Georgiana turned towards her brother. “Tell me what is happening, Fitzwilliam. I am not a child. Why are you both behaving so strangely?”

Richard exchanged glances with Darcy. Neither he nor his cousin was eager to speak of Wickham in Georgiana’s presence. It had taken her a long time to recover from his deceit. Her fifteen-year-old heart had been convinced that he was in love with her, and she had been ashamed of her foolishness. She now insisted that she was well over the entire episode, but perhaps, despite her protests to the contrary, she would always have feelings for the scoundrel. The mere thought of that saddened Richard more than he could say.

Darcy let out a deep sigh. He knew it would be useless to hide the truth from his ever persistent sister. “We have received some disturbing news regarding Mr. Wickham. It is our belief that he is in Derbyshire with some devious plan in mind.”

“And you believe that I am part of his plan?” she asked as her eyes widened in disbelief.

“We cannot discount it,” said Darcy. Until we find him, Richard and I agree that you are not to leave the house alone.”

“One of my lieutenants is just outside the door, Georgie,” said Richard. “I will keep him posted here to make sure you remain safe.”

He turned his attention back to Darcy. “If his revenge does not involve Georgiana, what other possible scheme can he have devised against you?”

Darcy contemplated Richard’s question for a moment, but then all the colour seemed to drain from his face.

“Elizabeth,” he whispered.

“Miss Bennet? Why would
she
be in any danger from Wickham?”

The look on Darcy’s face spoke volumes. Ever since Rosings, he had suspected there was more to their acquaintance than either of them had been willing to admit.

“She was here visiting Georgiana yesterday,” explained Darcy. “She’s staying at the Lambton Inn with relatives. I must warn her.”

“Are you saying Elizabeth is in danger at the hands of Mr. Wickham? But, why? Tell me, Brother,” begged Georgiana.

“Georgiana, I have not the time to explain now,” he responded as he headed for his study.

“Is it because of the carriage accident?” she asked.

Darcy stopped abruptly and turned back towards his sister.

“What do you mean? What does Miss Bennet’s carriage accident have to do with Mr. Wickham?”

“Maybe nothing at all, Brother, but as Elizabeth relayed the events of that night, she mentioned that she had told her father she believed she had seen the devil. I didn’t think anything of it at the time, but as I lay sleepless in my bed, reflecting on our conversation, I remembered the carriage you bought me, Fitzwilliam, the one with the likeness of Satan etched into its sides. Perhaps it was my carriage she had seen that night. It is possible, is it not? It certainly would have explained Satan’s injuries, and I know you always suspected that Mr. Wickham had something to do with it.”

Darcy stared at his sister in astonishment. Since that night in London when the subject of Satan had been raised, something had been gnawing at him. Was his sister’s deduction correct? Was it Wickham who had left the two sisters injured and alone on the road to suffer without any assistance?

Darcy quickly resumed his way towards his study. Unlocking his top desk drawer, he pulled out his pistol and checked its chambers. He then slipped the loaded gun in the waistband of his breeches and headed back to the foyer with a look of resolved determination.

“Stay inside; you are not to leave the house, Georgie. Do you understand?”

She nodded. He held her closely for a brief moment, then quickly released her, but not before she asked, “Tell me, Fitzwilliam, why do
you
think Mr. Wickham wishes to cause harm to Elizabeth Bennet?”

“Because . . . because he believes that by causing harm to
her
, he will be injuring me in the process.”

“Why would he think that?”

“Because it is his belief that I care for her.”

“And do you, Brother?”

He stared deep into his sister’s eyes. “Yes. Yes, Georgie, I do. I love her.”

Darcy felt a sense relief wash over him to have finally said the words out loud. He kissed her sweetly on her forehead and quickly headed for the door.

“You are not going alone, Darcy,” said Richard as he hurriedly followed his cousin’s footsteps. When he reached the threshold, he turned back to look at Georgiana, and their eyes held for a brief moment.

“Be careful,” she whispered.

********

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner’s concern over their niece’s disappearance had already begun to blossom into panic. “Oh, Mr. Darcy, I am so relieved; please tell me that you know of Elizabeth’s whereabouts. Is she with Georgiana?” Mrs. Gardiner asked hopefully.

Darcy felt the air leave his lungs, and suddenly it was difficult to breathe. It was just as he had feared; Elizabeth was missing, but he was determined to keep his thoughts from turning frenetic.

“This is my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam,” said Darcy as he quickly introduced them. “We have come because we believe Miss Bennet may be in some danger. Did she say anything to signify where she might have gone?”

“We were all to have walked to the church across from Dorsey Park,” explained Mr. Gardiner, “but a letter from Jane arrived in the morning’s post, and Elizabeth stayed behind to read it. When we returned a little less than an hour later, she was gone. I searched the Inn and the nearby shops, but no one has seen her.”

“Where is the letter she received?” asked Darcy.

“There on the table, but we found it on the floor along with some torn ribbons from Elizabeth’s bonnet.”

Darcy walked to the table and eyed the letter. “May I? It might provide us with some information. Perhaps something that her sister wrote caused Miss Bennet to hurriedly leave."

“If you think it might help, please take it, Mr. Darcy. Although I cannot imagine anything Jane might have written would cause Elizabeth to leave without somehow letting us know.”

Neither could Darcy. It had to be Wickham’s handiwork. He had taken her, but where and with what devious purpose in mind?

Darcy quickly scanned the letter, and what he read made his heart suddenly race. She had loved him! Elizabeth Bennet had admitted to her sister that she had loved him! And now her life was in jeopardy because of her association with him. Darcy carefully refolded the letter and placed it in his breast pocket.

“I was just about to inform the authorities of Elizabeth’s disappearance and ask for their assistance,” said Mr. Gardiner.

A sudden knock at the door drew everyone’s attention, and Mr. Gardiner rushed to answer it. When he opened the door, a scruffy young lad thrust a piece of paper towards him and, without a word, quickly ran away.

Mr. Gardiner looked down at the note in his hands. “It has your name on it, Mr. Darcy, but how could anyone have known you would be here this morning?”

Darcy took the note, reading it quickly. He then handed it to Colonel Fitzwilliam, and they silently agreed to conceal its exact contents. “There is no longer any doubt,” he informed the Gardiners. “The note confirms our suspicions; Miss Bennet has been taken.”

“We must alert the authorities at once,” said Mr. Gardiner as Mrs. Gardiner sank into the nearest chair.

“Mr. Gardiner, I beg that you allow the colonel and me to search for Miss Bennet ourselves first. Now that we know for certain of her abduction, this situation needs to be handled with as much discretion as possible. Once the authorities are alerted, a scandal will be unavoidable. With only an hour’s head start, we may be able to find them before they have gotten too far.”

Mrs. Gardiner was visibly shaken as she heard the word
abduction
, but Mr. Gardiner had already let such a possibility cross his mind. He slowly nodded his head in agreement; of course, Mr. Darcy was right. Unfortunately, it was the way of the world. If it became common knowledge that Elizabeth has been kidnapped, she and all her sister’s would be ruined. It would automatically be assumed that she had been compromised.

But could he take such a risk with his niece’s life? “I will give you until nightfall, Mr. Darcy. If Elizabeth is not returned by then, I will have no choice in the matter but to go to the authorities. Her father would never forgive me if harm comes to her and I could have done something to prevent it.”

Darcy did not want to even think of such a possibility. It was because of her association with
him
that her well-being was now placed in such ominous jeopardy. He would find her in time to save her from Wickham’s sick revenge; he must.

“Thank you, Mr. Gardiner.”

“In the meantime, please, Mr. Darcy, give me something to do,” stated Mr. Gardiner. “I cannot just sit and wait.”